Xinjiang Attractions

Planning a Huocheng lavender trip in Xinjiang? A trained aromatherapist shares bloom timing, the best fields, real prices and how to reach the Ili Valley.

Aydingkol Lake Turpan sits 154 m below sea level, the lowest point in China. Field notes on reaching the salt flats, when to visit and how to stay safe.

This Korla travel guide covers the Peacock River, Iron Gate Pass, Bosten Lake trips, pear season, hotels, food and trains for southern Xinjiang travel.

Minfeng travel guide: how to reach the Taklamakan edge by desert highway and train, where to eat red dates and melon, and plan your G315 oasis stop here.

Yutian travel guide to the last oasis before the Taklamakan. Visit Keriya town, the Darya Boyi desert village, and the Keriya River with practical tips.

Hoboksar travel guide: Xinjiang’s Mongol steppe, home of the Jangar epic and the summer Nadam festival. Transport, best time, food and honest travel tips.

Alashankou travel guide: how to visit China’s windiest Kazakhstan rail port in Bortala, with train times, the best season to come, where to stay, what to

Bortala travel guide: visit Sayram Lake, the Strange Stone Valley and Alashankou port, meet Mongol herders in Xinjiang’s quiet Kazakh-border prefecture.

Our Tacheng travel guide covers the Russian-flavored border town of northwest Xinjiang: winter snow, safflower fields, Baktu port, transport and food.

Mulei Populus Forest is one of Xinjiang’s last wild poplar stands. Learn how to reach the golden woods, the best time to visit, the road, and what to pack.