Top best things to do in a Xinjiang Trip

Top cultural hands-on activities in a Xinjiang trip

Learn to make Uyghur-style hand-pulled noodles: Uyghur cuisine is a highlight of Xinjiang culture, and hand-pulled noodles are one of the most popular dishes. You can find local restaurants that offer workshops where you can learn the technique of pulling noodles by hand.

Visit a local market: Markets are an essential part of daily life in Xinjiang, and they are a great place to experience the vibrant culture of the region. You can find a wide range of traditional goods, such as textiles, spices, and local snacks, and interact with local vendors.

Attend a Uyghur music and dance performance: Music and dance are integral parts of Uyghur culture, and there are many places in Xinjiang where you can experience traditional performances. The Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi is one place to check out.

Try your hand at making Xinjiang-style bread: Xinjiang-style bread is another popular food in the region, and it's known for its unique flavor and texture. You can find workshops where you can learn to make the bread by hand and then enjoy it fresh out of the oven.

Visit a local workshop: Xinjiang is known for its skilled artisans who create beautiful textiles, ceramics, and other handicrafts. You can visit local workshops to see the craftspeople at work and learn more about the traditional techniques they use.

Attend a traditional Uyghur wedding ceremony: If you're lucky, you may be able to attend a traditional Uyghur wedding ceremony during your trip to Xinjiang. These ceremonies are full of music, dance, and other cultural traditions that offer a unique glimpse into local life.

Visit a local mosque: Islam is an important part of Uyghur culture, and there are many beautiful mosques throughout Xinjiang. You can visit these mosques to learn more about the local religious traditions and observe daily prayer rituals.

Overall, there are many cultural hands-on activities to explore in Xinjiang that can provide a unique and memorable travel experience.

Top outdoor adventures in a Xinjiang trip

Trekking in the Tianshan Mountains: The Tianshan Mountains are a breathtaking range of mountains that offer a variety of trekking options. The Tianshan Grand Canyon and Karakul Lake are two popular trekking destinations in Xinjiang.

Desert exploration in the Gobi Desert: The Gobi Desert is one of the largest deserts in the world and covers a significant portion of Xinjiang. Desert exploration activities such as camel riding, sandboarding, and camping are popular among tourists.

Rafting in the Kaidu River: The Kaidu River is a beautiful river that runs through the Tianshan Mountains. Rafting on the river is an exciting and thrilling adventure that provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Cycling in the Pamir Mountains: The Pamir Mountains are known as the "Roof of the World" and offer some of the most scenic cycling routes in the world. The Karakoram Highway is a popular cycling route that passes through the Pamir Mountains.

Horseback riding in the Altai Mountains: The Altai Mountains are a stunning range of mountains that offer excellent horseback riding opportunities. Horseback riding is a great way to explore the beautiful landscape of the Altai Mountains.

Skiing in Altay City: Altay City is a popular ski resort in Xinjiang that offers a range of skiing options for both beginners and experienced skiers. The snow-covered mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for skiing.

Hot springs in Kanas Lake: Kanas Lake is a beautiful alpine lake that is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The lake is also home to a natural hot spring that provides a relaxing and therapeutic experience for visitors.

These are just a few of the many outdoor adventures that Xinjiang has to offer. Whether you are a thrill-seeker or a nature lover, there is something for everyone in this beautiful region of China.

Top 5 food must try in a Xinjiang trip

Lamb Skewers (羊肉串): This is one of the most popular street foods in Xinjiang. Small pieces of lamb are skewered and grilled over an open flame. The seasoning is a combination of cumin, chili powder, and salt, giving the meat a spicy and savory flavor.

Xinjiang Hand-Pulled Noodles (拉面): Hand-pulled noodles are a staple food in Xinjiang. The noodles are made by stretching and pulling the dough until it forms long, thin strands. They are served in a flavorful broth with chunks of lamb or beef, vegetables, and sometimes a spicy sauce.

Big Plate Chicken (大盘鸡): This is a hearty dish made with chicken, potatoes, onions, and peppers cooked in a large, flat pan. It's called "big plate" because it's served on a large platter. The chicken is cooked until it's tender and infused with spices like cumin, chili, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Nang Bread (馕): Nang bread is a traditional Xinjiang bread that's similar to naan. It's typically round or oval-shaped and can be either plain or stuffed with meat, vegetables, or cheese. Nang bread is baked in a tandoor oven, which gives it a crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior.

Pilaf (抓饭): Pilaf is a rice dish that's cooked with meat, carrots, onions, and a blend of spices like cumin, saffron, and cinnamon. The dish is called "pilaf" because the rice is cooked by repeatedly grabbing and stirring it with a long-handled spoon. The result is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that's perfect as a main course.