The largest province in China by land area is Xinjiang, which is situated on the country’s northwest border and spans 1.66 million square kilometers. Historically, it was a crucial section of the old Silk Road, encircled by eight nations, including India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. The people of Xinjiang are divided into 47 ethnic groups, including Han, Uyghur, Kazakh, Hui, Tajik, Manchu, and Russian. For those who are visiting Xinjiang for the first time, our Xinjiang travel guide will make planning easy.
Is it safe to visit Xinjiang?
Everywhere you go in Xinjiang, including marketplaces and supermarkets, you must pass through security inspections. At train and bus stations, there are even three or four security checks. Moreover, Xinjiang is extremely safe because there is a police station on almost every street.
Xinjiang Weather
Because Xinjiang is situated in the centre of the Asian-European continent, it is difficult for water vapour from the ocean to get there. The world’s furthest city from the ocean is Urumqi. Because of this, Xinjiang experiences a mainly dry environment with low air humidity. Thus, be sure to properly hydrate and moisturize on your Xinjiang tours.
You must also take precautions against wind and sand if you wish to visit the Hotan and Taklamakan Deserts.
What is the best time to visit Xinjiang
The ideal months to visit Xinjiang are July, August, September, and October. From July to August, you can see the sea of flowers and vast grassland. The magnificent Naadam and Tianma Festival will be held in the meadow. With pleasant weather, Xinjiang’s harvest season is most lovely from September to October. Golden fall hues tinge the poplar woods of southern Xinjiang, and Kanas is known for having the most picturesque autumn scenery in all of China. Harvest season is also upon melons and fruits. The cost of tickets to scenic spots, however, increases during these two months because these are also Xinjiang’s busiest travel times.
What to eat?
Popular foods and snacks to eat in Xinjiang include big plate chicken, grilled mutton kebabs, grilled buns, thin skin buns, naan, grilled whole sheep, lamb kebabs, hand pilaf, fried meat noodles, cut cake, yogurt, etc.
Please note: When having a meal in Xinjiang halal restaurants, it is forbidden to eat non-halal food (especially pork products), drink alcohol (do not order beer in halal restaurants), smoke and make loud noises.
Classic Xinjiang travel itinerary
Day 1: Urumqi-Karamayi-Wucai Beach-Burqin
Day 2: Burzin – Kanas – Fish Viewing Platform – Kanas
Day 3: Kanas – Hiking Three Bays – Wo Mu
Day 4: Homu-Devil City-Karamayi
Day 5: Karamay – Sayram Lake – Qingshui River
Day 6: Qingshui River – Lavender – Nalati-Nalati
Day 7: Nalati-Dokku Highway-Andijhai Canyon-Urumqi
