Xinjiang Travel Guide: How to Prepare

Xinjiang is the largest region in China, with hundreds of kilometers between cities. The first decision in any Xinjiang travel guide is which direction to travel and in what order.

Mountains and basins alternate, so climate and elevation shift between legs. Below we cover the routes, key destinations, transport, seasons, and gear.

Xinjiang in short

Rather than trying to see everything, base your trip on either the north or the south.

If you want both, add a flight between them and allow ten days or more.

Why it is so large: understanding distances

The Tian Shan range divides Xinjiang into north and south. Urumqi is the hub, and everything is far from it.

• Urumqi sits about 800 meters above sea level in a basin.
• The north leans to grassland and lakes; the south to desert and plateau.
• Combining flights with a private car is the usual approach.

Northern versus southern routes

Key destinations

• Heavenly Lake: a Tian Shan lake reached by road from Urumqi.
• Turpan: a basin below sea level, very hot in summer.
• Kanas Lake: an Altai lake with nearby villages.
• Sayram Lake: a broad lake beside grassland.
• Kashgar: the southern hub with a historic old town and bazaars.
• Karakul Lake: on the climb into the Pamir plateau.
• Taklamakan Desert: the great desert across the south.

Paperwork and how to move

Xinjiang has areas you can visit freely and areas that call for prior notification or guidance. It is safest to follow the arrangements your travel operator sets out.

• Group or private-car travel is more reliable.
• Some lodging and legs may need advance confirmation, so check before booking.
• The longer the trip, the more buffer you need.

Local conditions can change, so reconfirm the latest guidance before departure.

Seasons and what to pack

The best window is June to October, when grasslands and lake colors peak.

• Basins get very hot by day in summer: hat and sunscreen.
• Plateau legs swing widely: a warm layer.
• Dry air: moisturizer and lip balm.
• Long drives: basic medicine and snacks.

A sample northern frame

Here is an eight-day northern skeleton. Add a flight and extend to ten days or more for the south.