When planning a trip to Xinjiang, many people hesitate: arrange it yourself or book a Xinjiang group tour? If you’re not familiar with the local area or don’t want to bother with transportation and accommodation, choosing a reliable Xinjiang group tour is more hassle-free. Group tours not only solve long-distance transportation connections but also allow you to gain a deeper understanding of local culture through tour guides’ explanations. Of course, when selecting a group tour, you also need to pay attention to practical issues such as itinerary choices, travel seasons, cost details, and pre-trip preparations. This article will help you sort out these key points to help you plan calmly and make your journey smoother.
Why Choose Xinjiang Group Tours?
Xinjiang is extremely large, with scenic spots and cities often hundreds of kilometers apart, making it troublesome to arrange transportation on your own. Whether it’s finding a chartered car, catching long-distance buses, or booking accommodation in remote areas, it takes a lot of time and effort. A good Xinjiang group tour takes care of all these troubles. It not only arranges daily transportation but also usually includes scenic spot tickets and tour guide explanations, so you don’t have to worry about these trivial matters in an unfamiliar place. Especially when visiting places like Kanas Lake and the Pamir Plateau, traveling with a team familiar with the road conditions and local conditions ensures greater safety and smoother travel.
When choosing a Xinjiang group tour, the itinerary is indeed pre-arranged, with a plan for where to go and how long to stay each day. But this doesn’t mean there’s no flexibility at all. Nowadays, there are many options for Xinjiang group tours. In addition to regular travel groups, there are also small groups of six or seven people, or private customized itineraries with dedicated cars and guides. Small groups have a more relaxed pace and more free time; private customization can be completely designed according to your ideas. The key is to figure out whether you value unrestrained freedom more or the convenience of not having to worry about anything throughout the trip.
Scenery of Nalati Grassland in Xinjiang
Choose an Itinerary Based on Your Preferences: Natural Scenery or Cultural History?
The first step in choosing a Xinjiang group tour is to clarify what you most want to see. Travel in Xinjiang can generally be divided into two routes: one is to enjoy the stunning natural scenery of Northern Xinjiang, and the other is to experience the rich culture and history of Southern Xinjiang.
Northern Xinjiang: Focus on Natural Scenery
The most beautiful thing about Northern Xinjiang is its natural scenery. The key attractions are Kanas Lake and Hemu Village in the Altay region, as well as Nalati and Bayanbulak Grasslands in the Ili River Valley. In summer, the grasslands of Ili are like green carpets covered with various wildflowers; in autumn, the forests of Altay are rich in colors, like a fairy-tale world. Choosing this type of Xinjiang group tour means you will spend most of your time outdoors, walking around, taking photos, which is very suitable for people who love nature and photography.
Southern Xinjiang: Focus on Cultural Customs
Southern Xinjiang allows you to feel the strong Uyghur culture and the ancient Silk Road history. You can wander around the old town of Kashgar, visit the Id Kah Mosque, and admire the magnificent plateau scenery along the Kunlun Mountains. Xinjiang group tours in Southern Xinjiang are more cultural, with itineraries that include visiting bazaars, watching handicrafts, and tasting authentic food, with a pace that focuses on experience and feeling.
Nowadays, some specialized in-depth Southern Xinjiang group tours on the market are well-designed. For example, the “Premium Southern Xinjiang 8-Day Tour” operated by China Dragon Travel is quite thoughtful:
Departure City: Urumqi
Brief Itinerary: Urumqi – Korla – Kuqa – Aksu – Kashgar – Taxkorgan County – Kashgar
Itinerary Highlights: This route covers the core landscapes of Southern Xinjiang from lakes to plateaus. It’s a small group with a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 6 people, eliminating the trouble of single room supplements. You are guaranteed not to be left alone with shared accommodation, and there are thoughtful arrangements such as freshly ground coffee on board. The entire trip is quite comfortable, suitable for friends who want to experience Southern Xinjiang in depth and relaxedly.
If it’s your first time visiting Xinjiang and you don’t have much time, it’s not recommended to try to visit both Northern and Southern Xinjiang in one trip. Because the two places are far apart, forcing a combined trip will result in most of the time being spent on the road, and you won’t be able to experience each place deeply. A better way is to choose one place to visit thoroughly according to the season and your interests, and a well-designed Xinjiang group tour can help you achieve this in-depth experience.
When Is the Best Time to Go? Seasonal Choices for Xinjiang Group Tours
The scenery in Xinjiang varies greatly throughout the year. Choosing the right time to go directly affects your travel experience.
Spring to Early Summer (April – June): At this time, the grasslands in Northern Xinjiang begin to turn green, apricot blossoms and lavender in Ili bloom one after another, and the weather is pleasant. The season of strong winds and sand in Southern Xinjiang is also over, making it an ideal time to visit. There are not too many tourists at this time, which is considered the off-peak season, and the price of joining a Xinjiang group tour is relatively cost-effective.
Peak Summer Season (July – August): This is the busiest time in Northern Xinjiang. The grasslands are in their most beautiful state, the weather is cool, but there are also the most tourists, and all kinds of expenses are the highest of the year. If you book a Xinjiang group tour at this time, you must book in advance. A good travel agency can ensure you get a car and accommodation, so you don’t miss the beautiful scenery.
Golden Autumn Season (September – October): Especially from late September to early October, the autumn scenery in Altay, Northern Xinjiang, is at its peak, with leaves of rich colors. The poplar forests in Southern Xinjiang also turn golden yellow. The weather is good, making it especially suitable for photography, which is another peak season. Professional Xinjiang group tours will arrange the itinerary to coincide with the best viewing time.
Winter (November – March): Northern Xinjiang becomes a quiet snow-covered world with very few tourists and the lowest costs, suitable for people who specifically want to see snow and prefer tranquility. However, you need to choose a specially designed winter itinerary.
Autumn Scenery of Kanas in Xinjiang
How Are Xinjiang Group Tour Costs Composed?
The cost of joining a Xinjiang group tour is not fixed, mainly depending on the following aspects:
Duration and Destinations: The number of days and the distance of the places you visit are the basics. The total price of an itinerary that only covers the classic scenic spots in Northern Xinjiang will definitely be different from a long-distance itinerary that includes the highlights of both Northern and Southern Xinjiang. The advantage of group tours is that the main costs (transportation, accommodation, tickets, tour guide) are fixed in advance, so there are not many unexpected expenses on the road.
Travel Season: As mentioned earlier, in the peak seasons of summer and autumn, air tickets, hotels, and cars are in short supply, so the quotation for Xinjiang group tours is high. Traveling in spring and winter is much more affordable. Finding a reputable travel agency allows them to recommend high-quality itineraries suitable for the season based on your budget.
Group Type and Service Standards: Large groups have lower per capita costs because the expenses are shared among more people. Small groups of less than 6 people or private customized groups have higher per capita costs because they provide dedicated cars and guides and can be adjusted according to your ideas, but the travel experience is more flexible and personalized. In addition, whether the hotel is ordinary or high-end and the dining standard also affect the group tour price.
Generally speaking, a clear quotation for a Xinjiang group tour will include: tourist vehicles, tour guide services, main entrance tickets for the scenic spots listed in the itinerary, accommodation throughout the trip, and part of the catering. The expenses you may need to prepare yourself include: long-distance transportation to and from Xinjiang (sometimes included in the group fee), some snacks or dinners you want to eat, souvenirs, travel insurance, and voluntary tips if you are satisfied with the tour guide and driver’s services. When consulting, you must ask clearly what is included and not included in the fee, so that it is easier to compare and plan the total budget. Professional institutions like China Dragon Travel usually provide clear quotations to avoid hidden costs.
Make These Preparations Before Departure for a Smoother Journey
After booking a Xinjiang group tour, making the following preparations will make your trip easier.
Documents and Procedures: Ensure your travel documents are within their validity period. To visit some border or special areas, you may need to complete procedures such as a border pass in advance, which can be complicated to handle by yourself. Asking the travel agency you booked with (such as China Dragon Travel) to help with the procedures or provide detailed guidelines is the most convenient way.
Clothing and Equipment: The temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang is large. No matter when you go, “layering clothes” is the best way. Wear sweat-wicking clothes inside, warm clothes in the middle, and windproof clothes outside. Even in summer, you need to bring a windproof jacket because the nights in the mountains are cool. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential, as the sun is very strong here. Good Xinjiang group tour guides usually send a detailed equipment list for your reference before departure.
Physical Adaptation: Some places (such as the Pamir Plateau) are relatively high in altitude. Although not as extreme as Tibet, you should avoid running and jumping when you first arrive to allow your body to adapt. It is recommended to bring some of your own commonly used medicines, such as cold medicine and gastrointestinal medicine. If you have any special health conditions, consult a doctor in advance and inform the tour leader. A responsible travel agency will design the itinerary to gradually increase the altitude and prepare some emergency medicines and oxygen on the bus.
Respect Local Customs: Xinjiang is a multi-ethnic region. When entering places like mosques, dress neatly. If you want to take photos of local people, especially women and the elderly, it is best to ask for permission first. When shopping in the market, you can negotiate the price, but be polite. The advantage of group tours is that the tour guide will inform you of these precautions in advance, helping you get along better with the local people.
Common Questions About Xinjiang Group Tours
Q: Can I get used to the food in Xinjiang?
A: Xinjiang cuisine mainly consists of beef, mutton, and noodles, with strong flavors. Dishes like Big Plate Chicken, Polo (hand-grabbed rice), and Samsa (baked buns) are very famous. There are more dining options in cities, and you can also find regular meals. If you have special dietary requirements (such as being vegetarian or having allergies), be sure to inform the travel agency when booking. A professional Xinjiang group tour will communicate with the restaurant in advance to try to arrange suitable meals for you.
Q: Is there mobile phone signal in Xinjiang? Can I access the internet?
A: In major cities like Urumqi and Kashgar, as well as most towns, the 4G network signal is quite good. However, in some remote mountainous areas, deserts, or on the road while driving, there may be no signal or very weak signal. When traveling with a group tour, you don’t have to worry too much about finding your way because the driver is very familiar with the route. However, you can download some movies and music in advance to watch on the way.
Q: Do I need to bring a lot of cash when joining a Xinjiang group tour?
A: Mobile payment is very common and convenient in shops and hotels in big cities and major tourist areas. However, in small stalls, farmhouses, or specific occasions in some remote places, cash (RMB) is still needed. It is recommended to carry some cash with you for emergencies, and the tour guide will also remind you.
How to Choose the Most Suitable Xinjiang Group Tour for You?
When choosing a Xinjiang group tour, the most crucial thing is to figure out what kind of travel experience you really want. Do you prefer to see the natural scenery of Northern Xinjiang or the cultural history of Southern Xinjiang? Do you like a compact itinerary or a relaxed pace? What is your budget? Clarifying these basic questions can help you quickly narrow down your choices. For most tourists, the biggest advantage of group tours is convenience. Especially in a vast region like Xinjiang where transportation is not very convenient, a good Xinjiang group tour can arrange all the details for you, allowing you to focus entirely on traveling and experiencing. If you have doubts about itinerary choices or are not sure which way is more suitable for you, you can consult experienced institutions like China Dragon Travel. They can provide more targeted suggestions and plans based on your specific situation, helping you plan a rich and relaxed trip to Xinjiang.
