The Ultimate Xinjiang Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Hey guys, Xinjiang is absolutely amazing with its snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and deserts—this guide will help you explore it all without any pitfalls! Pre-Trip Preparation - Documents: Bring your ID card, and apply for a border pass in advance if visiting border areas. - Clothing: Pack for large temperature variations—light jackets for summer, sweaters and trench coats for spring/autumn, and thick down jackets, thermal pants, and snow boots for winter. Don’t forget sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat, and high-SPF sunscreen. - Essentials: Carry cold/flu medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness pills, fever reducers, and insect repellent. Moisturizing skincare is a must due to the dry climate. Also, bring a power bank to keep your devices charged. Best Time to Visit - Northern Xinjiang: June to September is ideal. June to August brings wildflowers to the Ili grasslands and lavender blooms in Huocheng, while September to October offers golden autumn views at Kanas Lake. - Southern Xinjiang: April to October is suitable. April to May sees spring blossoms in Kashgar, and July to September offers crisp autumn air and sweet fruits. Transportation Options - Flights: Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport has extensive routes, and airports in Kashgar and Yining are great for long-distance travel. - Trains: The Lanzhou-Xinjiang railway and high-speed rail are budget-friendly but time-consuming due to long distances between attractions. - Private/Shared Cars: Ideal for flexible itineraries and local insights from drivers, though pricier. Sharing a car with others cuts costs. - Self-Drive: Best for skilled drivers familiar with the terrain. Offers freedom but requires thorough vehicle checks and supplies, especially for mountainous routes. Top Attractions Northern Xinjiang - Tianchi Lake: About 90 km from Ürümqi, this glacial lake boasts crystal-clear waters and snow-capped peaks. Enjoy boating or strolling along the boardwalk. - Kanas Lake: Famous for its "lake monster" legend and stunning scenery, with spots like Moon Bay, Fairy Bay, and Dragon Bay. The water changes color with light, and autumn foliage creates a fairy-tale scene. - Hemu Village: A Tuvan settlement with log cabins, birch forests, and streams. Sunrise views from the observation deck are breathtaking. - Sayram Lake: Known as "the last tear of the Atlantic," its blue waters and vast grasslands are perfect for driving or cycling. Wildflowers bloom beautifully in June. - Duku Highway: Open June to October, this "China’s Most Scenic Highway" showcases four seasons in a day, from snow-capped peaks to forests. Note: Only vehicles with ≤7 seats allowed; some sections are challenging. Southern Xinjiang - Kashgar Old Town: A maze-like Islamic cultural hub with Uyghur charm, stunning architecture, and local treats like samsa, naan, and lamb skewers. Handicraft shops abound. - Pamir Plateau: Averaging 4,000+ meters in elevation, it features clear White Sand Lake, dunes, and the majestic Muztagh Glacier—a paradise for mountaineers. - Taklamakan Desert: The world’s second-largest shifting desert, with mesmerizing golden dunes. Try off-roading or camping under the stars. - Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves: China’s earliest and westernmost large-scale grottoes, showcasing exquisite murals of ancient Kucha Buddhist culture. Food Recommendations - Lamb Skewers: Tender and aromatic—a must-try! - Big Plate Chicken: A hearty mix of chicken, potatoes, and wide noodles in rich sauce. - Pilaf: Nutritious and flavorful, made with rice, lamb, and carrots. - Naan: A versatile Xinjiang staple, easy to carry and enjoy on the go. - Samsa: Crispy pastry with juicy lamb filling—utterly delicious!