Xinjiang Cities

Yarkand County travel means slowing down in Shache: a living Tarim oasis of muqam music, old-town bazaars, and 3,000 years of Silk Road history to walk.

Huocheng County, at the western end of Xinjiang’s Ili Valley, grows most of China’s lavender. Our guide covers the bloom, the town, and a one-day loop.

Xinjiang’s cities are the backbone of any trip. This maps where Urumqi, Kashgar, Turpan and the Ili and southern hubs sit, and how to link them by road.

Fuhai County in northern Xinjiang is a working fishing town on Ulungur Lake, with a sand beach, a bird island and some of the region’s freshest catch.

Jimunai County sits on Xinjiang’s Altai edge by Kazakhstan. Plan a visit around the closed Mussard Glacier, Sarwulan village, and Saur winter camel treks.

Burqin County travel guide: the gateway town to Kanas, when to see Colourful Beach, where to eat river fish, and how to plan your nights.

Habahe County travel guide: how to reach Baihaba village and White Sand Lake, the best months to go, where to stay, and the border permit you need.

Jinghe County is the rail and road hinge of northern Xinjiang, where the Second Eurasia Land Bridge meets the Yili Khorgas railway and the goji grows red.

Xinyuan County sits below Nalati in the Ili valley — a working Kazakh farming town of wild-apricot slopes, river fish and the gateway to the Duku Highway.

Nilka County’s Kash River Valley and the Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery: a free, drive-yourself meadow road following Xinjiang’s greenest river, no gate fee.