Where should I go in Xinjiang as a first-timer?

It highly depends on your preference. You can find almost anything you want to experience in a trip in Xinjiang. In south Xinjiang, you can expect the most colorful ethnic cultures. Have a cup of rose tea in the old teahouse of Kashgar Old City and appreciating the unique dancing show of local Uygur. Have a luch in the special restaurant and then go to visit the interesting livestock bazaar... The magnificent mountains and crystal-like lakes on the Pamir Plateau are also must-see things on the Karakoram Highway. Or you can even drive freely across the world's longest and earliest-built desert highway to enjoy the beauty of populus forest in Luntai... In west Xinjiang, lovely snow mountains and beautiful lakes will fill your dreams with fairy tale. Run freely on the vast grassland which is full of little colorful wildflowers and immerse yourself in the fascinating Sayram Lake... And the most beautiful highway in China - Duku Highway will bring you to experience the four seasons of Xinjiang in a single day. Be careful that do not lost your soul in the extremely stunning scenery in west Xinjiang~ In northern Xinjiang, Kanas and Hemu are the 2 highlights. The local Tuva nomadic culture is very different from the other parts of Xinjiang as the Tuvas are living in the special wooden house. There is the only European-like place in China as the lush pine forest and continuous meadows looks very like the scenery in Switzerland. If you prefer trekking tour, northern Xinjiang should be your best choice!

When is the best time to Xinjiang?

The best time to travel Xinjiang is from April to November. If you also like the ice and snow world in Xinjiang, then it is nice to travel to all year round. In spring, blossom of various flowers is everywhere in Xinjiang. You will see losts of lovely flowers competing to bloom. (from March to May) Summer is for grassland. Galloping on the vast grassland in Ili breathing the freshest air with the aroma of lavender and tasting the sweetest fruit and ice cream, you will be the happiest one in the world! (from June to August) Go to northern Xinjiang in autum. You will enjoy the high sky and light cloud in Kanas and Hemu with the fascinating morning fog and mist. (from September to November) Winter sports in Xinjiang is also nice to experience as the snow and ice are perfect for having these activities. (from December to next February)

How many days should I spend in Xinjiang?

The sights in Xinjiang are relatively scattered and it typically takes more than 2 hours to drive from one spot to the other. So it would be better to plan a 5 to 10 days holiday for traveling northern or southern Xinjiang. If you would like to have an in-depth Xinjiang tour including both north and south, then at least plan a 15 days trip to explore the whole region.

How is the weather in Xinjiang?

There will be a big temperature difference for day and night and in different regions in Xinjiang. For example, In summer, the daytime tempreture could be above 20℃, while it may drop below 0℃ in some areas at night. So it will be better to check the weather of your destinations separately.

What to eat in Xinjiang

Xinjiang food is characterized by roast mutton, kebabs, roast fish and hand-pulled noodles. That actually is quite different from that of the rest of China. Pull up a chair at a small Uygur restaurant, you will be treated as the most honored guest even if you don't speak the local language.

What kind of items should I bring when traveling to Xinjiang

Personal care items: Sun cream SPF30+, moisturizing skincare products, anti-bacterial hand snitizer, wipes, basic medicines, feminine items, shaving items, etc. Other things: Your passport or other identity documents, phone or laptop charger, power bank, waterbottle, camera, energy snack, ear plugs, etc.

What are the Dos and Donts for Xinjiang travel?

Do remember that there is 2hrs time difference between Xinjiang and Beijing, but the official time in Xinjiang is still Beijing Time. The taste of Xinjiang food is usually sour, spicy, and sweet. Most dishes contain onions, chili peppers and tomatoes. If you cannot accept any of them, do remember to inform the restaurant in advance. Xinjiang cuisine tends to have a lot of meat. If your digestive system cannot afford, don't force yourself. Vegetable and fruit are also nice choices Except Pamir Plateau in Tashkurgan, there is almost no need to worry the high altitude sickness in other regions of Xinjiang. There may be some security checks in Xinjiang. But don't worry, just regular checks like you have experienced in train stations and airports. Just cooperate and be patient so that the procedures will go smoothly and quickly.

Xinjiang Tours: Small group and private Xinjiang tour packages

XuanchuanMay 21, 2026

Thank you Leslie for the arrangements. Master Han was a great driver and friend to us. We enjoyed ourselves very much and would recommend Xinjiang to all our Malaysian friends.

TV

TRAN HAI VANJune 29, 2026

Hi Jane, we did have a very wonderful time. The scenery of majestic mountains, the deep valleys and the endless green grasslands... They all exceed our expectations. I wish I had made the trip earlier in the season when it is cooler, due to my age and mobility problems, I would have enjoyed the trip more. We nearly missed the visit to the old town centre in Yining, because we hardly did any research on it (we had so many places to plan for this 2 and half months trip!). Your itinerary should highlight this place. As it is the only major cultural significant place to balance out the natural scenery of this trip.We will give this trip 10 out of 10!I need to add: our driver, Feng, was doing an excellent job. A good communicator, picks up quickly what I want to say with my very limited Mandarin. Willing to stop at beautiful place along the way and help us to take beautiful photos. He became our 'official' photographer! He is willing to meet most of our requests. On the last day, my wife left her phone in the hotel, he contacted the hotel to find it and took us back to get it back.

KojiAugust 17, 2026

Thank you so much, Jane! It was only about six months ago that I first learned Xinjiang had such a fascinating history and culture, as well as so many beautiful landscapes. Xinjiang was truly an amazing place, even more wonderful than I had imagined! The people around me seemed quite busy, so it was difficult to ask anyone to join me. But I didn’t want to miss the opportunity, so I decided to travel abroad alone for the first time.Thanks to the warm hospitality and kindness of everyone I’ve met in China, I’ve been able to enjoy my journey safely and comfortably. I’m truly grateful! When I return to Japan, I’d like to show my photos and videos to my family, friends, and colleagues and share with them how wonderful Xinjiang is.I definitely want to visit Hoh Xil someday, as well as many other parts of China. Xinjiang in particular has become a place that I would really love to visit again.Also, there doesn’t seem to be any change to my flight from Kashgar to Urumqi, so I should be able to visit the Sunday Bazaar! I’m flying back to Japan on the same day, and the flights are on separate tickets, so that’s the only thing I’m a little worried about, haha. But even if something happens, I’m sure it’ll make a good story to tell over drinks when I get home, so I’ll stay positive!Hi Jane! I made it back to Japan safely. Thank you so much for everything!At the livestock market, I got to see the sheep and cattle before they become all the delicious food I’d been eating throughout my trip. So in a funny way, I ended my journey by seeing where it all begins!Thank you again for making my trip to Xinjiang such a wonderful experience. I really hope to come back someday!

ROGERAugust 22, 2026

Thank you, AJ. All the best to you in your guiding.I enjoyed the tour very much and your knowledge made it so enjoyable and also the healthy food tips we learned from you:)) Assalamulaikum. Also thank you to Xiao Wu for his great driving and his patience!

M

MartinApril 24, 2026

Hi Lesley, the stay at Wulumuqi was very good, Victor is a very good guide with excellent English speaking and good knowledge of the local history and tradition. The Tianshan mountains and Tianshi lake are impressive, good air, no pollution and life style is much more relax than in Shanghai. The bazaar was interesting too and the mix of the cultures is very easy going, Weather was great even maybe too hot and we checked that in turban it will be even hotter !! we are looking forward to seing Turpan and the ancient town .

F

FlorenceApril 26, 2026

Hello everyone, I would like to thank our two guides, Rossell and Ali , who took us on tours with smiles all the time, with extreme kindness, and shared all their knowledge with us. Also, thanks to the drivers who always got us to our destinations safely and made this journey an exceptional experience. Thank you all for organizing this.

D

DavidMay 4, 2026

Just got back to Hong Kong a few hours ago. Everyone had a great time— really enjoyed our trip to Xinjiang organized by you. The drivers, buses and all 3 guides were excellent. Victor of course was a real star again! I will write a very positive review for you in next few days. Hope to call on you again when we want to visit northern Xinjiang.

P

PatsyMay 16, 2026

Thank you everyone for a wonderful trip. I saw everything I wanted to see. It was amazing looking at the scenery. Driver is very patient and kind too. Hotel was nice especially in Taxkorgan.xie xie !

XuanchuanMay 21, 2026

Thank you Leslie for the arrangements. Master Han was a great driver and friend to us. We enjoyed ourselves very much and would recommend Xinjiang to all our Malaysian friends.

TV

TRAN HAI VANJune 29, 2026

Hi Jane, we did have a very wonderful time. The scenery of majestic mountains, the deep valleys and the endless green grasslands... They all exceed our expectations. I wish I had made the trip earlier in the season when it is cooler, due to my age and mobility problems, I would have enjoyed the trip more. We nearly missed the visit to the old town centre in Yining, because we hardly did any research on it (we had so many places to plan for this 2 and half months trip!). Your itinerary should highlight this place. As it is the only major cultural significant place to balance out the natural scenery of this trip.We will give this trip 10 out of 10!I need to add: our driver, Feng, was doing an excellent job. A good communicator, picks up quickly what I want to say with my very limited Mandarin. Willing to stop at beautiful place along the way and help us to take beautiful photos. He became our 'official' photographer! He is willing to meet most of our requests. On the last day, my wife left her phone in the hotel, he contacted the hotel to find it and took us back to get it back.

KojiAugust 17, 2026

Thank you so much, Jane! It was only about six months ago that I first learned Xinjiang had such a fascinating history and culture, as well as so many beautiful landscapes. Xinjiang was truly an amazing place, even more wonderful than I had imagined! The people around me seemed quite busy, so it was difficult to ask anyone to join me. But I didn’t want to miss the opportunity, so I decided to travel abroad alone for the first time.Thanks to the warm hospitality and kindness of everyone I’ve met in China, I’ve been able to enjoy my journey safely and comfortably. I’m truly grateful! When I return to Japan, I’d like to show my photos and videos to my family, friends, and colleagues and share with them how wonderful Xinjiang is.I definitely want to visit Hoh Xil someday, as well as many other parts of China. Xinjiang in particular has become a place that I would really love to visit again.Also, there doesn’t seem to be any change to my flight from Kashgar to Urumqi, so I should be able to visit the Sunday Bazaar! I’m flying back to Japan on the same day, and the flights are on separate tickets, so that’s the only thing I’m a little worried about, haha. But even if something happens, I’m sure it’ll make a good story to tell over drinks when I get home, so I’ll stay positive!Hi Jane! I made it back to Japan safely. Thank you so much for everything!At the livestock market, I got to see the sheep and cattle before they become all the delicious food I’d been eating throughout my trip. So in a funny way, I ended my journey by seeing where it all begins!Thank you again for making my trip to Xinjiang such a wonderful experience. I really hope to come back someday!

ROGERAugust 22, 2026

Thank you, AJ. All the best to you in your guiding.I enjoyed the tour very much and your knowledge made it so enjoyable and also the healthy food tips we learned from you:)) Assalamulaikum. Also thank you to Xiao Wu for his great driving and his patience!

M

MartinApril 24, 2026

Hi Lesley, the stay at Wulumuqi was very good, Victor is a very good guide with excellent English speaking and good knowledge of the local history and tradition. The Tianshan mountains and Tianshi lake are impressive, good air, no pollution and life style is much more relax than in Shanghai. The bazaar was interesting too and the mix of the cultures is very easy going, Weather was great even maybe too hot and we checked that in turban it will be even hotter !! we are looking forward to seing Turpan and the ancient town .

F

FlorenceApril 26, 2026

Hello everyone, I would like to thank our two guides, Rossell and Ali , who took us on tours with smiles all the time, with extreme kindness, and shared all their knowledge with us. Also, thanks to the drivers who always got us to our destinations safely and made this journey an exceptional experience. Thank you all for organizing this.

D

DavidMay 4, 2026

Just got back to Hong Kong a few hours ago. Everyone had a great time— really enjoyed our trip to Xinjiang organized by you. The drivers, buses and all 3 guides were excellent. Victor of course was a real star again! I will write a very positive review for you in next few days. Hope to call on you again when we want to visit northern Xinjiang.

P

PatsyMay 16, 2026

Thank you everyone for a wonderful trip. I saw everything I wanted to see. It was amazing looking at the scenery. Driver is very patient and kind too. Hotel was nice especially in Taxkorgan.xie xie !

XuanchuanMay 21, 2026

Thank you Leslie for the arrangements. Master Han was a great driver and friend to us. We enjoyed ourselves very much and would recommend Xinjiang to all our Malaysian friends.

TV

TRAN HAI VANJune 29, 2026

Hi Jane, we did have a very wonderful time. The scenery of majestic mountains, the deep valleys and the endless green grasslands... They all exceed our expectations. I wish I had made the trip earlier in the season when it is cooler, due to my age and mobility problems, I would have enjoyed the trip more. We nearly missed the visit to the old town centre in Yining, because we hardly did any research on it (we had so many places to plan for this 2 and half months trip!). Your itinerary should highlight this place. As it is the only major cultural significant place to balance out the natural scenery of this trip.We will give this trip 10 out of 10!I need to add: our driver, Feng, was doing an excellent job. A good communicator, picks up quickly what I want to say with my very limited Mandarin. Willing to stop at beautiful place along the way and help us to take beautiful photos. He became our 'official' photographer! He is willing to meet most of our requests. On the last day, my wife left her phone in the hotel, he contacted the hotel to find it and took us back to get it back.

KojiAugust 17, 2026

Thank you so much, Jane! It was only about six months ago that I first learned Xinjiang had such a fascinating history and culture, as well as so many beautiful landscapes. Xinjiang was truly an amazing place, even more wonderful than I had imagined! The people around me seemed quite busy, so it was difficult to ask anyone to join me. But I didn’t want to miss the opportunity, so I decided to travel abroad alone for the first time.Thanks to the warm hospitality and kindness of everyone I’ve met in China, I’ve been able to enjoy my journey safely and comfortably. I’m truly grateful! When I return to Japan, I’d like to show my photos and videos to my family, friends, and colleagues and share with them how wonderful Xinjiang is.I definitely want to visit Hoh Xil someday, as well as many other parts of China. Xinjiang in particular has become a place that I would really love to visit again.Also, there doesn’t seem to be any change to my flight from Kashgar to Urumqi, so I should be able to visit the Sunday Bazaar! I’m flying back to Japan on the same day, and the flights are on separate tickets, so that’s the only thing I’m a little worried about, haha. But even if something happens, I’m sure it’ll make a good story to tell over drinks when I get home, so I’ll stay positive!Hi Jane! I made it back to Japan safely. Thank you so much for everything!At the livestock market, I got to see the sheep and cattle before they become all the delicious food I’d been eating throughout my trip. So in a funny way, I ended my journey by seeing where it all begins!Thank you again for making my trip to Xinjiang such a wonderful experience. I really hope to come back someday!

ROGERAugust 22, 2026

Thank you, AJ. All the best to you in your guiding.I enjoyed the tour very much and your knowledge made it so enjoyable and also the healthy food tips we learned from you:)) Assalamulaikum. Also thank you to Xiao Wu for his great driving and his patience!