Xinjiang Travel Essentials Guide｜Everything You Need for a Smooth First Trip

A Practical Xinjiang Travel Guide — The No-Fluff Tips Only People Who’ve Really Been There Will Tell You

Xinjiang is huge—so huge that a single trip can mean traveling thousands of kilometers. It’s also “extreme”: intense sunshine, strong winds, very dry air, and big temperature swings. First-timers are often blown away by the scenery, but they also tend to stumble on what to wear, security checks, food, and daily rhythm.
This isn’t a filler checklist—it’s based on real experience across Northern Xinjiang grasslands, Southern Xinjiang deserts, highlands, long highways, self-driving, and group tours. Follow it, and you’ll avoid most avoidable mishaps.

One-Click Xinjiang Travel Packing Checklist 🧳

Nalati Grassland

1) Documents

1. National ID / Passport (Must-have, keep on you) 🪪
Security checks are more frequent than in most places: airports, train stations, some highway checkpoints, malls, and scenic spots may all check IDs.
Tip: Don’t bury it in your suitcase—keep it in a fixed spot in your day bag.

2. Driver’s License (Essential for self-drive / rentals)
Xinjiang is fantastic for road trips—especially Yili, the Duku Highway, and the loop around Sayram Lake.
Tip: If you’re renting a car, confirm your license is valid and accepted.

3. Student/Teacher/Military ID 🎫
Many attractions still offer discounts—especially in peak season.

4. Bank Card + Some Cash 💰
Mobile payments work well in major cities, but signal can be unstable in smaller towns, grassland interiors, and service areas.
Tip: Carry a small amount of cash for emergencies—particularly for Southern Xinjiang routes.

2) Clothing

Three keywords for Xinjiang packing: sun protection, wind protection, layering.

Essentials

Windproof jacket / shell 🧥
Wind around grasslands, lakes, and mountain passes can be brutal—even in summer.
Light down jacket / fleece
Morning–night temperature swings can reach 15–20°C, especially at Sayram Lake, Bayanbulak, and the Pamir.
Long-sleeve tee + UV protection shirt
UV is intense—“I won’t tan” is wishful thinking.
Comfortable long pants 👖
Quick-dry or athletic pants work best: sun-proof, mosquito-resistant, and easy to move in.
Dresses / short sleeves 👗
Fine to bring—but pair with a UV layer or shawl.

Footwear

Sneakers / hiking shoes 🥾: for walking, grasslands, desert, roadside photo stops
Slides: hotel and long rides
Crocs-style clogs: great for camping, lakesides, grasslands—practical and photogenic

Accessories

Wide-brim hat 👒 + sunglasses 🕶️: reflected UV can be strong
Scarf / head wrap: blocks wind, sand, and sun—multi-use
Arm sleeves: very helpful for driving, horse riding, or cycling

3) Sun & Skincare

1. High-SPF sunscreen (SPF50+)
Apply to face, neck, and hands; reapply about every 2 hours outdoors.

2. Lip balm + rich moisturizer
It’s dry enough that some people get cracked lips—or even nosebleeds—by day three.

3. Sheet masks + body lotion
Nighttime hydration makes a noticeable difference.

4. Portable hydrating mist
Great for long drives and outdoor stops—comfort level improves a lot.

Baisha Lake

4) Meds

Stomach meds: lots of BBQ, naan, and dairy—digestive issues are common
Cold/fever meds: big day–night temperature changes
Motion sickness pills: winding mountain roads + long drives
Heat relief meds: important in summer
Band-aids + antiseptic wipes: for small scrapes
Mosquito repellent: grasslands and lakes can be buggy in summer
Altitude support: if heading to the Pamir / Tashkurgan, some people bring Rhodiola (best started in advance)

5) Electronics

Phone + power bank
Note: Many checks cap power banks at ≤ 20,000 mAh.
Camera + spare batteries
Scenery is nonstop—you’ll shoot a lot.
Car charger + travel neck pillow
Drives can be hours long; small items change the experience.
Power strip
Hotel outlets are often limited.
Drone
Check local rules in advance—many scenic areas prohibit flying. Don’t gamble.

6) Other Useful Items

Thermos: warm water helps in dry climates
Wet wipes + tissues: outdoor handwashing isn’t always easy
Folding umbrella / rain poncho: mountain weather changes fast
Snacks: nuts, chocolate, energy bars
Neck pillow + eye mask: flights, trains, and long bus rides
Offline maps / bilingual maps: some areas have weak or no signal
Disposable items: toilet seat covers, disposable underwear, etc., as needed

Sayram Lake

7) Important Things People Often Miss

Security is strict: keep your ID on you.
Daily schedule feels “shifted”: local life often runs about 2 hours later than eastern China—many places eat lunch after 2:00 pm. Plan snacks.
Language: Northern Xinjiang is generally fine in Mandarin; in some Southern towns, download a Uyghur translation app ahead of time.
Respect local customs: don’t bring pork products into halal restaurants; avoid sensitive topics; respect goes a long way.