Live Your Best Lives
This is Northern Xinjiang.
It is the place most favored by nature.
It is ranked first among the “Top Ten Autumn Colors in China” selected by China National Geographic.
If we say that the autumn colors in Tibet are holy, the autumn colors in Northeast China are gorgeous, and the autumn colors in Northwest China are vast,
Then the autumn colors in northern Xinjiang are a visual impact and an ultimate feast of colors.
When grasslands, deserts, yardangs, lakes and poplar forests alternate,
In Hujirt, I saw a Kazakh herd of cattle and sheep moving to a new pasture.
When smoke rises from the ancient village of Hemu, and the canyon of Kanas is covered with colorful trees,
The autumn at 48 degrees north latitude has amazed the whole of China!
(Kanas is ranked first among the top ten autumn scenes in China selected by National Geographic China)
I'm sure you've all learned about the vastness of Xinjiang from geography class. Located in the far northwest of China, Xinjiang accounts for one-sixth of China's territory. We often say that you don't know the vastness of China until you've visited Xinjiang. It encompasses every terrain and landform on Earth, except for the oceans: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, Gobi Desert, forests, river valleys, sacred lakes, canyons, and more. It's a photographer's dream destination, and a place every traveler longs to revisit.
Xinjiang's geographical characteristics are characterized by "three mountains and two basins," as depicted on the right side of the Chinese character "疆." The top horizontal line represents the northernmost Altai Mountains, the middle horizontal line is the Tianshan Mountains, the bottom horizontal line is the southern Kunlun Mountains, and the two middle fields represent the Junggar Basin and the Tarim Basin, respectively. The Tianshan Mountains divide Xinjiang into Southern Xinjiang and Northern Xinjiang. Northern Xinjiang refers to the area north of the Tianshan Mountains, with representative areas including Urumqi, Kanas, Hemu, Baihaba, Tianshan Tianchi Lake, Keketuohai, Yili, and Sayram Lake.
September brings the first sign of autumn to the higher latitudes of Kanas Prefecture in northern Xinjiang. This region is also known for its most iconic autumn colors. Every autumn, golden birch, apricot-yellow larch, fiery red European poplar, and evergreen pine and cypress create a vibrant feast that puts any Impressionist painting to shame.
Every year, the issue that everyone cares about most is the time to enjoy the autumn. When is the best time to go?
China-TravelNote has compiled and recommended autumn colors for you based on the time of autumn over the years.
Generally, Hemu starts to change color first, followed by Kanas, and finally Baihaba. The specific color will vary depending on the temperature changes of the year.
China-TravelNote takes you to "Ten Things You Can't Miss"
The China-Kazakhstan Border Grand Canyon is located in northwest China, at the junction of China and Kazakhstan. Just 15 kilometers from Baihaba, the first village in the northwest, it's a must-see destination. Below the Grand Canyon lies the Akhaba River, the border between China and Kazakhstan. The canyon's valley is thick with birch trees. Strict border management prohibits entry, with the exception of some herders, to protect the birch trees from being cut down and expropriated. For a long time, the birch forests along the river have flourished, and even large fallen birch trees remain quietly on the banks year-round, leaving us with a truly pristine natural landscape.
【Bai Haba】
Baihaba, China's most northwestern village, is a perfect place to check in (it's located in the far northwestern part of China) and share your thoughts on social media. During National Day, the village committee holds a flag-raising ceremony at the village entrance. Watching the five-star red flag rise on the frontier is incredibly meaningful, and it invigorates one's love and pride for the motherland.
(Dreamlike Baihaba, the last community of Tuva people)
Best season: Summer and autumn, autumn viewing time: mid-to-late September to October
[Recommended Tour]: 1-2 days, it is recommended to stay one night in Baihaba. The atmosphere of life here is very strong, slow down and feel it with your heart.
Opening hours: 8:30-19:30
【Address】: Habahe County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
Tips: 1. You need a border pass to visit Baihaba. If you're coming from Kanas, you can apply for one at the Kanas Visitor Reception Center when you purchase the shuttle bus to Baihaba Scenic Area. Be sure to bring your ID card. If you're coming from Habahe County, apply for one in Habahe County (border passes obtained at your registered residence are invalid).
2. Baihaba is close to the border, and some areas are military restricted areas. Please do not enter without permission when visiting.
3. The temperature in Baihaba is relatively low, and it will drop below zero degrees at night around November 1st every year, so you should prepare thick clothes.
4. Since it is only open for a few months each year, the prices for accommodation and meals are relatively high, so be sure to book accommodation in advance.
In the golden autumn, Kazakh herders in the Altay region of Xinjiang begin the autumn herding of their cattle and sheep. The Kazakh people's lives are closely intertwined with their herding. For thousands of years, the nomadic Kazakhs have moved in search of water and pasture. Herding involves the orderly shifting of livestock pastures according to the grass growth cycle. In autumn, as the summer pastures gradually wither and turn yellow, herders must move their cattle and sheep to the lower, warmer winter pastures to survive the cold winter. In spring and summer, they return to the summer pastures again. This cycle, year after year, has become a part of Kazakh life, passed down through generations.
In the Altay region, the Hujirt Migration Road has the largest number of cattle and sheep migrations. Every year, tens of thousands of cattle and sheep pass through here. The herders carry their families, yurts, and all the old and young in the family, and migrate on the road continuously.
In 2018, the China-TravelNote Autumn Route specially added travel and photography along the migration route to witness the most important life migration in the Altay region!
Best season: Spring migration between June and July, autumn migration between September and October
【Opening hours】: All day
【Address】: Widely distributed in Altay, Xinjiang, mainly on the Hujierte transfer road
Tips: Pastoralists’ migration is seasonal and is easily affected by factors such as weather and temperature. The migration time is not fixed every year and you cannot encounter them every day. However, September is the peak period for pastoralists’ migration and the probability of encountering them is very high.
Many people first learned about Kanas through the legend of a lake monster. An alleged sighting of the monster was reported in Guangming Daily in 1980, and tourists have since reported seeing it. In June 2012, CCTV's "Eastern Horizon" program aired a video titled "A mysterious 'water monster' reappears in Xinjiang's Kanas Lake, creating a massive wave," which garnered widespread attention. While the monster is now elusive, Kanas visitors are captivated by the vibrant colors of autumn, a vibrant and vibrant scene.
Kanas is the iconic landmark of northern Xinjiang. Climbing the Fish-Watching Terrace offers panoramic views of Kanas Lake. Beneath the mountain lies the quaint Tuva village, where small wooden houses constructed from locally sourced materials evoke the charm of a Swiss town. The road winds down along the Kanas River, revealing a constantly changing landscape. While the lake monster is a gimmick, the color-changing lake is real. Kanas Lake's color changes with melting snow, rainfall, and shifting light, showcasing vibrant shades of turquoise, clear gray, emerald, dark green, and milky green depending on the season. Behind it, the Altai Mountains evoke a Nordic forest. Every autumn, golden birch, apricot-yellow larch, fiery red European poplar, and evergreen pine and cypress create a vibrant spectacle that would put any Impressionist painting to shame.
Best Season: May to October. The best time to enjoy the autumn scenery is from early September to National Day. Kanas's winter scenery, covered in snow and ice, is gradually attracting tourists, so don't miss it if you have the chance.
[Recommended tour]: 2 days. Kanas Scenic Area is too large, so you should leave enough time to visit.
[Opening hours]: 8:00-19:00. The opening hours will be adjusted according to holidays and seasonal changes. Please refer to the announcement of the scenic spot.
【Address】: Deep in the mountains in the north of Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang (about 140km from the county seat)
Tips:
The boat tour of Kanas Lake is not recommended as it is a bit boring. Instead, you can take a car, ride a horse or hike up the mountain to the Fish Viewing Platform to overlook the panoramic view of Kanas Lake.
If you come to Kanas, most tour guides will recommend you to take a boat tour. However, to truly experience the unusual beauty of Kanas, you need to take a short hike in Kanas Three Bays and experience the colors of autumn up close.
Fairy Bay
At its widest point (700 meters), the Kanas River flows gently, with large swamps and grasslands. There are small islands scattered in the river, which are a combination of spruce and larch. Under the sunlight, the lake surface is scattered with fine light, and with the perennial clouds and mist, it is like a fairyland.
Moon Bay
The river bend here is like an "S"-shaped bend, like a crescent moon falling into the valley. On the shallows in the north of the river bend, there are two footprint-shaped grass beaches, which are known as "Genghis Khan's Footprints".
Wolong Bay
Here, the rivers crisscross, with a central beach in the middle that resembles a dragon sleeping in the blue Kanas River. In autumn, the island's foliage is a vibrant, vibrant color, seemingly covered in auspicious clouds. Let your imagination run wild when you see it.
【Sanwan Hiking】
First paragraph:
Fairy Bay - Moon Bay, about 3km, hiking time is about 1 hour. This section is most suitable for hiking in the morning with morning fog. The whole way is shrouded in clouds and mist, and the shadows are hazy. For a moment, you have a feeling that you don’t know what day it is.
(The track in the picture is a hiking route)
Second paragraph:
The 3km (1.5-hour) hike from Moon Bay to Wolong Bay takes you along the plank road to the Kanas River, offering a closer look at the autumn scenery along its banks. The hike is primarily downhill, making it a gentle and challenging one. China-TravelNote has specially arranged a guide to lead you along the Kanas River, allowing you to admire the ever-changing colors of the water and the vibrant autumn forests, reminiscent of a splash-ink painting. The hike is especially captivating when you're away from the road, allowing you to enjoy the autumn scenery all to yourself.
(The red track is the morning fog car route, and the blue track is the hiking route)
【Hemu Village】
Hemu Village, also known as the God's Private Reserve, is the concentrated settlement of the Tuva people and the largest and furthest of the three remaining Tuva villages (Hemu, Kanas, and Baihaba). While the log-built village exudes a primitive charm, it's most famous for its breathtaking autumn colors, adorning the mountains. Smoke from cooking fires rises through the autumnal landscape, creating a dreamy white ribbon. The high relative humidity in autumn increases the chance of morning mist, attracting countless photography enthusiasts each year. The village is also full of attractions: vast birch forests, old cows returning from grazing, Tuva children on their way home from school, and children learning to speak in the courtyards. Hemu is a perfect place for a leisurely stroll with your camera, leaving you wanting more.
[Best Season]: Summer and autumn from May to October. The best time to enjoy the autumn is from early September to the end of the month. Hemu in winter is gradually attracting the attention of the world. If you have the chance, you must come and see the ice and snow world of Hemu.
[Recommended Tour]: 1-2 days, it is recommended to stay one night in Hemu, where you can enjoy the sunrise and morning mist of Hemu and the brilliant starry sky.
【Opening hours】: All day
【Address】: Burqin County, Xinjiang
When coming to Xinjiang, what I look forward to most is encountering the gifts of nature, such as the colorful sunset, the sunrise and morning mist, and the brilliant starry sky!
Northern Xinjiang boasts vast territory and a sparse population, far from urban areas and free from much light pollution. The hectic and fast-paced pace of urban life can make us forget the joy of gazing at the stars. Autumn in northern Xinjiang is relatively dry, with mostly sunny weather, offering many ideal spots for stargazing, including Kanas, Hemu, Baihaba, Urho Ghost City, Jiangbulake, Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, and Kalajun Grassland.
When you come to Hemu, Kanas, and Baihaba, you must seize the opportunity to invite two or three friends to look up at the stars in the night with frogs croaking and insects chirping, and relive your childhood memories.
To shoot the starry sky, you need to meet the following conditions
1. The sky is clear and has few clouds. Sunny weather or weather after rain is the best.
2. There is no moon or the moon is very small. Generally, the end or beginning of the lunar month is the best time.
3. A good foreground, snow-capped mountains, wooden houses, and beautifully shaped trees can all be used as a starry sky foreground.
4. Equipment requirements:
Full-frame body + ultra-wide-angle large aperture lens + tripod + shutter release cable
The best focal length for ultra-wide-angle lenses is generally between 12-24mm, and the larger the aperture, the better
Jiangbulake
Jiangbulake, located at the northern foot of the Eastern Tianshan Mountains, means "source of holy water" in Kazakh. It embodies the spiritual energy of the Tianshan Mountains and is imbued with numerous beautiful legends. Here, distant mountains and nearby waters complement each other, snow-capped peaks blend into a sea of forests, and a vast sea of green and flowers creates a scene of sacred nature. Jiangbulake attracts numerous visitors with its enchanting and poetic flower seas, the tranquil and peaceful Heilaoba Dam, the world's largest Tianshan Strange Slope, and its crisscrossing pastoral landscapes.
In autumn, the endless hills are shrouded in golden waves of wheat, fields, and stacks of wheat. A few quaint trees dot the golden fields, flanked by cattle, sheep, and houses. Even Europe's most famous estate, Barbizon, the village where world-renowned painters like Van Gogh and Monet painted their works, is no match for this.
Best season: May to September. Jiangbulake enters the sowing season in May, with large tulip fields blooming and wheat sowing beginning. The harvest is ready in mid-September.
[Recommended Tour]: 1-2 days. If you like photography, you can stay overnight in the scenic area to enjoy the sunrise and sunset, and the brilliant starry sky.
Opening hours: Winter (April 21st - October 20th) 8:00-21:00; Summer (October 21st - April 20th) 10:00-18:30
【Address】: Qitai County, Xinjiang
One hundred million years ago, this area was once a vast lake. Wind erosion and flowing water, relentlessly eroding it, carved countless fragmented, jagged gullies, creating the modern-day sculpture-like Urho Yardang landform. The fierce winds of the Junggar Basin whirlwind through the Devil City, colliding with it and occasionally emitting demonic cries, hence the name Urho Devil City.
Best season: May to October
【Recommended tour】: 0.5 days, the scenic area is not large
Opening hours: 9:30-20:30 (Summer: April 26-October 25); 10:30-18:30 (Winter: October 26-April 25)
【Address】: 10km north of Wuerhe County, Karamay City, Xinjiang
【Wurhe Populus euphratica Forest】
The China-TravelNote team made a special trip to explore the largest wild Populus euphratica forest in northern Xinjiang. It is a place with few people and beautiful scenery. It is currently exclusive!
Best season: September to October
【Recommended play】: 1-2 hours
【Address】：Confidential for the time being, exclusive
Keketuohai's tourism development is relatively new. While it's not as large as Kanas and Hemu in the northern Xinjiang scenic belt, it boasts a wealth of treasures and has contributed significantly to repaying national debt. In 2017, Keketuohai was designated a World Geopark, marking its arrival on the world stage.
The main scenery of Keketuohai is distributed on both sides of the Irtysh River Grand Canyon. The canyon is more than 70 kilometers long, with granite peaks on both sides facing each other. The valley is crisscrossed with ditches, waterfalls, streams, and springs, and is covered with green pines, birches, and fir forests. The end of the canyon is the source of the Irtysh River. The Irtysh River originates from here, nourishes the Junggar Basin in northern Xinjiang, and finally flows westward into Siberia and into the Arctic Ocean.
【Visit Season】: May to October, best time to enjoy autumn: September to October
【Recommended tour】: 0.5 days, the scenic area is not large
[Opening hours]: March 1st - November 30th (peak season) 09:00-20:00; December 1st - February 28th (off-season) 09:30-19:00
【Address】: Keketuohai Town, Fuyun County, Xinjiang
The Irtysh River, China's only river flowing from east to west to the Arctic Ocean, flows through the Five-Colored Beach, one of the most beautiful Danxia landforms in the Altay region. A unique example of Linshui Danxia, the beach boasts vibrant colors beneath the water, lush vegetation on the opposite bank, and the Irtysh River flowing through it. Windmills can be seen in the distance, and the perfect pre-sunset light adds a vibrant touch to the landscape.
Best season: May to October
【Recommended tour】: 1-2 hours, the scenic area is not large
Opening hours: 9:00-21:30
【Address】: Burqin County, Xinjiang
April to October is the best time to visit northern Xinjiang. April brings apricot blossoms covering the hillsides of Ili, May sees the grasslands in full bloom, June sees lavender swaying in all its glory, July brings blue skies and lush green grass, cattle and sheep roaming the mountains, August brings ripe fruits, September brings the Altai Mountains' birch trees ablaze with color, and October brings morning mist and curling smoke from cooking fires...
When is the best time to see the autumn colors in Kanas and Hemu?
The autumn colors of Kanas and Hemu are primarily due to the changing colors of the vast expanses of autumn leaves, creating a visually stunning scene of vibrant colors. The color change of leaves is influenced by temperature, humidity, tree species, and tree age.
Generally, leaves begin to turn yellow when the temperature drops to around 10°C, with yellowing occurring first in areas with less moisture and on younger trees. Based on past experience, yellowing begins in early September, creating a vibrant display of red, yellow, orange, and green across Kanas. By mid-September, most leaves have changed color, marking the peak viewing period for the autumn colors of northern Xinjiang. If the weather is stable, the yellowing can persist until after National Day. However, frequent cold snaps can cause the leaves to fall earlier.
Based on years of practical experience, China-TravelNote ensures that tours depart during the peak viewing periods. Of course, the exact conditions for Kanas's autumn colors in 2018 will depend on the weather. National Day is generally more crowded with tourists, so if time permits, we recommend avoiding Golden Week.
Clothing:
In autumn, temperatures in northern Xinjiang fluctuate dramatically between day and night, so be sure to keep warm. Morning temperatures often hover around 0-10 degrees Celsius, but as the sun rises, the temperature rises rapidly. We recommend packing a combination of winter and autumn clothing: 3-4 layers for morning and evening, and 2-3 layers for daytime. A three-piece jacket (jacket shell, fleece, thermal underwear, and jacket pants and thermal underwear) plus a thin down jacket is most practical.
【 shoe】
Footwear is crucial when traveling to Xinjiang. While walking isn't a big deal, the temperature fluctuates greatly, so it's best to bring sneakers or outdoor shoes, preferably waterproof. Avoid sandals, high heels, or slippers; comfortable shoes will make the journey much easier.
For photography tours, outdoor shoes are essential. At sunrise and sunset, the grass will be covered in dew, and sometimes you'll need to wade through water or shoot near water, so waterproof shoes are essential.
In addition, you can also prepare a pair of slippers for use in the hotel, so that your own shoes will be more comfortable.
[Skin Care Products]
Essential skin care products include sunscreen or spray, lip and hand creams, and hydrating lotions. Xinjiang's climate is very dry, so beauty-conscious tourists can also bring hydrating masks. Of course, sunglasses and a sun hat are absolutely essential.
Photographic Equipment:
It would be a shame to capture Xinjiang's stunning scenery without a camera. Therefore, be sure to bring a camera, whether it's a compact or DSLR. Standard rooms in hotels throughout the trip are all equipped with charging points, and the yurts also have outlets, but they are limited, so we recommend bringing a small power strip.
Tourists on photography tours should definitely bring their own gear: a full-frame camera, three lenses (wide-angle 16-35mm, mid-focus 24-70mm, telephoto 70-200mm), a tripod, a gradient filter, a neutral density filter, a shutter cable, a charger, and memory cards. Flights are prohibited in some areas of Xinjiang, such as Baihaba and Kashgar. Those traveling by plane must be aware of these restrictions to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
[Other]
1. Rain gear (it's best to bring a waterproof jacket).
2. A small luggage bag (camera bag) is ideal.
3. Personal toiletries.
4. Thermos bottle (the water in Xinjiang is hard, so it's best to drink boiled water at first).
5. Common cold and gastrointestinal medications.
(For clothing, please refer to the picture below)
train
Xinjiang is a vast region, and trains are the cheapest mode of transportation. Currently, only the Lanzhou-Xinjiang Railway connects to Xinjiang, and these are generally slow. To reach northern Xinjiang, trains run to Altay and Beitun, but the journeys are also longer.
car
Driving is the most convenient mode of transportation in northern Xinjiang, with large passenger terminals located in every prefecture capital. However, due to Xinjiang's vast territory, journeys can often be hundreds or even thousands of kilometers, and speed limits are common. If you choose to drive, be prepared for long journeys.
airplane
Xinjiang is the province with the most civil airports in China. Almost every prefecture has an airport, and some regions even have more than one. There are almost daily flights to and from Urumqi. If you only want to go to Kanas, you can choose to fly to Altay Airport or Kanas Airport.
Self-driving
Many self-driving enthusiasts like to drive there by themselves, but the tolls from the mainland are not small, and the journey time is too long. The speed limits and complex road conditions in Xinjiang are a great test for the driver's skills and physical strength. Someone once drove in Xinjiang for 15 days and rented a car to drive in Xinjiang. However, he was still deducted 26 points when he came back, so this method is not recommended.
Charter
Besides group tours, chartering a car is the most common and popular travel method in Xinjiang. There are two types of chartering: short-distance charters, ideal for local excursions, where you can charter a car for one or two days to visit certain attractions. Longer-distance charters typically depart from Urumqi and can last from a few days to over ten days, depending on your itinerary. Most chartered cars are privately operated and lack operating licenses or even insurance, making them unsafe. Choose carefully.
Join the group
Joining a tour group is the easiest and most worry-free option. You don't have to worry about itinerary planning, car and hotel reservations, or meeting people. You can also make new friends along the way. Simply choose a well-designed plan and experience the most beautiful scenery at the perfect time. Of course, choosing a reputable and responsible travel agency and a high-quality, guaranteed itinerary are paramount. Don't fall for cheap tours just to save a few hundred yuan. You'll end up wasting money and have to navigate the various schemes.
If this is your first time to Xinjiang, China-TravelNote strongly recommends choosing this route, spending 9 or 12 days to gain a deeper understanding of why Kanas topped the list of autumn colors in China National Geographic.
Q1: Accommodation: What are the hotel conditions like? What room types are available? What bed sizes are available? Are there showers, elevators, and hairdryers?
China-TravelNote offers standard rooms in three-star, four-star, or similar business hotels. Luxury accommodations are offered in high-end, local hotels. While hotels in Xinjiang may be slightly lower in standard than those in coastal areas, overall, the accommodations are excellent.
Most hotels offer standard rooms, with beds typically measuring 1.0-1.2 meters. All hotels have showers and elevators, and most rooms come with hairdryers. If your room doesn't have one, you can borrow one from the front desk.
Q2: Is there altitude sickness in Xinjiang?
Most areas of Xinjiang do not experience altitude sickness. Urumqi is 800 meters above sea level, Kashgar is 1,200 meters above sea level,
the average altitude in the Tianshan region is between 1,000 and 2,000 meters ,
the average altitude in northern Xinjiang is between 500 and 1,200 meters, and
the average altitude in southern Xinjiang is between 500 and 1,200 meters.
The average altitude of the Pamir Plateau is between 3,000 and 4,000 meters.
Q3: What's the cost of living in Xinjiang? Can I pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay? How much cash should I bring?
Most of the consumption in Xinjiang is relatively normal, with an average meal costing about 20 to 40 yuan per person (mainly noodles and stir-fried dishes). The cost is higher in or near scenic spots. Most people in Xinjiang do not use Alipay, but WeChat Pay is slightly more popular and is now gradually gaining popularity.
If you are not buying anything, it is recommended that you bring 100 yuan in cash per day for daily expenses, which can also be withdrawn locally. We usually stay in the city at night.
Q4: Is Xinjiang safe to travel to?
This is probably the most pressing question for travelers visiting Xinjiang right now. China-TravelNote responsibly assures you that Xinjiang is perfectly safe.
First, our itineraries primarily cover the Tianshan Mountains in northern Xinjiang, and are primarily populated by ethnic groups such as Han, Kazakh, and Mongolian. Occasional terrorist activities occur primarily in remote, underdeveloped, and impoverished towns in southern Xinjiang, which our itineraries do not cover.
Second, these incidents are perpetrated by a very small number of extremists with political agendas. People of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, including Uyghurs, deeply detest terrorists, and they are condemned by everyone in southern Xinjiang. The many Uyghur people we encountered along the way were incredibly friendly, and their kindness and sincerity touched us deeply.
Third, the government has increased patrols and controls. Furthermore, our tour leaders and drivers are very familiar with the area and provide precautions before travel. China-TravelNote advocates responsible travel, and we wouldn't dare allow anyone to travel if it were truly unsafe.
Time Difference:
Xinjiang uses Beijing time throughout the year, but Urumqi is in the GMT+6 time zone, while Beijing is in the GMT+8 time zone. Therefore, there's a two-hour time difference between Xinjiang and most mainland cities. Hotel check-in and check-out are typically at 2:00 PM. Lunch is around 2:00 PM, and dinner is around 8:00 PM. Some phones have an automatic time zone adjustment feature, so remember to disable it to avoid misplacing your contact information.
[Flight Seating]
Tourists flying to Xinjiang are recommended to choose a left-side window seat for views of the magnificent Eastern Tianshan Mountains, including their highest peak, Bogda Peak (5,445 meters). With a bit of luck, you might even see Tianchi Lake. For the return trip, choose the right side.
Security Checks:
Xinjiang's security checks are among the strictest in the country. Whether you're visiting a tourist destination, a hotel, supermarket, hospital, or any other public place, there will be security scanners and security guards at the entrance. Please cooperate with these checks to avoid unnecessary inconvenience. Always carry your ID card with you! Do not leave it in your luggage.
Language:
Xinjiang's majority population is Uyghur, so Uyghur is the primary language. However, in northern Xinjiang and the Yili region, Han Chinese merchants are predominant, making Chinese widely spoken. In Urumqi, the Han Chinese population reaches 70%, so language is not a concern.
[Banks]
Like most cities, banks are found in every street corner in Xinjiang, and financial services are very comprehensive. Major domestic banks have branches in Urumqi.
Consumption Index:
Most people in Xinjiang spend a relatively normal amount of money, with an average meal costing around 20 to 40 yuan per person (primarily noodles and stir-fried dishes). Prices tend to be higher in or near scenic areas. Most people in Xinjiang don't use Alipay, though WeChat Pay is slightly more common and is gradually gaining popularity.
If you don't buy anything, it is recommended that you bring 100 yuan in cash per day, which is enough for you to spend. You can also withdraw money locally when you arrive. We usually stay in the city at night.
【 network】
Most areas in Xinjiang already have 4G signals, and most hotels in Xinjiang have broadband and provide free wireless networks.
