Recommended: 3-4 hours
Tianshan Tianchi Lake
A stunning alpine lake at the foot of Bogda Peak, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains—known as the "Heavenly Lake Wonderland."
Explore Xinjiang
A brilliant pearl on the Silk Road—a magnificent tapestry where nature and culture intertwine
Why Visit Xinjiang
Unique natural landscapes—snow mountains, grasslands, deserts, and lakes; diverse cultures—Uyghur, Kazakh, and other ethnic traditions
Best Time to Visit
June to October is the ideal travel season with pleasant weather, fragrant fruits, emerald grasslands, and enchanting autumn colors
Recommended Duration
We recommend 7-14 days for an in-depth experience, allowing you to fully appreciate Northern Xinjiang's natural scenery and Southern Xinjiang's cultural heritage
Practical Information
Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Language: Mandarin primarily, with Uyghur spoken in some regions
Top Attractions
Explore Xinjiang's most spectacular natural wonders and cultural heritage sites
Recommended: 3-4 hours
Recommended: 1-2 days
Kanas Lake
A mysterious color-changing lake surrounded by golden forests in autumn, dotted with Tuvan villages—a landscape that resembles paradise on earth.
Recommended: Half to 1 day
Nalati Grassland
One of the world's four great grasslands, where snow mountains, forests, and meadows blend harmoniously—a traditional pasture for Kazakh herders.
Recommended: 2-3 hours
Sayram Lake
Xinjiang's highest and largest alpine cold-water lake, with sapphire-blue waters like precious gems—known as "The Last Teardrop of the Atlantic."
Recommended: 2-3 hours
Turpan Flaming Mountains
The filming location for "Journey to the West," where red sandstone mountains appear to burn like flames in the sunlight—experience the unique charm of China's hottest place.
Recommended: 3-4 hours
Kumtag Desert
The world's closest desert to a city, with rolling golden sand dunes where you can experience camel riding and desert surfing.
Xinjiang Cuisine
Savor the distinctive flavors of Silk Road cuisine and experience the rich tastes of Xinjiang
Big Plate Chicken
A Xinjiang signature dish featuring tender chicken with potatoes and bell peppers, served with belt noodles. Recommended at local restaurants in Urumqi and Changji.
Lamb Kebabs
Xinjiang's most iconic delicacy—succulent lamb grilled to golden perfection and seasoned with cumin and chili powder, filling the air with irresistible aroma.
Pilaf (Hand-grabbed Rice)
A traditional Uyghur dish of rice braised with lamb, carrots, and onions—shimmering with oil and rich in nutrients.
Nang Bread
A staple food for Xinjiang people, available in many varieties including sesame and onion Nang—crispy outside, soft inside, and perfect for travel.
Baked Buns
With crispy exterior and filling of lamb cubes and onions, baked in a traditional tandoor—the most popular street snack in Xinjiang.
Handmade Yogurt
Traditional Xinjiang fermented yogurt with thick, creamy texture and balanced sweet-tart flavor—often enjoyed with honey or nuts, perfect for cooling down.
Getting Around
Learn how to reach Xinjiang and navigate the region with ease
How to Get to Xinjiang
- By Air: Urumqi Diwopu International Airport is the main gateway with direct flights from major cities
- By Train: The Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway offers spectacular scenery along the way
- By Bus: Suitable for entering from neighboring Gansu and Qinghai provinces
Local Transportation
- Private Car/Charter: Most recommended for flexibility and freedom, ideal for small groups
- Self-Drive: Roads in Xinjiang are well-maintained, but plan for gas station distances and navigation
- Public Transport: Buses available between cities but with limited schedules—plan ahead
Recommended Routes
- Northern Xinjiang Loop: Urumqi → Tianchi → Keketuohai → Kanas → Hemu → Burqin
- Southern Xinjiang Route: Urumqi → Turpan → Korla → Kuqa → Kashgar
- Ili Route: Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Huocheng → Nalati → Bayanbulak
Trip Inquiry
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and answers about traveling to Xinjiang
Chinese citizens can travel to Xinjiang with a valid ID card—no additional visa required. Foreign visitors must hold a valid Chinese visa (L-type tourist visa) to enter Xinjiang. Some border areas (such as Baihaba Village in Kanas and Tashkurgan) require a border permit, which can be obtained at local police stations or through travel agencies.
June to October is the best season for visiting Xinjiang. June-July brings blooming flowers and emerald grasslands to Ili; August-September is harvest season for melons and fruits—the perfect time to taste Hami melons and grapes; September-October showcases the most spectacular autumn colors in Northern Xinjiang, with golden scenery at Kanas and Hemu. Winter (November-March) is ideal for skiing in Altay and experiencing ice and snow landscapes.
Xinjiang uses the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely accepted in cities and major tourist areas, but carry cash when visiting remote regions. Tipping is not customary in Xinjiang—restaurants and hotels typically include service charges. While not expected, you may offer a small tip for exceptional service as a gesture of appreciation.
Xinjiang is one of the safest regions in China with excellent public security. When traveling, please keep these tips in mind: 1) Carry your ID at all times and cooperate with security checks; 2) Respect local ethnic customs—dress modestly when visiting mosques; 3) Prepare for large temperature differences between day and night; 4) Protect against sun exposure and altitude sickness in highland areas; 5) Download offline maps as mobile signal may be weak in some areas.
Recommended packing list: 1) Sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, and sun-protective clothing; 2) Warm layers: windbreaker and fleece jacket (even in summer, mountain areas get cold at night); 3) Comfortable footwear: hiking shoes or sneakers—avoid brand new shoes; 4) Personal medications: cold medicine, digestive aids, and band-aids; 5) Moisturizing products: lip balm and moisturizer are essential due to Xinjiang's dry climate.
In addition to national holidays, Xinjiang observes local ethnic festivals including Eid al-Adha (10th day of 12th month in Islamic calendar) and Eid al-Fitr (1st day of 10th month in Islamic calendar). During these festivals, some shops and restaurants may adjust their operating hours. Note that while Xinjiang uses Beijing Time, the actual daily schedule is approximately 2 hours behind eastern China (in summer, it doesn't get dark until 22:00), so plan your itinerary accordingly.