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Xinjiang

2025 Xinjiang Travel Guide: Weather, Transportation, Popular Attractions, and Everything You Need (Updated 2025 3)

About Xinjiang

Recommended trip: 7–12 day(s)

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Xinjiang Local Travel Guide 2025

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Xinjiang Brief Guide

Situated in the northwest of China, Xinjiang boasts vast lands and diverse cultures, primarily influenced by the Uygur ethnic group. Dating back to its historical roots on the Ancient Silk Road, it offers a rich blend of traditions and is known for its scenic beauty and ethnic diversity. The region is home to some of the most stunning natural attractions in China such as Tianchi Lake, described as the "Pearl of Tianshan" due to its picturesque landscapes and alpine location. Another must-see is Kanas Lake, famous for its shifting colors and serene environment. Furthermore, the Bayanbulak Grassland offers expansive views and is notable for its wildlife, particularly swans. Xinjiang's cuisines offer a vivid taste of its ethnical variety, predominantly featuring Uygur characteristics with staple dishes like the aromatic Xinjiang lamb skewers and the richly flavored Dapanji.

Xinjiang Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Xinjiang is from April to November, as these months feature mild and comfortable weather, ideal for exploring the region's stunning natural landscapes and vibrant culture. During April and June, it offers pleasant temperatures and the blooming beauty of Apricot Valley and Tianchi Lake. From July to August, it is perfect to experience lush grasslands like the Nalati Prairie, while from September to early November, it provides excellent opportunities for photography with stunning autumn colors in areas like Kanas.

Xinjiang Must-try Local Experiences

1. Discover Stunning Natural Lakes At Tianshan Tianchi, take a boat ride across the lake to enjoy the reflection of snow-capped peaks in the clear waters or follow the lakeside trail for views from different perspectives. Over at Kanas Lake, you can hike or bike around, exploring the legends of the lake monster and marveling at the lake’s shifting colors. In autumn, Kanas Lake is a vibrant tapestry of color, like a scene from a fairy tale. 2. Horseback Adventure on Nalati Grassland Rent a horse on the vast Nalati Grassland and follow a guide through endless green pastures. Along the way, you might encounter herdsmen with their livestock, bringing you closer to the rhythms of nature. 3. Watch a Traditional Uyghur Dance Performance Catch a lively Uyghur dance performance in Urumqi or Kashgar to experience the energy of the music and dance, immersing yourself in the heart of Uyghur culture. 4. Visit the Ancient City of Kashgar Stroll through the Ancient City of Kashgar, visiting traditional workshops and experiencing the authentic Uyghur lifestyle. The area is steeped in a rich historical and cultural atmosphere. 5. Join the Turpan Grape Festival Held around August, Turpan’s Grape Festival is a major celebration in Xinjiang, featuring vibrant performances and tastings of freshly picked grapes and grape-based delicacies. 6. Attend the Nadam Fair Each summer on the Xinjiang grasslands, the Nadam Fair, a Mongolian festival, offers traditional sports like horse racing, wrestling, and archery, showcasing the allure of nomadic culture. 7. Taste Local Delicacies Xinjiang cuisine is a must-try, with specialties like roast lamb, big plate chicken, pilaf, and baked buns. Savor the intense spices and unique cooking methods, experiencing the essence of Xinjiang’s food culture. 8. Shopping at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar Visit Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, where you’ll find a vibrant mix of ethnic culture, handmade crafts, and regional delicacies. 9. Experience the Seasonal Beauty of Sayram Lake In early spring, Sayram Lake dazzles with the rare “ice push” phenomenon; in summer, wildflowers bloom along its grassy shores. Autumn sunsets cast a golden glow over the shimmering lake and amber fields, while winter brings endless blue ice and snow-capped mountains for a picture-perfect view. 10. Desert Adventure in Xinjiang Explore the Kumtag or Taklamakan Deserts, where you can join desert adventures like off-road driving, camel riding, and camping to experience the vast beauty and mystery of the dunes. 11. Winter Skiing in Xinjiang Head to Altay or Tianshan ski resorts in winter to enjoy the thrill of skiing and the enchanting winter scenery of Xinjiang’s snowy landscapes.

Xinjiang Transportation

Xinjiang can be accessed via international flights to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, which connects with numerous cities worldwide. Additionally, it's well-connected by train from major Chinese cities, as well as international rail routes from Kazakhstan. Traveling by road or internal flights within Xinjiang is feasible for exploring the region further.

Xinjiang Best cities to visit

Kashi, also known as Kashgar, is a city in China’s extreme west, very close to the Tajikistan border. It is situated in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, home to China’s Muslim Uygur ethnic minority. Because of the Muslim influence, the city is very different from others in China. It is home to China’s largest mosques. Famous sites include the Id Kah Mosque and the Abakh Khoja Tomb. Although there are a few specific tourist attractions and activities, the unique culture and lifestyle of the local people are an extremely interesting and spiritual experience.

Xinjiang Useful Guide

For self-drive tours in Xinjiang, ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and adapt your driving to local traffic rules and conditions. Always carry essential emergency numbers: police (110), fire department (119), medical emergencies (120), and traffic police (122). Be cautious during driving as unexpected delays and strict security checks might occur. Always keep your travel and identity certificates handy, as local authorities may conduct checks.

Trip.Best: Xinjiang

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Top 19 Premium Hotels in Xinjiang

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Popular Best Things to Do in Xinjiang

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Top 6 Family Hotels in Xinjiang

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Top 3 Night Attractions in Xinjiang

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Top 9 Scenic Hotels in Xinjiang

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Top 5 Family-friendly Attractions in Xinjiang

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Top 19 Cultural Hotels in Xinjiang

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Popular Spring Outings in Xinjiang

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Top 6 Instagrammable Hotels in Xinjiang

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Top 4 Skiing Attractions in Xinjiang

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Popular Vacation Homes in Xinjiang

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Top 4 Hot Springs Attractions in Xinjiang

Popular Destinations

More Popular Destinations

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Sayram Lake

Kanas

Hemu Scenic Area

Urumqi

Nalati Scenic Area

Northern Xinjiang

Bayanbulak Grassland

Altay Prefecture

Things to do in Xinjiang

What to Do

Looking for things to do in Xinjiang? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.

Where to Stay

Discover the most popular places to stay in Xinjiang, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

What to Eat

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Xinjiang dishes and foodie spots.

Xinjiang Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes

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What People Are Saying About Xinjiang

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The Xinjiang Museum

_We***68

Teacher Liu Jing's explanation was lively and interesting. We had to catch a plane, and Teacher Liu Jing also explained to us as much as possible about Xinjiang's history and culture in a limited time, which laid a good foundation for our subsequent trip to southern Xinjiang. It was a pity that the mummy museum was closed for maintenance.

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Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar

倩ang🍓🍉🍑🍒

If you want to immersive feel the Xinjiang style, the Xinjiang International Bazaar is a treasure place that must be visited. Stepping into the Grand Bazaar is like a head into the lively Uighur life picture. The architecture here is very ethnic, with the domes and minarets with beautiful colors and exquisite carvings, full of exotic customs. The stalls are dense and full of good things, the handmade carpet is exquisitely textured, the fine needles hide the craftsman's heart; the cold light of the Ingisha knife shimmers, the pattern of the knife body is delicate and unique, practical and artistic. The air is filled with the aroma of gourmet food, the outer skin of the roasted buns is crispy, bite, and the fresh fragrance of the lamb is instantly blooming on the tip of the tongue; the aroma of the roast mutton skewers, fresh and juicy, each mouth is the ultimate temptation for the taste buds. In addition, there are happy national singing and dancing performances, the dancers are enthusiastic and lively, and the melody is lively, so people can't help but dance. Come to Xinjiang International Bazaar and enjoy the enthusiasm and beauty of Xinjiang in one stop.

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Xiang Fei Park

kireey

How can I miss Xiangfei Garden when I go to Kashgar! As soon as I stepped into the park, the strong national customs came to my face. The building is full of exotic characteristics, every detail is carefully carved, and the photos are super-photographed. Here, you can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery, but also deeply understand the legend of Xiangfei, as if you walked through time and space into that history. The greening in the park is great, and it is comfortable and comfortable to walk in it. The staff is kind and enthusiastic, explaining meticulously and professionally, and the experience is full. In short, Xiangfei Garden is too worth a visit, definitely a highlight of Kashgar trip! Highly recommended to all friends~

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Ancient City of Kashgar

Doctor X_Candy

The ancient city has 99 alleys. When I came to the ancient city, I had lost the road before counting the alleys. It was like traveling through a maze to find an exit. I feel like I have crossed to Alibaba and the story of the Forty Thefts.

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Xinjiang Kanas National Geopark

368***10

In terms of natural scenery, Kanas Scenic Area is one of the most beautiful in Xinjiang. The scenery varies throughout the year and is worth seeing. The only regret is that the fees for the scenic area are relatively high, so you need to make a sufficient budget.

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Hemu Scenic Area

新疆旅游姜宏伟

The back garden of Hemu God, this is a wonderland on earth, so that every customer will linger, this group of photos is just a corner of his, winter Hemu. Guests from the south will deeply experience the beautiful frozen people in winter.

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Liuxing Street

峻诚爱旅行

When I came to Xinjiang for tourism, I was deeply impressed by the Liuxing Street in Yining! Stepping into Liuxing Street, it was like stepping into a fairytale town full of exotic customs. The block is centered on the central square, and six main roads extend radially to the surrounding areas, forming a unique hexagonal star layout. This unique planning is enough to fascinate people. The architecture here is very distinctive, with European, Russian and Central Asian styles blending with each other. The colorful exterior walls, carved doors and windows, every detail is full of stories. Strolling through it, the handicraft shops on the street are dazzling, with exquisite carpets and exquisite wood carvings, each of which makes people love it. There are also various specialty snack shops, baked buns, handmade ice cream, and unique flavors blooming on the tip of the tongue, which is super satisfying to take a bite. From time to time, you can hear the melodious sound of accordions in the streets and alleys. The local residents are warm and hospitable, and will take the initiative to greet and chat with tourists and share interesting stories in life. Here, time seems to slow down, allowing people to immerse themselves in comfort and leisure, enjoying this rare tranquility and beauty. It is truly an unforgettable travel experience.

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Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area In Ancient City of Yili

希望之家

The room is very nice, unique and clean. It feels like home. The boss is also very nice. He is very warm and considerate to guests. He made us feel very cordial and brought us the warmth of home during the tiring journey. In short, it is very nice. I recommend everyone to go and experience it!

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Keketuohai Scenic District

xw99

Keketuohai Geopark and Keketuohai Scenic Area are located in the northeast of Fuyun County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, 33 kilometers away from Fuyun County, starting from the Kaladurgen River in the north, Karaxianger in the south, Karagezeng in the west, and Karazhuole and Tait in the east, with an altitude of 1072-3234 meters and an area of 2337.90 square kilometers. It consists of five scenic spots: Irtysh Grand Canyon, Kekesuli, Karaxianger, No. 3 Mine, and Sayihengbulak. It is a geological park and national 5A-level scenic spot that integrates beautiful canyon river source scenery, swamp wetland landscape, polar lakes, geological mineral resources and other natural scenery, as well as grassland nomadic culture, Western ethnic customs, regional characteristics and folk customs and other cultural landscapes. The granite landforms in the Irtysh Grand Canyon scenic area are unique. The peaks are mainly bell-shaped, dome-shaped, and push-shaped. The bedrock is exposed, the cliffs are dry, the peak surface is round and smooth on the top and steep on the sides. The peaks on both sides of the river face each other, known as the "100 single eighteen peaks". Among the peaks, the Amirsala Peak with a relative height difference of 365 meters is the most beautiful in the Altai Mountains. The Irtysh River originates from the depths of the primitive forest in the canyon, with cold springs and hot springs embracing each other and rushing westward. The river water is rich in mineral elements. The granite pegmatite rare metal veins represented by the No. 3 ore vein have the integrity of the geochemical evolution of the pegmatite, the breadth and abundance of rare metal mineralization, and the magnificent and unique structural morphological characteristics, which are rare in the world; it is the basis and practical manifestation of the theory of modern mineral crystallography and granite pegmatite deposits, and its typical figures are included in textbooks, papers and monographs in many countries. The Fuyun earthquake fault zone is a typical right-lateral strike-slip earthquake fault zone. On August 11, 1931, the Fuyun magnitude 8 earthquake produced a 176-kilometer earthquake fault zone. The earthquake relics are well preserved and can be regarded as the best earthquake fault zone relics on-site museum at home and abroad. The Saihengbulak scenic area has dense primeval forests, vast grasslands, ravines and beautiful mountains and rivers. Keketuohai, mountains, rivers, trees, stones, people, rare animals and plants, constitute a beautiful natural picture, worthy of the name "the world's Keketuohai".

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Keketuohai International Ski Field

环球旅行白鱀豚先生

The snow quality is good, the scenery is beautiful, and there are many tracks. Except for the long way up the mountain, everything else is really good! The ski school is not expensive, and it’s so fun to ski! In addition, the food here is not bad! There is a cafe in each cable car area where you can rest, and you can also come and experience it if you don’t want to ski!