Best Xinjiang Tours 2026: North and South Xinjiang Adventures

Of course, in all the major cities and tourist areas, you will see the police and security post everywhere on streets. For all tourists, you will feel a strong sense of safety. The main risk during the tour is the language barrier and natural environment.

Only if you travel to scenic spots in the border area, such as Taxkorgan County, Helgas Port and Baihaba Village, a frontier pass is required. In other places, you can visit directly with your passport and visa.

Roasted lamb skewer is definitely the top one. The Big plate chicken, pilaf, Xinjiang noodles, roasted steamed buns, yogurt, naan and various sweet fruits are also famous all over China.

Sightseeing, photography and tasting local food are the main common things to do. What’s more, hiking, visiting grand bazaars, enjoying desert scenery , tasting juicy fruit, exploring ancient towns, ruins, and architecture are all special and top things to do in Xinjiang.

It is hard to say which is the best, since they are in different styles. In brief, northern Xinjiang feasts you with more breathtaking natural scenery, and southern Xinjiang impresses you with ethnic cultures. The top destinations in southern Xinjiang are Kashgar, Korla, Hotan, Aksu, etc. And that in northern Xinjiang are Urumqi, Turpan, Ili, and Altay ( including Kanas), etc.

Xinjiang is mainly inhabited by Muslim ethnic groups. So the most important diet taboo is the pork. Do not eat, take or talk about pork in front of a Muslim. Another important aspect is about behaviors in religious sites. Do not wear overly revealing clothing, do not speak loudly and do not take photos of the rituals and believers without permission when visiting the mosques. And women may be required to wear a head scarf.

Technically, an independent travel is feasible, but for most foreign tourists, a guided tour is the best choice, especially for first timers. Language is the biggest challenge. Only Chinese is indicated in most signs. And it is difficult for them to acquire the latest and accurate information about the accommodation, transportation and frontier pass. While the travel agency can handle all the things for you. Traveling with a local guide also offers you a more immersive experience of local culture and stunning natural wonders.

In a Xinjiang tour, flight, train and chartered bus are all popular options to travel between different destinations. Flights is suitable for a travel between cities with a long distance, such as Urumqi and Kashgar. If you travel between nearby cities, train is more convenient. Chartered bus is the most recommended mainstream way of in-depth sightseeing and visiting some remote attractions.

It depends. Generally, August, September, and October are the best months to visit both southern and northern Xinjiang.

Southern Xinjiang, characterized by its rich ethnic culture and spectacular deserts, is best visited from April to October.

The stunning natural scenery in Northern Xinjiang showcases distinct beauty in different seasons. The wild apricot blossoms in March and April, lush grasslands from May to August, and the golden autumn scenery of Kanas and Hemu Village from September to November will all leave you in awe.

If you want to visit both regions in one time, choose August to October, this period will not let you down.

8-10 days: The ideal duration for an in-depth experience in either northern or southern Xinjiang.

11-14 days: Ideal for visiting iconic destinations in both regions , such as Urumqi, Turpan, Kanas, Kashgar, and Kuqa, etc.

15 days or more: Experience the natural wonders and cultural richness of this land thoroughly, covering off-the-beaten-path destinations like Tarim Poplar Forest, Altai Mountains, etc. Or take a China SilRoad tour that includes Xinjiang and other Silk Road destinations such as Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, and Xi’an , etc.

5-7 days: With limited time, we suggest focusing on core attractions in Urumqi, Turpan, and Kashgar.