This guide is part of our complete Xinjiang Travel Guide series. If you’ve read anything about Xinjiang, you’ve probably seen the phrase “Silk Road” mentioned. It’s not just a historical reference — the Silk Road runs directly through Xinjiang, and…
Hello: “As-salamu alaykum” (in Uyghur areas) or “Ni hao” (in Han areas) Thank you: “Rahmat” (Uyghur) or “Xie xie” (Chinese) How much: “Qancha pul” (Uyghur) or “Duo shao qian” (Chinese) The effort is appreciated more than the result. People will…
Direct buses run from Almaty to Yining (8-10 hours including border formalities) The border is modern and efficient (usually 2-3 hours to clear) You can also cross here and then take a bus to Urumqi (8-10 hours) Getting Around Xinjiang…
Transport: Domestic flights + private driver throughout: 6,000 RMB Accommodation: 4-5 star hotels: 4,000 RMB Food: Restaurants (no street food), occasional nice dinner: 2,500 RMB Entrance fees + guided tours: 1,500 RMB Miscellaneous (tips, souvenirs, etc.): 2,000 RMB What you’re…
One of the first questions I get from travelers planning a Xinjiang trip is: “Can I find a decent hotel there?” This guide is part of our complete Xinjiang Travel Guide series for foreign travelers. The answer is yes —…
Xinhua South Road (新华南路): The street food center. Kebab stalls, noodle shops, and nang ovens — all in a 2-km stretch. International Bazaar area: Touristier, but the food court has decent options. People’s Square (人民广场) area: Where Urumqi people actually…
If you’ve seen a photo of the Taklamakan and thought “that looks like the end of the world,” you’re not far off. This is the world’s second-largest shifting sand desert — 337,000 square kilometers of dunes that move, swallow caravan…
7 days in Xinjiang gets you the classics. 10 days gets you the version of the region that sticks with you after you’re home. This guide is part of our complete Xinjiang Travel Guide series for foreign travelers. The extra…
If you have 7 days in Xinjiang and it’s your first time, this is the route I’d give a friend. It covers the three places that actually matter for a first trip: Urumqi (the gateway), Turpan (the history), and Kashgar…
If Kanas Lake is Xinjiang’s most famous alpine lake, Sayram Lake (赛里木湖, Sàilǐmù Hú) is the one that makes you stop the car and just look. This guide is part of our complete Xinjiang Travel Guide series for foreign travelers.…
