China with Rui
Xinjiang

Destination Guide

Xinjiang

Grasslands, deserts and Central Asia on a scale that doesn't feel real.

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Xinjiang covers one-sixth of China's land area and feels closer to Central Asia than to the eastern coast. The population is a patchwork of Uyghur, Kazakh, Han and other groups, and that shows up clearly in the food, languages and bazaar life.

The scenery is equally mixed: the Taklamakan Desert, glacier-capped Tianshan peaks, alpine lakes like Kanas and Sayram, grasslands, and oasis towns that once sat on the Silk Road. The main challenge is scale — distances are enormous.

Why go

  • The old Silk Road cities of Kashgar, Turpan and Kuqa
  • Tianshan mountains, alpine lakes and high-altitude grasslands
  • The Ili Valley, Kanas and Sayram Lake in the north
  • Some of China's emptiest and most dramatic road journeys
  • Distinct food: lamb, pilaf, noodles, naan and dried fruit

Best for

Road tripsDesert & mountain landscapesCultural crossoverPhotographyAdventure travellers

Good to know

Security checks are common at airports, hotels and roadside stops. Carry your passport, accept that travel plans can shift, and keep your itinerary flexible.