How to Plan a Trip to Xinjiang: What to See, Itineraries, and More

Here is a guide on how to plan a trip to Xinjiang, China. For first-time visitors, we recommend 7-10 days. If you want a more in-depth experience, you can extend it to 10-14 days.

Xinjiang is a very large region. Its attractions are much further apart than they may seem on the map. On a first trip to Xinjiang, you don’t have to fit Kanas, Ili, Kashgar, and Turpan into one itinerary.

If you want to see natural scenery such as alpine lakes, grasslands, and snow mountains, visit North Xinjiang. If you are more interested in Silk Road culture, ancient cities, desert landscapes, and the Pamir Plateau, you will enjoy South Xinjiang. With 10-14 days or more, you can cover several areas.

Xinjiang Travel at a Glance:

Recommended itinerary length	7-10 days, 10-14 days for in-depth tours
North Xinjiang landscapes	lakes, grasslands, forests, snow mountains
North Xinjiang destinations	Sayram Lake, Ili, Narati, Kanas, Hemu
South Xinjiang landscapes	ancient towns, Silk Road sites, Pamir Plateau
South Xinjiang destinations	Kashgar, Tashkurgan, Kuqa
Gateway cities	Urumqi, Kashgar for South Xinjiang tours
Best time to visit	generally June to September, different destinations for different time of year
Major ways of transport	combination of flights, trains, and cars

Content Preview

• North Xinjiang or South Xinjiang?
• How Many Days Do You Need in Xinjiang?
• Best Places to Visit in Xinjiang
• Best Xinjiang Itineraries
• Best Time to Visit Xinjiang
• How to Get to Xinjiang
• How to Travel Around Xinjiang
• Where to Stay in Xinjiang
• What to Eat in Xinjiang
• Xinjiang Travel Tips for Foreign Visitors
• Combine Xinjiang with Other Destinations in China
• Xinjiang Travel FAQs

North Xinjiang or South Xinjiang?

When planning your first trip to Xinjiang, decide first whether to visit North or South Xinjiang. Here is a quick comparison for your reference.

	North Xinjiang	South Xinjiang
Signature landscapes	lakes, grasslands, forests, snow mountains	ancient towns, Silk Road sites, plateau, deserts
Popular destinations	Sayram Lake, Ili, Narati, Kanas, Hemu	Kashgar, Tashkurgan, Kuqa
Travel style	nature tour, photography tour, family tour	history and culture tour, Silk Road tour
Best time to visit	June to September	April to October
Recommended travel length	7-10 days	7-10 days

If you have only about a week, we don’t recommend visiting Kanas, Ili, and Kashgar in one trip. All three are worth visiting, but they are quite far apart. Trying to see all three means spending a lot of time on the road or catching flights and changing hotels every day.

If your first trip to Xinjiang is in summer, Ili and Sayram Lake are usually the top picks. If you are coming for autumn scenery, head to Kanas and Hemu.

How Many Days Do You Need in Xinjiang?

5–6 Days: Choose One Area

For example:

• Kashgar & Tashkurgan
• Urumqi & Turpan & a nearby destination of your choice

5-6 days may only let you see one area of Xinjiang, but that is a far better experience than being on the road every day.

7–10 Days: Best for First-Time Visitors

7-10 days is the usual recommendation for first-time visitors. You can either fully explore North Xinjiang’s natural scenery or the culture and Pamir Plateau route in South Xinjiang.

10–14 Days: In-Depth Experience

You can include more of Xinjiang’s attractions, natural or cultural, and you won’t have to change hotels every day.

14 Days and More: Choose Your Own Travel Style

With 14 days or more, you have much more flexibility. You can even visit both North and South Xinjiang. To get around Xinjiang, we recommend domestic flights or trains, which save time compared with cars or long-distance coaches alone.

Best Places to Visit in Xinjiang

Kashgar — Witness Ancient Silk Road Culture

On a first trip to South Xinjiang, Kashgar is well worth extra time.

You don’t need a detailed route for Kashgar Old Town. Simply take your time in the streets and alleys, the local markets, and the small shops, and you will feel the charm of the city.

We recommend at least two nights in Kashgar.

If your next stop is Tashkurgan, Kashgar is also the most convenient departure point.

Tashkurgan — Make Your Way into the Pamir Mountains

From Kashgar to Tashkurgan, the best part is not the destination but the journey onto the Pamir Plateau.

Along the way, you pass snow mountains, alpine lakes, and deep valleys. Making the round trip in one day is not recommended; a 2-day trip gives you a better Tashkurgan experience.

Tashkurgan is a border region. International travelers should make sure they meet the entry requirements and prepare the necessary documents before setting off.

Turpan — Explore Ancient Silk Road Sites

Turpan is a good destination to pair with Urumqi. We suggest 1-2 days there.

Its highlights include Jiaohe Ruins, the oases, and ancient Silk Road sites.

If you are on a Silk Road tour that started from Xi’an and headed west through Dunhuang into Xinjiang, Turpan will add a lot to your cultural experience.

Kanas & Hemu — Best for Autumn Sceneries

Kanas and Hemu are often included in the same itinerary.

Kanas Lake, alongside the dense forests, valleys, and snow mountains are gorgeous sights to see. Autumn is the most popular travel season for the region as the sceneries begin to change in colors.

However, Kanas is relatively far from other major destinations in Xinjiang. If you have only about 7 days in total, we don’t recommend adding Kashgar to the same trip.

Sayram Lake & Ili — Amazing Summer Views

If you’re planning a trip to Xinjiang between June and August, we highly recommend visiting Sayram Lake, Ili, and Narati.

The area is known for its lakes, grasslands, and snow mountains, especially in summer.

If you are deciding between Ili and Kanas, remember that summer views are better in Ili and autumn views in Kanas.

Urumqi — Transportation Hub of Xinjiang

Urumqi is the main gateway to Xinjiang and the starting point for most North Xinjiang tours.

Besides resting after arrival or transferring to a train or flight, you can also visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum. With more time, you can take a day trip to Heavenly Lake in the Tianshan Mountains.

We recommend 1 day in Urumqi, or 2 if you visit Heavenly Lake.

Best Xinjiang Itineraries

Depending on how much time you have, your Xinjiang itinerary can look very different. We recommend at least a week. Here are three of our best itineraries for reference.

7-Day South Xinjiang Tour

• Day 1: Kashgar arrival [overnight in Kashgar]
• Day 2: Kashgar Old Town and city center exploration [overnight in Kashgar]
• Day 3: Kashgar – Pamir Plateau – Tashkurgan (5-6 hours drive) [overnight in Tashkurgan]
• Day 4: Tashkurgan and nearby areas [overnight in Tashkurgan]
• Day 5: Tashkurgan – Kashgar (5-6 hours drive) [overnight in Kashgar]
• Day 6: Kashgar in-depth tour or side trip [overnight in Kashgar]
• Day 7: Kashgar departure

This is a focused South Xinjiang tour for visitors who only have 7 days. You will experience Silk Road culture and plateau landscapes. For this travel length, we do not recommend adding Turpan to your itinerary.

12-Day North Xinjiang Highlights

Day 1: Urumqi arrival [overnight in Urumqi]

Day 2: Urumqi – Fuyun County (7-8 hours drive) [overnight in Fuyun]

Day 3: Fuyun – Keketuohai National Geopark – Burqin [overnight in Burqin]

Day 4: Burqin – Hemu Village (2-3 hours drive) [overnight in Hemu] 

Day 5: Hemu Village – Kanas [overnight in Kanas/ Jiadengyu]

Day 6: Kanas – Burqin (2-3 hours drive) [overnight in Burqin]

Day 7: Burqin – Kuytun (5-6 hours drive) [overnight in Kuytun]

Day 8: Kuytun – Sayram Lake – Yining (5-6 hours drive) [overnight in Yining]

Day 9: Yining – Narati Grassland (3-4 hours drive) [overnight in Narati]

Day 10: Narati – Duku Highway northern section – Kuytun (whole day on highway) [overnight in Kuytun]

Day 11: Kuytun – Urumqi (4-5 hours drive) [overnight in Urumqi]

Day 12: Urumqi departure

This itinerary is best from June to September. Plans involving Duku Highway may change depending on its status that year. For the best Kanas and Hemu autumn scenery, visit between late September and early October.

This itinerary covers long distances. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, drop one destination or extend your trip by 1-2 days.

14-Day North & South Xinjiang Itinerary

Day 1: Urumqi arrival (private transfer to your hotel) [overnight in Urumqi]

Day 2: Urumqi – Fuyun County (7-8 hours drive) [overnight in Fuyun]

Day 3: Fuyun – Keketuohai National Geopark – Burqin [overnight in Burqin] 

Day 4: Burqin – Hemu Village (2-3 hours drive) [overnight in Hemu]

Day 5: Hemu Village – Kanas [overnight in Kanas/ Jiadengyu]

Day 6: Kanas – Burqin (2-3 hours drive) [overnight in Burqin]

Day 7: Burqin – Kuytun (5-6 hours drive) [overnight in Kuytun]

Day 8: Kuytun – Urumqi (4-5 hours drive) [overnight in Urumqi]

Day 9: Urumqi – Turpan [overnight in Turpan]

Day 10: Turpan – Kashgar (evening flight) [overnight in Kashgar]

Day 11: Kashgar day trip [overnight in Kashgar]

Day 12: Kashgar – Pamir Plateau – Tashkurgan (5-6 hours drive) [overnight in Tashkurgan]

Day 13: Tashkurgan – Kashgar (5-6 hours drive) [overnight in Kashgar]

Day 14: Kashgar departure (private airport transfer)

This itinerary suits a visit between May and October, but the scenery changes a lot from month to month. The Altay Mountains are gorgeous in summer. Late September and early October is the best time for autumn scenery in Kanas and Hemu.

Best Time to Visit Xinjiang

The best time to visit Xinjiang depends on which part you plan to see, so decide your dates first and build the trip around them.

Month	Recommended destinations	Highlights
April	Kashgar, South Xinjiang, Turpan	cultural and Silk Road tours
May	South Xinjiang, parts of Ili	the weather warms back up
June	Sayram Lake, Ili, Narati	start of the best grassland and mountain scenery season
July to August	Ili, North Xinjiang	peak season, lots of natural attractions to choose from
September	most popular destinations in Xinjiang	comfortable weather, great season for longer trips
mid and late September	Kanas, Hemu	North Xinjiang enters autumn
early October	Kanas, parts of South Xinjiang	stunning autumn views, rapid drop in temperature in North Xinjiang
winter months	Altay Mountains	snowy and icy scenes

For a first trip, we generally recommend June and September for the best weather. June is a beautiful month on the grasslands of Ili, and in mid to late September you will see the finest autumn scenery in Kanas.

How to Get to Xinjiang

By Flight: Fly into Urumqi or Kashgar

• Flying to Urumqi: Most travelers make Urumqi their first stop. Book your flight to Urumqi Tianshan International Airport; there are frequent flights from major Chinese cities including Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai. If you are flying in from home or from another part of China, a flight is the most efficient option.
• Flying to Kashgar: There are fewer flights, but if your itinerary starts in Kashgar, check whether direct flights operate (for example on a Kashgar – Pamir Plateau – Tashkurgan route).
• You may also want to start in Urumqi and leave via Kashgar to avoid doubling back.

By Train

If you are on a China Silk Road tour from Xi’an to Dunhuang and Xinjiang, the train may give you a better experience. Major stations include Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar, and Yining.

How to Travel Around Xinjiang

Getting around Xinjiang usually means a mix of flights, trains, and cars. Take a flight or train for long distances such as Urumqi to Kashgar, and a train for the short hop from Urumqi to Turpan. Places reachable only by highway, like Sayram Lake, Narati, and the Pamir Plateau, require a car.

The hard part of planning your own Xinjiang trip is not the order of attractions but the transport between them. How much time you spend on the road shapes your whole experience.

Why You Should Consider Booking a Xinjiang Private Tour

The greatest advantage of a private tour is not just the private transfer, but the freedom to adjust your plans as you go.

The travel experts at China Xian Tour will make planning much easier. We can customize an ideal itinerary and design the most efficient route for where you enter and leave Xinjiang, then arrange your trains, flights, or private car during the trip. The goal is to minimize time on the road and keep travel efficient and comfortable.

Duku Highway

Duku Highway is Xinjiang’s top road-trip route, but it is not open year-round. Its opening depends on several factors, including weather, accumulated snow, road works, and traffic control. If your trip involves this highway, check its status beforehand.

Where to Stay in Xinjiang

In Xinjiang, where you stay matters more than the star rating.

Destinations	Tips for accommodation
Urumqi	convenient transportation in the city, consider staying near the airport if you have an early flight to catch
Kashgar	stay near Kashgar Old Town for your first trip
Tashkurgan	prioritize facilities for oxygen and heating, hot water, and transportation
Kanas	try to stay within the scenic area or Jiadengyu
Hemu	spend a night in Hemu Village if you wish to see the early morning and dusk
Turpan	the city center is the most convenient area

Hotels inside scenic areas or in remote regions may not match the standard of those in big cities like Beijing or Shanghai.

Location, and whether hot water and breakfast are provided, may matter more than the star rating.

What to Eat in Xinjiang

There is plenty of Xinjiang food to try on a first trip. We especially recommend lamb kebabs, pilaf, laghman, Big Plate Chicken, naan, local yogurt, and seasonal fruit.

Kashgar is a great place to try local cuisine as you explore the Old Town and its markets. You don’t have to seek out top-rated restaurants for every meal: the small eateries locals frequent often have the most authentic flavors.

Beef, lamb, wheat-based food, and rice make up much of the local diet. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet or have allergies, tell the restaurant in advance.

Xinjiang Travel Tips for Foreign Visitors

• Passport: Carry your passport at all times during your trip. You may be asked to show it at hotels, on transport, or when visiting certain areas.
• Border region: Before traveling to border regions like Tashkurgan, check the latest access requirements.
• Payment: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay on your phone in advance, and bring a bank card and some cash as backup.
• Network: Download the apps you will need before you go, including maps, messaging, and translation.
• Weather: Many places in Xinjiang have intense sun and dry air, so bring sun protection and lip balm. A light jacket is recommended even in summer.
• Time: Xinjiang observes China Standard Time (Beijing time). Because it lies in the far west, sunset can be very late in summer.
• Long drives: As you plan, avoid long drives on consecutive days. Building in full days for exploring and resting will make the trip much better.

Combine Xinjiang with Other Destinations in China

Dunhuang

If your China tour centers on the Silk Road, Dunhuang will be your previous or next stop. A classic Silk Road tour runs:

Xi’an → Dunhuang → Turpan → Urumqi → Kashgar

Start in the ancient capital of Xi’an and travel along the Hexi Corridor to reach Xinjiang. It takes you across western China without any backtracking.

Xi’an

Xi’an is a great place to combine with Xinjiang on a first trip to China. It was one of the starting points of the ancient Silk Road, and your visits to Turpan and Kashgar will mean more after seeing this ancient capital.

Xinjiang Travel FAQs

Is Xinjiang Safe to Visit?

Yes, Xinjiang is generally a safe destination for foreign visitors. Carry your passport with you whenever you go out, and cooperate with security checks at airports, stations, and religious sites; also watch for photography restrictions. If you plan to visit border regions like Tashkurgan, arrange your travel permit in advance.

How Many Days Are Enough for Xinjiang?

For your first visit to Xinjiang, we recommend 7-10 days. If you only have 5-6 days, we suggest focusing your itinerary on one area. With 10-14 days or more, you can consider covering other parts of Xinjiang.

Should I Visit North Xinjiang or South Xinjiang?

Visit North Xinjiang for grasslands, lakes, and snow mountains. In South Xinjiang you will experience Silk Road culture, old towns, and the Pamir Plateau.

Timing matters too. June to August is usually better for North Xinjiang’s natural scenery, while South Xinjiang’s season tends to be longer.

What Is the Best Month to Visit Xinjiang?

It depends on what you want to see. June is best for the grasslands of Ili; for autumn scenery in Kanas, visit in mid or late September. South Xinjiang has plenty to offer from spring to autumn.

As you plan your first trip to Xinjiang, decide the month and trip length first, then choose between North and South Xinjiang. Starting with a list of attractions is the hard way.

Once you have your dates, China Xian Tour can help you craft an itinerary around your flight, accommodation, and travel style. Because Xinjiang is so large, a good trip is about efficiency and comfort as well as seeing the best of this beautiful land.