Xinjiang, China - Travel Guide

Xinjiang offers a unique blend of Silk Road history, diverse ethnic cultures, and stunning natural landscapes. From the vibrant bazaars of Kashgar to the vast Taklamakan Desert and the majestic Tianshan Mountains, it's a destination rich in adventure and cultural immersion.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay10 days

Budget$30/day

Mid-range$100/day

Luxury$300/day

Known For

East TurkestanUyghur RegionUrumqiKashgarSilk RoadCentral Asia

🇨🇳 Country Information: China

CapitalBeijing

CurrencyChinese yuan (¥)

LanguageMandarin Chinese , Cantonese, English (limited), other regional dialects

Phone Code+86

Electricity220V (Type A, C, I)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is generally not customary and can sometimes be refused or even considered rude in many settings, though it is becoming more accepted in some tourist
oriented services (e
g
, tour guides, bellhops in international hotels)

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, less so in rural areas
Bringing some cash is advisable, especially for smaller vendors
No significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
Public displays of affection are generally not common
Respect personal space, though crowded areas are unavoidable
When eating, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (resembles funerary rites)
Remove shoes when entering homes or certain establishments

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. LGBTQ+ rights are limited. While homosexuality is not illegal, there is no legal recognition for same-sex marriage or civil unions, and public discourse can be conservative.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties for even minor offenses, including possession of marijuana

Special Laws

Carrying identification (passport) is often required
Certain websites and apps are blocked; a VPN is often needed for access to many international services
Respect local laws and customs, especially concerning public order and political expression

Common Phrases

NoBù (boo) 不

YesShì (sher) 是

HelloNǐ hǎo (nee how) 你好

Thank youXièxiè (shyeh-shyeh) 谢谢

Excuse me/SorryDuìbùqǐ (dway-boo-chee) 对不起

Climate

Xinjiang is a large autonomous region with diverse climates, predominantly arid and semi-arid. It includes vast deserts, mountain ranges, and oases.

Climate Zone: Arid Desert Cold

Best Time to Visit

Extreme cold season: Dec
Feb
Extreme hot season: Jul
Aug

Getting There

Fly into Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou
Flight times vary (e
g
, Beijing to Urumqi \~4 hours, \~$200
400)
High
speed trains connect Urumqi to some major Chinese cities, but travel times are long (e
g
, Beijing to Urumqi \~24 hours)
Buses are available for inter
city travel within Xinjiang, but often slower and less comfortable

Getting Around

Taxis and ride
sharing apps like Didi are available in major cities like Urumqi and Kashgar
Local buses are common within cities
Shared vans and private cars can be arranged for longer distances, especially in remote areas

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations are recommended
Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis
Altitude sickness can be a concern in higher altitude areas like parts of the Pamir Mountains
Probiotics are generally recommended for travelers to new regions
Malaria risk is very low or absent in most populated areas of Xinjiang, but consult a doctor for specific advice if traveling to very remote, rural areas

Staying Connected

eSIM availability is generally good in major cities
Providers include China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom
Airalo and Nomad eSIMs often work through roaming agreements with these local carriers

Local Cuisine

Uyghur Polo / Xinjiang Pilaf (Shouzhuafan) must_try

A hearty, worldwide popular dish made from rice, carrots, and slow-cooked lamb or beef. It is considered the most popular local dish and is often serv

Lamb Kebabs (Yangrou Chuan) street_food

Skewers of tender lamb or beef marinated in spices like cumin and chili, grilled until smoky and crisp. These are often considered the top Xinjiang fo

Big Plate Chicken (Dapanji) fusion

A popular, spicy dish of stir-fried and stewed chicken with potatoes, chilies, and spices, typically served in a large plate. It is a culture fusion d

Samsa (Kao Baozi) snack

Baked buns with a savory, flaky crust, typically stuffed with a mixture of lamb meat, onions, and Uyghur spices. These are often compared to a 'grille

Uyghur Laghman / BanMian regional_speciality

Hand-pulled noodles served with a savory topping of stir-fried meat and vegetables. This noodle dish is a go-to food in everyday life across Xinjiang.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Xinjiang Travel Permit for Restricted Areas (Karakoram Highway/Tashkurgan) permit_or_pass

Book 1–3 months in advance

A special travel permit is mandatory for foreign travelers visiting controlled border zones and specific routes like the Karakoram Highway section to Tashkurgan.

Accommodation in Popular Northern/Southern Xinjiang Tourist Hubs Accommodation

Book 2–4 months in advance, especially for peak season

Accommodation in major hubs like Urumqi, Kashgar, Turpan, and Kanas fills up rapidly during the peak tourist season (June to September).

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Guided Multi-Day Xinjiang Tour Packages tour_or_activity

Book 1.5–3 months in advance for peak season tours

Many regions in Xinjiang are complex to navigate independently, and guided group tours often sell out quickly, particularly those covering North Xinjiang's scenery during autumn colors (September).

Fun Facts

1. Although officially running on Beijing Time, many residents in Xinjiang unofficially use “Xinjiang Time” which is 2 hours behind Beijing due to the region's far western location, leading to late work schedules where the day is bright at 10 pm in summer.
2. Xinjiang is home to K2 Mountain, the second-highest mountain in the world, standing at 8611 meters above sea level.
3. The region's dramatic temperature swings are famous, with local idioms referencing needing fur coats in the morning and thin shirts in the afternoon, or eating watermelons around a stove.
4. Locals in Kanas Lake, a beautiful park near the Russian border in Northern Xinjiang, believe that a large sea creature resides there, giving the region its own “Loch Ness Monster.”

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