Xinjiang Cities

Burqin travel guide: where to stay, what to eat at the night market, how to use the town as a Kanas base, and when to catch the Five-Colored Beach 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: China’s first major oil city, the Ghost City yadan landform nearby, where to eat and how it fits a northern Xinjiang route.

Yili travel guide: grassland routes, lavender fields near Huocheng, Sayram Lake, Yining old town and how many days the prefecture really deserves.

Kuqa travel guide: the old town and Friday bazaar, Kizil Grottoes and the Grand Canyon nearby, train links, and where Kuqa fits a southern route.

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: the oasis city known for apples and rice, Tianshan Grand Canyon nearby, transport connections and how long to spend in the area.

Hotan travel guide: the Sunday bazaar, jade markets along the river, silk and carpet workshops, the Taklamakan on the doorstep, and getting there.

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

Turpan travel guide from three visits: the 1-hour train from Urumqi, scheduling around extreme heat, karez tunnels, the ruins circuit and a 2-day plan.