Standard routes
Xinjiang journeys
Our first standard route for Xinjiang is being prepared.
Coming soon
Silk Road · Alpine lakes · Epic drives
Xinjiang
Vast landscapes, Silk Road cities, grasslands, deserts, and food traditions across China’s far northwest.
- Best days
- 7–14 daysSeven to ten days suit a focused northern circuit; combining north and south needs closer to two weeks.
- Best season
- June–OctoberMountain roads and grasslands are most accessible
- Best for
- Road trips · Landscapes · FoodVast landscapes, Silk Road cities, grasslands, deserts, and food traditions across China’s far northwest.
- Pairs with
- Beijing · Xi’anUseful flight gateways
A continent within China
Xinjiang, A Continent Within China
Covering roughly one-sixth of China, Xinjiang holds snow mountains, grasslands, deserts, blue lakes, forests, and Silk Road cities within one immense region. The terrain can change completely in a single driving day, while the cultures and food reflect centuries of movement between East and Central Asia.
Xinjiang rewards travelers who accept distance rather than fight it. Kanas, Sayram Lake, the Duku Highway, Nalati, Hemu, and Kashgar cannot all be treated like nearby attractions. A strong route follows the season and chooses either northern landscapes, southern Silk Road culture, or enough time to connect both properly.
Recommended time
How long to stay
7–14
Days
Seven to ten days suit a focused northern circuit; combining north and south needs closer to two weeks.
Start here
Highlights
01
Kanas Lake
Forest, alpine water, and Xinjiang’s celebrated autumn color.
02
Sayram Lake
A vast blue lake framed by snow peaks and grassland.
03
Tianshan Tianchi
An accessible alpine lake beneath the Tianshan range.
04
Duku Highway
A seasonal mountain road crossing several climate zones.
05
Nalati Grassland
Open valleys, horses, and long summer light.
06
Kashgar Old City
A living Silk Road city with lanes, workshops, and markets.
Xinjiang flavors
Taste Xinjiang.
Plan at least one local meal into the route — these flavors are part of understanding Xinjiang.
- Big plate chickenChicken, peppers, potatoes, and noodles for sharing
- Lamb skewersCharcoal-grilled with cumin and chili
- PilafRice, carrot, and lamb cooked into a fragrant staple
- Baked samsaCrisp pastry filled with seasoned meat
- NaanFresh bread from a traditional oven
Know before you go
Practical notes
- Getting there
- Distances are immense. Most routes combine flights, trains, and long private-car days rather than one city base.
- Getting around
- Choose either northern or southern Xinjiang unless you have at least two weeks.
- Where to stay
- Weather varies sharply between mountains, deserts, and evenings. Pack adaptable layers.
- Planning ahead
- Some border and remote areas have additional access rules; confirm the route before booking transport.
Your Xinjiang, made clearer
Make Xinjiang part of your China trip.
Send us your dates and pace — we’ll fit Xinjiang into a smooth, realistic China route.