Xinjiang Travel Guide: Attractions, Hotels, Food, Itinerary, Culture Immersions

Provinces adjacent to Xinjiang are Tibet to the south and Qinghai and Gansu Provinces in that order to the southeast. Places adjacent to Xinjiang are Nagqu and Ngari in Tibet, Yushu Autonomous Prefecture and Haixi Mongolian-Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai, and Jiuquan in Gansu

Xinjiang is located in the hinterland of Asia and Europe, with a land border of more than 5,600 kilometers, bordered by eight countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Mongolia, India, and Afghanistan. Customize your Silk Road tour from Xinjiang to the 5 stands »

Brief History

The Silk Road

Xinjiang, which means "new territory" in Chinese, is a vast region located in the northwest of China, bordering Central Asia and Mongolia. The history of Xinjiang is complex and diverse, with various ethnic groups and cultures coexisting and interacting for thousands of years.

In ancient times, the region was a hub of the Silk Road, connecting China with the Mediterranean world and facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and religions. Over the centuries, different empires and kingdoms, such as the Han, Tang, Mongol, and Qing, ruled over Xinjiang, leaving their marks on the region's culture and society.

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Top tourist destinations in Xinjiang

Abakh Hojam Tomb, Kashgar

Urumqi is the capital city of Xinjiang and is often used as a starting point for exploring the region. It is known for its bustling markets, including the famous Grand Bazaar, as well as its museums and cultural landmarks. Kashgar is a historic city that is located on the ancient Silk Road. It is known for its traditional architecture and lively markets, where you can find everything from spices and textiles to handmade crafts. Turpan is a desert oasis that is famous for its grapevines and melons. Visitors can explore ancient ruins such as Jiaohe and Gaochang, as well as natural wonders such as the Flaming Mountains and the Karez irrigation system. Kanas Lake is a picturesque alpine lake that is located in the Altay. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, including forests, meadows, and waterfalls, and is home to the unique culture of the local Kazakh people.

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Top attractions, what you must visit in Xinjiang

Old City, Kashgar

Xinjiang is a picturesque region with numerous famous attractions. Kanas Lake draws countless visitors with its mysterious lake monster legends and stunning natural scenery. Tianchi Lake, a high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offers breathtaking views. The Flaming Mountains are renowned for their intense heat and unique geological landscape. The Taklamakan Desert, China's largest desert, is full of mystery and challenge. The Ancient City of Kashgar preserves a rich Uyghur culture, making it an excellent place to experience ethnic customs.

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Hands-on activities and outdoor adventures in Xinjiang

Karakul Lake, Kashgar

Some hands-on activities you can enjoy in Xinjiang include learning how to make traditional Uyghur food like laghman noodles and lamb kebabs, attending a local dance or music performance, hiking or horseback riding in the beautiful Tianshan Mountains, visiting a local vineyard to learn about grape harvesting and winemaking, and exploring ancient ruins like the Jiaohe Ruins in Turpan or the Gaochang Ruins in Xinjiang.

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Food and restaurants, what and where to eat

Xinjiang Local Food

Xinjiang cuisine, also known as Uyghur cuisine, is a vibrant and diverse culinary tradition that combines the flavors and ingredients of Central Asia, the Middle East, and China mainland, featuring spicy and savory dishes such as Xinjiang Barbecue, Laghman, Naan, Samsa, and Polo, all of which reflect the region's rich cultural heritage and nomadic history.

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Hotels, where to stay while traveling in Xinjiang

Radisson Blu Hotel, Kashgar

Xinjiang offers a diverse range of hotels, from luxury international chains to budget-friendly options, with many situated in the bustling capital city of Urumqi or the picturesque oasis towns along the ancient Silk Road, providing visitors with comfortable accommodation, authentic regional cuisine, and convenient access to the region's stunning natural landscapes, cultural attractions, and unique ethnic minority communities.

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Weather, the best time to visit Xinjiang

Grassland in Xinjiang

The best time to visit Xinjiang depends on what you're looking to see and do. Generally speaking, the best time to visit is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the natural landscapes.

However, if you're interested in seeing the region's famous grape and melon harvests, the best time to visit would be in late August and September. If you are visiting for skiing, then the best time would be winter season. Keep in mind that the temperature can be very cold in winter, so be prepared with warm clothing.

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How to plan a travel itinerary for Xinjiang

Ancient City of Gaochang, Turpan

A comprehensive Xinjiang travel itinerary plan could include exploring the bustling city of Urumqi and its famous night market, experiencing the unique ethnic cultures and traditions in Kashgar's Old Town and Sunday Bazaar, marveling at the breathtaking natural landscapes of the Karakoram Highway, Taklamakan Desert, and Tianchi Lake, discovering the ancient history and ruins of the Jiaohe and Gaochang cities, indulging in the delicious Uyghur cuisine, and engaging in various outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and camel riding. View Xinjiang Travel Itineraries »

• Day 1: Urumqi, Xinjiang Regional Museum, the Red Hill Park, and the Grand Bazaar. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Uyghur dinner and cultural performance.
• Day 2: Heavenly Lake
• Day 3: Turpan, Jiaohe Ruins, Emin Minaret, Night Market and try some local street food.
• Day 4: Grape Valley
• Day 5: Kashgar, Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar Old Town, In the evening, enjoy a dinner of lamb kebabs and naan bread.
• Day 6: Karakul Lake
• Day 7: Sunday Market

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Customize Your Unique Xinjiang Silk Road Tour

If you are interested in one of the Xinjiang itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Xinjiang Tour, please visit our Xinjiang Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Xinjiang Trip

Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar

• Travel Guide: attractions, seasons, hotels, food, itineraries, etc.
• Top destinations: places to visit in Xinjiang
• Travel itineraries: best itineraries for your reference
• Local culture: brief history, ethnic culture, religion, etc.
• Weather: the best time and seasons to visit Xinjiang
• Top attractions: things to do in Xinjiang
• Cultural immersions: hands-on activities to spotlight your trip
• Unique perspective: top different things to do
• Local food: what to eat while traveling in Xinjiang
• Luxury hotels: where to stay in Xinjiang
• Xinjiang Tours: tailor-made Xinjiang Tours for your reference