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 choicesExcept 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.

Best Xinjiang Tours with Local Experts-2026 and 2027

Review for 20 Days trips from Urumqi, Kashgar to Xi'an

we are back in KL and would like to give our feedback for your service improvement as follows:

1) overall it was a good trip but it could be better if we could hv traveled the entire Ahe Hwy n see the aqua farm
in the desert...understand the aqua farm is not open to tourists...

2) the hotels in Fukang n Fuhai hv plumbing problem in their rooms....since it was just a night stay,
we didn't want to complain....
but the hotels in Hemu n Kanas are below standard,
rooms are dated n toilet plumbing were also problematic...

3) the drivers were great, courteous n helpful...drove safely n on time....

4) all the tour guides were very nice people....courteous, helpful n personable....
Anne n Lisa were best... good in English, know the local history/culture n were very informative...
they can match if not better than some I hv come across in my earlier trips....
next is Wishy n Abdul needs to improve his local knowledge n English.....
pls note this feedback is not meant as criticism but to help them to self improve....
we like all of them n enjoyed their friendship..

5) they gave good recommendations on local food which we all enjoyed....
we could be wrong but we think one restaurant had overcharged us, will let you hv details...again,
take it as not a complaint but as a feedback....
if it's true, avoid taking tourists there again 😉

cc: Mr. Liew

Sep 30, 2025

Review for 7 Days Exotic Xinjiang to Kashgar, Urumqi and Turpan

The tour organisers were excellent and responded to all our inquiries promptly and efficiently. The guides were knowledgeable, I'm so glad to travel with you guys! In these days your tour guide and local driver gives us many recommedation, I take a lot of photos and make many chinese friends here. I'd like to introduce xinjiang travel to my friends as well! Thank you for your caring~

Jun 3, 2025

Review for Xinjiang Tour Review

I randomly wrote to few travel agents to enquire about a 8d7n tour to north Xinjiang and the contact person responded with the most comprehensive proposal. He was constantly in touch in between the time we book until our trip took place.

The guides were excellent , we had a guide for Nalati Grassland and another guide who was with us for the northern loop from Urumqi.

May 28, 2025

Review for 7 Days Silk Road Classic Tour

We had an amazing trip to Xinjiang from 31/8/25 - 7/9/2025.
The entire trip was filled with stunning landscapes, unique culture and friendly hospitality.

Everything from itinerary to transportation and activities was well organised and ran smoothly.
Although there were a few minor hiccups along the way (as is usual with travel),
it did not detract from the overall experience at all.

I thoroughly enjoyed every part of the trip
from the stunning mountains of Altay county to the vibrant cities and peaceful nature of Urumqi.
A huge thank you to Ms Leah and everyone involved in making this trip unforgettable.
I would definitely recommend this experience to others, and I can't wait to visit again!

Oct 23, 2025

Review for Urumqi—Turpan—Kanas—Altay—Kashgar—Hotan—Dunhuang—Zhangye—Xian

Thanks Leslie, just got home a few hours ago.

I just want to say thank you for all your arrangements to make our trip go through smoothly.

I also want to thank our tour guides for being kind, patient and knowledgeable.

Thanks once again, it was a great trip and experience!

Oct 19, 2025

Review for 14 Days Silk Road Classic Tour

Hello Lesley,

Thanks very much to you and your team of office staff and guides.
Our family had a wonderful time in China.
It certainly helped having an organised tour to get through the Silk Road sections.
You must do a lot of hard work behind the scenes. Best wishes for tourism in the region.

Kind regards,

Wayne Erb

New Zealand

Oct 15, 2025

Review for 20 Days trips from Urumqi, Kashgar to Xi'an

we are back in KL and would like to give our feedback for your service improvement as follows:

1) overall it was a good trip but it could be better if we could hv traveled the entire Ahe Hwy n see the aqua farm
in the desert...understand the aqua farm is not open to tourists...

2) the hotels in Fukang n Fuhai hv plumbing problem in their rooms....since it was just a night stay,
we didn't want to complain....
but the hotels in Hemu n Kanas are below standard,
rooms are dated n toilet plumbing were also problematic...

3) the drivers were great, courteous n helpful...drove safely n on time....

4) all the tour guides were very nice people....courteous, helpful n personable....
Anne n Lisa were best... good in English, know the local history/culture n were very informative...
they can match if not better than some I hv come across in my earlier trips....
next is Wishy n Abdul needs to improve his local knowledge n English.....
pls note this feedback is not meant as criticism but to help them to self improve....
we like all of them n enjoyed their friendship..

5) they gave good recommendations on local food which we all enjoyed....
we could be wrong but we think one restaurant had overcharged us, will let you hv details...again,
take it as not a complaint but as a feedback....
if it's true, avoid taking tourists there again 😉

cc: Mr. Liew

Sep 30, 2025

Review for 7 Days Exotic Xinjiang to Kashgar, Urumqi and Turpan

The tour organisers were excellent and responded to all our inquiries promptly and efficiently. The guides were knowledgeable, I'm so glad to travel with you guys! In these days your tour guide and local driver gives us many recommedation, I take a lot of photos and make many chinese friends here. I'd like to introduce xinjiang travel to my friends as well! Thank you for your caring~

Jun 3, 2025

Review for Xinjiang Tour Review

I randomly wrote to few travel agents to enquire about a 8d7n tour to north Xinjiang and the contact person responded with the most comprehensive proposal. He was constantly in touch in between the time we book until our trip took place.

The guides were excellent , we had a guide for Nalati Grassland and another guide who was with us for the northern loop from Urumqi.

May 28, 2025

Review for 7 Days Silk Road Classic Tour

We had an amazing trip to Xinjiang from 31/8/25 - 7/9/2025.
The entire trip was filled with stunning landscapes, unique culture and friendly hospitality.

Everything from itinerary to transportation and activities was well organised and ran smoothly.
Although there were a few minor hiccups along the way (as is usual with travel),
it did not detract from the overall experience at all.

I thoroughly enjoyed every part of the trip
from the stunning mountains of Altay county to the vibrant cities and peaceful nature of Urumqi.
A huge thank you to Ms Leah and everyone involved in making this trip unforgettable.
I would definitely recommend this experience to others, and I can't wait to visit again!

Oct 23, 2025

Review for Urumqi—Turpan—Kanas—Altay—Kashgar—Hotan—Dunhuang—Zhangye—Xian

Thanks Leslie, just got home a few hours ago.

I just want to say thank you for all your arrangements to make our trip go through smoothly.

I also want to thank our tour guides for being kind, patient and knowledgeable.

Thanks once again, it was a great trip and experience!

Oct 19, 2025

Review for 14 Days Silk Road Classic Tour

Hello Lesley,

Thanks very much to you and your team of office staff and guides.
Our family had a wonderful time in China.
It certainly helped having an organised tour to get through the Silk Road sections.
You must do a lot of hard work behind the scenes. Best wishes for tourism in the region.

Kind regards,

Wayne Erb

New Zealand

Oct 15, 2025

Review for 20 Days trips from Urumqi, Kashgar to Xi'an

we are back in KL and would like to give our feedback for your service improvement as follows:

1) overall it was a good trip but it could be better if we could hv traveled the entire Ahe Hwy n see the aqua farm
in the desert...understand the aqua farm is not open to tourists...

2) the hotels in Fukang n Fuhai hv plumbing problem in their rooms....since it was just a night stay,
we didn't want to complain....
but the hotels in Hemu n Kanas are below standard,
rooms are dated n toilet plumbing were also problematic...

3) the drivers were great, courteous n helpful...drove safely n on time....

4) all the tour guides were very nice people....courteous, helpful n personable....
Anne n Lisa were best... good in English, know the local history/culture n were very informative...
they can match if not better than some I hv come across in my earlier trips....
next is Wishy n Abdul needs to improve his local knowledge n English.....
pls note this feedback is not meant as criticism but to help them to self improve....
we like all of them n enjoyed their friendship..

5) they gave good recommendations on local food which we all enjoyed....
we could be wrong but we think one restaurant had overcharged us, will let you hv details...again,
take it as not a complaint but as a feedback....
if it's true, avoid taking tourists there again 😉

cc: Mr. Liew

Sep 30, 2025

Review for 7 Days Exotic Xinjiang to Kashgar, Urumqi and Turpan

The tour organisers were excellent and responded to all our inquiries promptly and efficiently. The guides were knowledgeable, I'm so glad to travel with you guys! In these days your tour guide and local driver gives us many recommedation, I take a lot of photos and make many chinese friends here. I'd like to introduce xinjiang travel to my friends as well! Thank you for your caring~

Jun 3, 2025

Review for Xinjiang Tour Review

I randomly wrote to few travel agents to enquire about a 8d7n tour to north Xinjiang and the contact person responded with the most comprehensive proposal. He was constantly in touch in between the time we book until our trip took place.

The guides were excellent , we had a guide for Nalati Grassland and another guide who was with us for the northern loop from Urumqi.

May 28, 2025