If you get in an accident, you’re at fault automatically (because you were driving illegally). Your travel insurance? Won’t cover you. The car rental insurance? Won’t cover you. You’re on the hook for everything. If the police pull you over…

A valid Chinese visa (arranged *before* you enter China) A Kyrgyz visa (easy, e-visa available) A pre-arranged driver or tour on the Chinese side (you can’t just walk across and hail a DiDi) A border permit (your tour company handles…

Budget Xinjiang Travel – How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Experience Let’s talk money. Xinjiang is big. Like, really big. And big places tend to be expensive places to travel, because you’re spending half your budget on getting from A…

You want Xinjiang to yourself. I mean, literally. I was the only foreigner at the Kashgar Sunday Bazaar in November 2024. Prices are back to winter rates. The heating in hotels actually works now (it’s not just “on” for show).…

Winter in Xinjiang – Why the Off-Season Might Actually Be Better Let me start with a confession: when I first started planning my Xinjiang trips back in 2022, I did exactly what everyone else does – I looked at photos…

Download Microsoft Translator (works offline, has Chinese/Uyghur language packs) Learn these phrases: “Xie xie” (thank you) “Bang mang” (help) “Duoshao qian?” (how much?) “Ce suo zai nar?” (where’s the bathroom?) How much does a trip to Xinjiang cost? Budget: 300-400…

Four bunks in a compartment with a door that closes. More privacy, quieter, but more expensive. The bunks are slightly wider than hard sleeper. If you’re traveling as a couple, book a soft sleeper – you’ll get the whole compartment…

You need a border permit to travel in the Taxkorgan/Karakoram Highway area. Your tour company or driver should handle this. The road from Kashgar to the border is 5-6 hours. You’ll want to stay in Taxkorgan the night before so…

Don’t over-edit. Xinjiang is dramatic enough without adding fake-looking skies or oversaturated colors. My most-liked photo from Xinjiang is a simple shot of a Kashgar alley at sunrise – warm light, no fancy edits, just a good moment. Is It…

A proper daypack. On trip #1, I used a shopping bag as a daypack. It broke. Don’t be like me. Bring a small, comfortable backpack for day trips. More protein bars There are long stretches of driving in Xinjiang, and…