How to Plan the Perfect Xinjiang Tour: A Step-by-Step Guide

Xinjiang, China’s westernmost province, is a land of stark contrasts—where snow-capped mountains meet golden deserts, and ancient Silk Road traditions blend with Central Asian influences. Home to the Uyghur, Kazakh, and Kyrgyz minorities, Xinjiang offers a tapestry of cultural richness and natural wonders, from the turquoise waters of Karakul Lake to the vibrant bazaars of Kashgar. This guide provides a detailed roadmap for first-time visitors, ensuring an immersive exploration of Xinjiang’s unique heritage.

▶Preliminary Preparation

Visa and Permits
Foreign travelers to Xinjiang need a valid Chinese visa. Additionally, permits are required for border regions like Kashgar, Tashkurgan, and the Pamir Highway. These can be obtained through registered tour agencies. Note: Entry to the Taklamakan Desert and remote areas (e.g., Kanas Lake) may require local police approval.

Flights
Fly to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (URC), the main hub. Direct flights connect major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Istanbul. Overland entry via Kashgar (by road from Pakistan) or Almaty (Kazakhstan) is also possible but requires permits.

Accommodation
Choose culturally rich areas:

• Kashgar: Stay in a Uyghur-style mihmanhana (guesthouse) near the Old City.
• Kanas Lake: Opt for a yurt camp or eco-lodge near the lake.
• Ürümqi: Book a hotel near the International Bazaar for easy access to markets.

Transportation

• Flights: Internal flights connect Ürümqi to Kashgar, Kanas, and Turpan.
• Trains: The Lanxin High-Speed Railway links Ürümqi to Lanzhou (11 hours).
• Private Drivers: Hire a local driver for remote areas (e.g., Pamir Highway). Shared minibuses (dolmus) are common in cities.

Weather Preparation

• Spring (Apr-Jun): Mild days (10-25°C), cold nights. Ideal for desert tours.
• Summer (Jul-Aug): Hot (30°C+), but lush in the Tian Shan mountains.
• Autumn (Sep-Oct): Golden foliage in Kanas, clear skies.
• Winter (Nov-Mar): Harsh cold (-20°C), but ideal for skiing in Altay.

Essential Apps

• Google Maps/Baidu Maps: For navigation in cities.
• Uyghur-English Translator: For interacting with locals.
• Altitude Tracker: Monitor elevation (critical for Pamir Highway).
• Xinjiang Silk Road Guide: A guide to historical sites and festivals.

▶Top Attractions & Cultural Experiences

Kashgar: Heart of the Silk Road

• Kashgar Old City: Wander labyrinthine streets lined with Uyghur-style adobe houses, mosques, and handicraft workshops.
• Id Kah Mosque: China’s largest mosque, where Friday prayers draw thousands.
• Kashgar Sunday Bazaar: One of Asia’s largest markets, selling spices, carpets, and livestock.
• Twelve Mukams: Attend a performance of Uyghur classical music, a UNESCO-listed art form.

Northern Xinjiang (Altay & Kanas)

• Kanas Lake: A glacial lake in the Altay Mountains, known for its changing colors (blue to green to gray).
• Hemu Village: A Tuvan (Mongol) village with wooden cabins and reindeer herders.
• Kazakh Eagle Hunters: Meet Kazakh hunters in Bayan-Ölgii (near Kanas) who train golden eagles for hunting.

Southern Xinjiang (Taklamakan Desert & Turpan)

• Taklamakan Desert: Cross the “Sea of Death” via camelback or 4x4, stopping at ancient caravanserais.
• Turpan Grape Valley: Taste sweet Muscat grapes and explore Karez irrigation systems.
• Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves: Buddhist cave art dating to the 5th century.

Pamir Highway (Karakoram Range)

• Karakul Lake: A turquoise lake at 3,600m, surrounded by snow-capped peaks (including Muztagh Ata, 7,546m).
• Tashkurgan: A Tajik-majority town with stone fortresses and views of the Afghanistan border.
• Khunjerab Pass: The world’s highest paved border crossing (4,693m), linking China to Pakistan.

Cultural Immersion

• Uyghur Tea Ceremony: Sample qayaq (green tea with rose petals) and samsa (meat-filled pastries) in a Kashgar teahouse.
• Kazakh Yurt Stay: Sleep in a traditional felt yurt, milk a mare, and learn to play the dombra (two-stringed lute).
• Silk Road Cooking Class: Make laghman (hand-pulled noodles) or mantou (steamed buns) with a Uyghur family.
• Festivals:
  • Korlak Festival (Jun): Kazakh horse games and singing contests in Altay.
  • Silk Road International Festival (Sep): Music, dance, and cultural exhibitions in Ürümqi.

▶Suggested Travel Length & Itineraries

1-Day Itineraries

• Kashgar Focus:
  Morning: Id Kah Mosque + Kashgar Old City.
  Afternoon: Sunday Bazaar + Twelve Mukams performance.
  Evening: Uyghur dinner (roasted lamb + naan).

• Kanas Lake Focus:
  Morning: Boat tour on Kanas Lake.
  Afternoon: Hike to Fish Watcher’s Platform for views of the lake.
  Evening: Stay in a yurt camp.

Recommend Trip

2-Day Itineraries

• Kashgar-Tashkurgan:
  Day 1: Kashgar highlights (Old City, Bazaar).
  Day 2: Drive to Tashkurgan via Karakul Lake. Visit the Stone City ruins.

• Turpan-Kumtag Desert:
  Day 1: Turpan Grape Valley + Bezeklik Caves.
  Day 2: Camel trek in Kumtag Desert. Return to Turpan.

Recommend Trip

Multi-City Itineraries
5-Day Classic Xinjiang Tour:
Day 1: Arrive in Ürümqi. Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum.
Day 2: Fly to Kashgar. Explore Id Kah Mosque and Old City.
Day 3: Sunday Bazaar + Twelve Mukams.
Day 4: Drive to Tashkurgan. Stop at Karakul Lake.
Day 5: Return to Ürümqi or fly home.

7-Day Northern Xinjiang Adventure:
Day 1-2: Ürümqi (museum, bazaar).
Day 3: Drive to Kanas Lake. Stay in a yurt.
Day 4: Hike to Fish Watcher’s Platform. Visit Hemu Village.
Day 5: Drive to Altay. Meet Kazakh eagle hunters.
Day 6: Horseback ride in the Tian Shan mountains.
Day 7: Return to Ürümqi. Fly home.

Recommend Trip

9-Day Grand Xinjiang Tour:
Day 1-2: Ürümqi + Turpan (caves, grape valley).
Day 3: Drive to Kumtag Desert. Camel trek.
Day 4: Fly to Kashgar. Old City + Bazaar.
Day 5: Drive to Tashkurgan. Karakul Lake.
Day 6: Cross Khunjerab Pass to Pakistan (optional).
Day 7: Return to Kashgar. Fly to Kanas.
Day 8: Kanas Lake + Hemu Village.
Day 9: Return to Ürümqi. Departure.

11-Day Ultimate Xinjiang Explorer:
Day 1-2: Ürümqi (museum, bazaar).
Day 3: Turpan (caves, Karez).
Day 4: Kumtag Desert.
Day 5: Fly to Kashgar. Old City + Bazaar.
Day 6: Tashkurgan + Karakul Lake.
Day 7: Pamir Highway to Khunjerab Pass.
Day 8: Drive to Altay. Eagle hunters.
Day 9: Kanas Lake + yurt stay.
Day 10: Hemu Village + reindeer herders.
Day 11: Return to Ürümqi. Departure.

Recommend Trip

▶Best Time to Visit Xinjiang

The optimal months are April-June and September-October, when skies are clear, and festivals like the Korlak Festival (June) and Silk Road Festival (September) occur. Avoid July-August (extreme heat in the south) and November-March (heavy snow in the north).

▶How to Get to Xinjiang

• By Air: Direct flights to Ürümqi from major Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) or international hubs (Istanbul, Dubai).
• By Train: The Lanxin High-Speed Railway (11 hours from Lanzhou) offers scenic views of the Gobi Desert.
• By Road: Overland buses from China’s west or Central Asia (e.g., Almaty, Kazakhstan).

▶Where to Stay in Xinjiang

• Kashgar:
  • Luxury: Kashgar Radisson Hotel (modern rooms with views of Id Kah Mosque).
  • Budget: Old City Guesthouse (Uyghur-style rooms with shared courtyards).
• Kanas Lake:
  • Kanas Lake Resort: Cozy cabins near the lake.
  • Hemu Village: Traditional wooden cabins with Kazakh hosts.
• Ürümqi:
  • Hilton Ürümqi: Central location near the International Bazaar.

▶Try the Local Cuisine

Xinjiang’s cuisine is a fusion of Central Asian and Chinese flavors, with hearty meat dishes and aromatic spices:

• Lamb Skewers (Kawap): Grilled over charcoal, served with cumin and chili.
• Naan (Nan): Flaky, oven-baked bread, often stuffed with meat or cheese.
• Laghman: Hand-pulled noodles in a spicy tomato-based sauce.
• Samsa: Flaky pastry filled with lamb, onions, and spices.
• Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken): A spicy stew with chicken, potatoes, and noodles.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Kashgar Old City Tea House: Sample Uyghur tea and samsa.
• Ürümqi Shilin Night Market: Try grilled squid, lamb skewers, and sangza (fried dough twists).

▶Useful Tips for Xinjiang Trips

Safety and Health

• Altitude Sickness: Acclimatize in Kashgar (1,200m) or Ürümqi (800m) before ascending to high altitudes (e.g., Karakul Lake at 3,600m). Avoid alcohol, stay hydrated, and carry Diamox.
• Sun Protection: UV levels are extreme. Wear SPF 50+ and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Cold Weather: Even in summer, temperatures drop sharply at night. Pack layers and a down jacket.

Respect for Culture

• Mosques: Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes and hats before entering.
• Photography: Ask permission before photographing people, especially in villages. Avoid photographing military installations or police.
• Bazaars: Bargain politely; start at 50% of the asking price.
• Ramadan: During the holy month (May-Jun), avoid eating/drinking in public during daylight hours.

Transportation in Xinjiang

• Private Drivers: Hire a local driver for remote areas (e.g., Pamir Highway). Negotiate rates in advance.
• Shared Taxis: In cities, shared taxis (dolmus) are a budget-friendly option.
• Train Tickets: Book high-speed trains via the China Railway 12306 app.

Shopping and Souvenirs

• Authentic Buys:
  • Xinjiang Carpets: Handwoven with wool or silk; look for the “Xinjiang Carpet” seal.
  • Uyghur Hats: Doppa (embroidered caps) or telpek (felt hats).
  • Dried Fruits: Apricots, figs, and raisins from Turpan.

Unique Insights and Avoiding Pitfalls

• Kashgar Bazaar: Visit early (8-10 AM) for the best selection.
• Pamir Highway: Drive counterclockwise (Kashgar to Tashkurgan) for better views. Book a 4x4 if roads are icy.
• Kanas Lake: Visit in autumn (Sep-Oct) for golden foliage.
• Twelve Mukams: Performances are held daily at the Kashgar Cultural Center.

▶Travel to Xinjiang With IntoTravelChina

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