After multiple trips to Xinjiang and helping hundreds of travelers plan their trips, I’ve learned that the difference between a great trip and a stressful one often comes down to the small stuff – the practical details that guidebooks don’t always cover.
This guide is a collection of 50+ practical tips based on real experience. Some are obvious, some are not. All of them will make your trip smoother.
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Before You Go
1. Visa and Permits
– Chinese visa: You need a valid Chinese visa to visit Xinjiang. Most nationalities can get a tourist visa (L visa) for 30-90 days.
– No special permit needed: Unlike Tibet, Xinjiang doesn’t require a special travel permit for most areas.
– Border areas: Some border areas (e.g., Khunjerab Pass to Pakistan) require additional permits.
2. Vaccinations and Health
– No mandatory vaccinations for Xinjiang
– Recommended: Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, tetanus
– Altitude sickness medication: If you’re going to high-altitude areas (Kanas, Tianchi), consider bringing acetazolamide (Diamox)
– Travel insurance: Highly recommended
3. Money and Banking
– Cash is king in small towns and rural areas
– Alipay/WeChat Pay are widely used in cities, but require a Chinese bank account
– ATMs: Available in all cities, but may not accept foreign cards
– Bring enough cash for 3-5 days, especially if traveling to remote areas
4. Internet and VPN
– Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook are blocked in China
– VPN: Download and set up a VPN before you arrive in China (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Astrill)
– SIM card: Buy a Chinese SIM card at the airport for data
– Wi-Fi: Available in most hotels, but may be slow
5. Apps to Download
– Translation: Google Translate (download offline Chinese pack), Pleco
– Maps: Maps.me (offline maps), Gaode Maps (Chinese, more accurate)
– Transport: Trip.com (book trains, flights), Didi (ride-hailing)
– Food: Dianping (restaurant reviews, Chinese only)
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Packing Tips
6. Layers Are Everything
Xinjiang’s temperature swing between day and night can be 15-20°C. Pack layers:
– T-shirt + long-sleeve + fleece + jacket
– You’ll wear all of them in a day
7. Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable
The UV at Xinjiang’s elevation (1,000-3,000m) is intense. You will get sunburned.
– SPF 50+ sunscreen
– Sunglasses (polarized)
– Hat (wide-brimmed)
8. Power Bank
You’ll use your phone for maps, translation, and photos. Battery life drains fast.
– Bring a 10,000-20,000 mAh power bank
– Bring a universal adapter (Chinese sockets are Type A/I)
9. Toilet Paper
Public toilets in Xinjiang (and China) don’t provide toilet paper.
– Carry a roll of toilet paper or tissues
– Public toilets are squat toilets (no seats)
10. Medications
Bring a basic medical kit:
– Altitude sickness medication (if going to high altitudes)
– Anti-diarrhea medication (just in case)
– Painkillers (ibuprofen/paracetamol)
– Band-aids and antiseptic
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Transportation Tips
11. Trains Are Better Than Buses
China’s train system is excellent. Trains are:
– More comfortable than buses
– More reliable (less affected by weather)
– Offer beautiful scenery
Book trains on Trip.com (accepts foreign credit cards).
12. Driving in Xinjiang
– International driver’s license is not valid in China
– You need a Chinese driver’s license to drive
– Hire a driver instead (¥600-1,000/day)
13. Domestic Flights
Xinjiang is huge. Flying saves time:
– Ürümqi to Kashgar: 2 hours (vs. 24 hours by train)
– Book early for better prices
– Allow extra time for security checks
14. Ride-Hailing
– Didi is China’s Uber
– Works in all Xinjiang cities
– Cheap and convenient
15. Walking and Hiking
– Many attractions involve walking (2-5 km)
– Wear comfortable walking shoes
– Bring trekking poles for longer hikes
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Food and Drink Tips
16. Water
– Tap water is not drinkable
– Buy bottled water (¥2-5 per bottle)
– Hot water is available everywhere (Chinese love hot water)
17. Street Food
Xinjiang’s street food is safe and delicious:
– Mutton skewers (羊肉串) – grilled over charcoal
– Samsa (烤包子) – baked buns with lamb
– Naan (馕) – flatbread, stays fresh for days
18. Restaurant Etiquette
– Wait to be seated (or ask for a table)
– Sharing is the norm – dishes are placed in the center
– Chopsticks – if you can’t use them, ask for a fork
– Paying the bill – the person who invited usually pays
19. Dietary Restrictions
– Halal food is widely available (Uyghur food is Halal)
– Vegetarian options are limited but available
– Allergies – learn to say “I’m allergic to X” in Chinese
20. Alcohol
– Alcohol is available in most restaurants and hotels
– Local beer: Xinjiang Black Beer (新疆黑啤) is good
– Wine: Xinjiang produces wine (try the local red wine)
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Cultural Tips
21. Greetings
– “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you) – traditional Uyghur greeting
– “Hello” in English or Chinese is fine
– Handshakes are common (men only)
22. Dress Code
– Modest dress is appreciated, especially near religious sites
– Cover shoulders and knees
– Remove shoes before entering mosques or homes
23. Photography
– Ask before photographing people
– No photos inside mosques during prayer
– Military sites – don’t photograph (it’s illegal)
24. Bargaining
– Bargaining is expected in markets and with taxi drivers
– Start at 50-60% of the asking price
– Be friendly and smile
25. Gifts
– If invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift
– Fruit, sweets, or tea are good options
– Don’t give clocks (symbol of death in Chinese culture)
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Safety Tips
26. Security Checks
Xinjiang has a significant security presence:
– ID checks at hotels, train stations, airports
– Bag scans at malls, markets, attractions
– Be patient – it’s for everyone’s safety
27. Scams
– Taxi scams: Use Didi or ask for meter
– Shopping scams: Don’t buy “antiques” from street vendors
– Tea house scams: Be cautious of invitations to tea houses (common in Kashgar)
28. Altitude Sickness
– Symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness
– Prevention: Ascend slowly, drink water, avoid alcohol
– Treatment: Descend immediately if severe
29. Weather
– Strong sun – sunscreen is mandatory
– Sudden temperature drops – bring layers
– Dust storms – rare but possible in spring
30. Emergency Contacts
– Police: 110
– Ambulance: 120
– Fire: 119
– Tourist hotline: 12301
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Money-Saving Tips
31. Travel in Shoulder Season
– April-May, September-October – cheaper hotels, fewer tourists
– Avoid Chinese holidays – prices double or triple
32. Eat Where Locals Eat
– Tourist restaurants are overpriced
– Walk 5 minutes away from attractions
– Look for places full of locals
33. Use Public Transport
– Trains and buses are cheaper than taxis or private drivers
– City buses are ¥1-2 per ride
34. Book in Advance
– Flights and trains – book 2-4 weeks in advance for better prices
– Hotels – book directly or via Ctrip for discounts
35. Group Tours
– Join a group tour for popular routes (Kanas, Kashgar)
– Cost: ¥1,500-3,000 for 5-7 days (including transport, accommodation, guide)
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Communication Tips
36. Language
– Mandarin Chinese is spoken everywhere
– Uyghur language is spoken in southern Xinjiang
– English is limited – learn basic Chinese phrases
37. Translation Apps
– Google Translate (offline mode)
– Pleco (Chinese-English dictionary)
– Waygo (camera translation – point at text)
38. Learn Basic Phrases
– Hello: Nǐ hǎo (nee-how)
– Thank you: Xièxiè (shyeh-shyeh)
– How much: Duōshǎo qián (dwaw-shao chyen)
– Where is…?: …zài nǎlǐ (zai na-lee)
39. Body Language
– Pointing: Use your whole hand, not one finger
– Yes/No: Nodding/shaking head works
– Counting: Chinese count on one hand differently – learn it
40. Smiling
– Smiling is universal
– Even if you don’t speak the language, a smile goes a long way
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Shopping Tips
41. What to Buy
– Dried fruit and nuts – Xinjiang is famous for them
– Carpets and rugs – Uyghur carpets are beautiful
– Knives – Traditional Uyghur knives (check airline regulations)
– Tea – Xinjiang produces good black tea
42. Where to Shop
– Grand Bazaar (Ürümqi) – touristy but convenient
– Local markets – cheaper, more authentic
– Supermarkets – for dried fruit, nuts, spices
43. Bargaining Strategy
– Be friendly – smiling helps
– Walk away – sellers will often call you back with a lower price
– Know the market price – ask multiple vendors
44. Shipping Home
– China Post can ship items home
– DHL/FedEx – faster but expensive
– Fragile items – wrap well
45. Customs
– Declare expensive items when leaving China
– Restricted items: Antiques (need permit), knives (check airline rules)
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Miscellaneous Tips
46. Time Zone
– Xinjiang officially uses Beijing Time (UTC+8)
– But locally, many people use Xinjiang Time (UTC+6, 2 hours behind)
– Shops and restaurants may open later (2-3 PM Beijing Time)
47. Electricity
– Plugs: Type A (two flat pins) and Type I (three pins)
– Voltage: 220V
– Bring a universal adapter
48. Laundry
– Hotels – most have laundry service or self-service machines
– Hand wash – bring travel detergent for quick washes
49. Tipping
– Tipping is not expected in China
– But it’s appreciated for exceptional service
50. Enjoy the Chaos
Xinjiang can be chaotic, overwhelming, and intense. But that’s part of the experience. Embrace it.
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Final Thoughts
Xinjiang is not an easy destination, but it’s an incredibly rewarding one. The landscapes will blow you away, the food will make you gain weight, and the people will surprise you with their warmth and hospitality.
Take these tips, pack your sense of adventure, and go. Xinjiang is waiting.
More Xinjiang travel guides:
– What to Pack for Xinjiang Travel
– How to Get to Xinjiang
– Is Xinjiang Safe for Tourists?