Xinjiang Cities

Plan your Tekes Bagua City trip: how to read the I Ching street grid, why the historic core has no traffic lights, best time to visit, where to stay, and how to use it as a Kalajun base.

Burqin, the fairytale town near Kanas and base for Five-Colored Beach: how to get there, where to stay, what to eat and the season for the golden sunset.

Our Yarkand travel guide covers Shache’s royal mausoleum, Friday mosque, and Sunday bazaar, with how to get there, where to stay, and best time to visit.

Karamay travel guide 2026: the Xinjiang oil city and gateway to the Urho Ghost City, with how to get there, where to stay, and the best time to visit it.

Yili travel guide 2026: Xinjiang’s grassland prefecture around Yining, with Nalati, the apricot blossoms and the Kazanqi old town, and how to get there.

Kuqa travel guide 2026: the ancient Qiuci capital on the southern Silk Road, with the Kizil caves, the Grand Canyon, how to get there and eat well here.

Hotan vs Kashgar compared: old city character, jade and carpet bazaars, access and transfers, plus which city suits your southern Xinjiang trip.

Aksu travel guide 2026: the Tarim oasis and gateway to the Tianshan Grand Canyon, with how to get there, where to stay, and what to see, do and eat well.

Hotan travel guide 2026: the southern oasis famous for jade and carpets, with the Yurungkash River, bazaars, local food and how to get there safely too.

Urumqi travel guide with top attractions, transportation, accommodation, food, and 2-3 day itineraries. Your gateway to Xinjiang.