Xinjiang is China's vast far west — a region of deserts, mountains, oases, and a rich tapestry of cultures along the Silk Road. This guide covers the practical essentials of traveling there.
Xinjiang occupies one-sixth of China's territory — a land of the Taklamakan and Gobi deserts, the Tianshan and Kunlun mountains, and the oases that have sustained Silk Road travelers for millennia.
Xinjiang is home to the Uyghur, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Mongolian, and Han peoples, among others — each with its own language, food, and traditions. The region's cultural diversity is its great treasure.
Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar, the grasslands of the north, Sayram Lake, and the deserts of the south are the classic destinations. Each offers a different face of the region.
Xinjiang is served by airports in the main cities and a growing rail network. Distances are vast — flying between regions is often the practical choice, with trains and private cars for local travel.
Xinjiang's cuisine is famous — lamb kebabs, hand-pulled noodles, pilaf, and the dairy products of the nomads. The music and dance of the Uyghur people are celebrated across China.
The best seasons are spring and autumn, with summer for the grasslands. Carry your passport at all times — security checks are routine. The region is safe and welcoming to travelers.