Xinjiang Travel Pre-Departure Guide

Xinjiang has a dry climate with long hours of sunshine and strong UV radiation. It is important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and bring sun protection items such as sun hats, umbrellas, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

The economy in Xinjiang is less developed compared to inland regions. There may be noticeable differences in the standards of hotels between Xinjiang and inland cities, as well as between hotels in scenic areas and those in urban centers. Please be mentally prepared for this.

The temperature difference between day and night can be as much as 10–15°C. Even in summer, it is advisable to bring a jacket or wool sweater. At night, avoid setting the air conditioner too low or sleeping without a blanket, as it may cause discomfort. Also, if staying overnight at places like Tianchi Lake, Nalati Grassland, or Kanas Lake, be sure to bring warm clothing.

Xinjiang is vast, and travel times can be long. Some scenic spots require walking or hiking. It is recommended to bring a pair of comfortable, well-fitting, and athletic shoes.

Xinjiang operates on a time zone that is two hours behind mainland China. Daily schedules are accordingly delayed by two hours. For example, lunch is typically served between 1:00 and 2:00 PM, and sunset often occurs after 10:00 PM.

Local cuisine tends to be heavy and meat-based, primarily featuring beef and lamb. Halal restaurants typically serve dishes like hand-pulled noodles, pilaf, naan, and grilled meats. Han Chinese restaurants, mainly Sichuan-style, are common throughout Xinjiang and tend to be spicy. As many ethnic groups follow Islam and do not eat pork, please avoid discussing anything related to pigs out of respect for local customs.

Xinjiang is famous for its fruits. Enjoying local fruits is a highlight of visiting the region. However, do not drink hot tea immediately after eating fruit, as it may cause diarrhea.

Xinjiang is home to many ethnic minorities, most of whom practice Islam. The word "pig" is considered taboo. Please respect local customs. While visiting, follow local etiquette. Photography is strictly prohibited inside mosques. Unauthorized photos, especially of women or religious figures, can lead to serious consequences. Always ask for permission before taking pictures.

Shopping in Xinjiang is usually based on kilograms. If you want half a kilogram, say “half a kilo” instead of “one jin,” as “one jin” may be misunderstood as one full kilogram. Aggressive bargaining is discouraged and may upset sellers. If a purchase doesn’t go through, remain polite. It's best to ask your tour guide to recommend reputable shopping venues. For valuables like jade, buy only from designated shops.

Always carry your ID card with you, as it is required for flights, train rides, and border checks. Please make sure your ID is valid before departure; if expired, obtain a valid proof of identity.

The itinerary is subject to change based on local travel agencies. Without reducing the number of scenic spots (except in cases of official closures), the agency reserves the right to adjust the order of the itinerary. In case of weather issues, government policy changes, or unavoidable natural events causing delay or cancellation of parts of the trip, the agency is not liable for compensation. Any additional costs incurred are the responsibility of the traveler.

Before the trip ends, please cooperate with the local tour guide by truthfully filling out the "Tourist Feedback Form." This will be used as a key reference for handling complaints. Due to the cross-regional nature of tourism, disputes or complaints resulting from false or unfilled feedback forms will not be accepted. If you have any concerns about service quality during the trip, please call the 24-hour quality supervision hotline locally. If it cannot be resolved on-site, file a local report. Complaints without a local report will not be accepted after the trip.