Xinjiang, a vast land covering one-sixth of China, has become the ultimate destination in the hearts of countless travelers with its unique geographical features and diverse cultural heritage. The Tianshan Mountains divide Xinjiang into northern and southern Xinjiang, with northern Xinjiang known for its magnificent natural scenery and southern Xinjiang known for its strong ethnic customs. This article takes international travelers as the starting point and will provide you with a detailed analysis of how to perfectly plan an in-depth journey through the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains.
Where is the fun in northern and southern Xinjiang?
1. Northern Xinjiang
Northern Xinjiang is known as the “Switzerland of Asia”, which brings together rich and diverse natural landscapes such as mountain lakes, primeval forests, and vast grasslands.
Kanas Scenic Area is the crown jewel of northern Xinjiang tourism. This mysterious place located deep in the Altai Mountains not only has Kanas Lake, where the legendary “Lake Monster” haunts, but also has stunning river bay landscapes such as Moon Bay and Fairy Bay. Kanas in autumn is particularly charming, with the color changes of the forest making people feel like they are in the world of oil painting. It is recommended to stay here for at least two days, hiking along the lake on the first day and climbing the fish viewing platform for panoramic views on the second day.
Kanas
Hemu Village is known as the “back garden of God” and is the most complete Tuvan village in China. The early morning Hemu is the most moving moment, and the scene of wooden houses and smoke in the morning mist is like a fairyland. Visitors can stay in local characteristic wooden houses to experience the traditional life of the Tuvans, and in the evening, they can also participate in bonfires and listen to the melodious melodies of the Chuwur.
As the highest altitude and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, Sailimu Lake is known for its crystal clear water and the reflection of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. The nasturtium flowers on the lakeside are especially beautiful in May and June, and cycling around the lake is the best way to visit. The nearby Guozigou Bridge itself is a spectacular sight, standing on the bridge overlooking the canyon, which is extremely shocking.
Nalati grassland is one of the four major river valley grasslands in the world, divided into two major areas: aerial grassland and river valley grassland. Nalati in summer is a sea of flowers, with wildflowers of red, yellow, blue, and purple blooming. Here you must experience the Kazakh horseback culture, ride horses under the leadership of local herders, and feel the vastness and freedom of the grassland.
Nalati Grassland
2. Southern Xinjiang
If northern Xinjiang is a gift from nature, then southern Xinjiang is the crystallization of civilization. It brings together many ethnic minorities such as Uyghurs, Tajiks, and Kyrgyzs, preserving the purest Western Regions style.
The old city of Kashgar is the essence of southern Xinjiang culture. This ancient city, which has a history of more than 2,000 years, still maintains its traditional lifestyle and architectural style. Wander through the labyrinthine streets and alleys, where you can see exquisite carved wood doors and windows and enthusiastic Uyghur elders. The opening ceremony is not to be missed every morning, and performers dressed in national costumes welcome guests from all over the world with songs and dances. The artisan bazaar in the old city is a living cultural heritage, where traditional crafts such as copperware, woodware, and clay pottery have been passed down from generation to generation.
The Pamirs are known as the “roof of the world,” and this mystical land has breathtaking beauty. On the way from Kashgar to Tashkurgan County, you will pass by the fairyland-like White Sand Lake, where the silvery-white sand mountains contrast sharply with the blue water. Continuing ahead, the majestic Muztag Peak stands tall in the sky, the “father of icebergs” a mecca for mountaineering enthusiasts. Tashkurgan County, despite its small size, is an excellent place to learn about Tajik culture, and the ruins of Stone Town here record the ancient history of the Silk Road.
The Taklamakan Desert is the largest desert in China and the second largest mobile desert in the world. Crossing the desert road is an unforgettable experience in itself, with unique landscapes such as poplar forests and desert oases along the way. The poplar forest in golden autumn is the most spectacular, and the thousand-year-old poplar blooms the most brilliant golden color in the desert.
As a treasure trove of Buddhist art on the Silk Road, the Kizil Thousand Buddha Cave has a longer history than the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang. Despite the vicissitudes of life, the preserved murals are still stunning, showcasing the unique artistic style of the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.
Itinerary planning and budgeting
1. 16-day classic loop itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, visit the International Grand Bazaar, taste local cuisine, and adapt to jet lag.
Days 2 to 4: Go to the Altay region, visit Hemu Village and Kanas Scenic Area in depth, and experience Tuvan culture.
Days 5 to 7: Go to the Ili area, visit Sailimu Lake and Nalati Grassland, and experience the grassland culture.
Days 8-11: Cross the Duku Highway, experience the wonders of “four seasons in a day”, and arrive in Kuqa.
Days 12 to 16: Go deep into southern Xinjiang, visit the old city of Kashgar, the Pamir Plateau, and finally end the trip in Kashgar.
2. Budget analysis
Transportation costs are the biggest expense item. The average daily chartered car in northern Xinjiang is about 800-1,000 yuan, and in southern Xinjiang it is slightly lower by about 600-800 yuan. If you choose to connect with Urumqi-Altay, Kashgar-Urumqi and other long-distance sections, the one-way ticket is about 1,000-1,500 yuan.
Accommodation costs vary greatly depending on the season. In the off-season (after April and October), budget hotels are about 200-300 yuan/night, and in the peak season (June-September), it may rise to 400-600 yuan. The price of characteristic wooden houses in Hemu, Kanas and other scenic spots is higher during the peak season, reaching 800-1,000 yuan/night.
Ticket expenses should not be underestimated. The peak season ticket for Kanas Scenic Area plus shuttle bus is about 230 yuan, Nalati Grassland is about 135 yuan, and Sailimu Lake is about 70 yuan. It is recommended to set aside a ticket budget of 1500-2000 yuan.
In terms of catering, Xinjiang is rich in products and many delicacies. Local specialties such as mixed noodles, pilaf, and grilled buns are about 30-50 yuan per meal, and the price will be higher in the scenic area. If you want to experience special banquets, such as Kazakh family banquets, Uyghur song and dance dinners, etc., each meal is about 150-200 yuan.
In general, the average cost of comfortable self-guided tours is about 2-2.5 yuan, and the economy type also costs 1.2-1.5 yuan.
3. Money-saving suggestions
Walking together: A group of 4-6 people is the best choice, which can not only share the cost of chartering a car, but also choose a family room for accommodation, further reducing costs.
Equipment preparation: Prepare necessities such as sunscreen and lip balm in advance, and the price of these items in scenic spots often doubles. At the same time, bring a water bottle, and all major scenic spots in Xinjiang provide free boiling water.
Through the above money-saving tips, you can control the budget for a 16-day in-depth tour of northern and southern Xinjiang at 8,000-12,000 yuan/person without reducing the quality of the travel experience. The important thing is to plan ahead, be flexible, and be a savvy traveler.
Notes for international travelers
1. The complexity of documents and administrative procedures
Many border areas in Xinjiang (such as Tashkurgan and parts of Kanas) require tourists to apply for a “Border Management Area Pass”. International passengers need to apply through designated institutions with passports, and individual applications not only need to go to designated application points, but may also lead to multiple round trips due to language barriers. Especially when applying for a border defense certificate in Kashgar, individual tourists need to wait in line in person, which may take more than half a day during peak season.
2. Practical dilemmas of transportation arrangements
Intercity transportation: Public transportation between Xinjiang attractions is limited, and the reservation system has low support for international credit cards. For example, the shuttle bus from Urumqi to Kanas needs to purchase tickets at the passenger terminal in advance, and seats cannot be guaranteed.
Scenic spot transportation: Large scenic spots such as Kanas and Nalati implement a shuttle bus system, and individual passengers need to queue up again at each transfer point to buy tickets, and it is expected to take an additional 2-3 hours of queuing time throughout the process.
Chartered car trap: When chartering a car on their own, international travelers may encounter problems such as limited English skills and vehicles not meeting foreign-related standards, which affect the travel experience.
3. Special restrictions on accommodation reservations
According to relevant Chinese regulations, foreign travelers must stay in hotels with “foreign-related qualifications”. Many specialty B&Bs and budget hotels cannot accept foreign guests, and international travelers are prone to making mistakes when booking, resulting in the embarrassing situation of being refused check-in after arriving at the hotel.
4. Language and cultural barriers
English service coverage is limited in most parts of Xinjiang, and there is a lack of English translation for menus, road signs, and attraction introductions. There are significant difficulties in ordering, asking for directions, and understanding cultural contexts, affecting the depth of the travel experience.
Why choosing an experienced travel agency can make Tibet travel budget more controllable?
Traveling to Xinjiang is no less challenging than other border areas: special document requirements (border guard permits), tight resources during peak seasons, and complex logistics planning for long-distance travel. Professional travel agents can:
- Assist in efficiently applying for border permits and ensuring transportation tickets in advance (reducing the risk of ticketless tickets during peak seasons).
- Offer plans in a variety of price ranges, from boutique small groups to private customizations, to help travelers strike the best balance between budget and experience.
- Provide real-time support and response plans in case of travel emergencies (weather changes, road control, altitude sickness, etc.).
- If you want to save time and effort, choosing a reputable travel agency to arrange it for you is often more economical and reliable than handling the affairs yourself.
When planning to travel to Xinjiang in 2026, please master three keys: plan ahead, clarify your travel quality requirements, and choose a travel agency with experience in Xinjiang to handle border security permits and transportation reservations. If you need us to provide a free itinerary quote evaluation, confirm the feasibility of border control permit processing, or compare the best combination plan of plane + train + special car, please contact us. We offer a variety of small groups and customized options, from boutique groups of 4-8 people to exclusive chartered car services, and handle border security permits and transportation tickets throughout the process, allowing you to easily set off and travel to Xinjiang with peace of mind.
