Xinjiang Travel Tips for Malaysian Travellers

Golden Tropics Travel · Updated 2026-10-26

A Golden Tropics tour group on a summer grassland in Northern Xinjiang

Xinjiang is China's largest region, with snowy mountains, lakes, grasslands and deserts. Its size and its Central Asian culture make it different from other parts of China, so a few practical points help you enjoy the trip.

Halal food is easy to find

Freshly baked naan at a bakery stall in Ürümqi

Xinjiang's Uyghur and Hui communities mean halal restaurants are found across the region, which makes it a comfortable choice for Muslim travellers. Tell us your dietary needs and we confirm meal arrangements for your tour.

Polo, rice cooked with lamb, carrots and raisins
Lamb kebabs grilled over charcoal
Big plate chicken (da pan ji), a spicy chicken and potato stew served with hand-pulled noodles
Laghman noodles and freshly baked naan bread

Distances are long

Our group taking a break among the snowy peaks of the Duku Highway

Sights in Xinjiang are often hundreds of kilometres apart, and some days include five or more hours on the coach. The views along the way, such as Sayram Lake and the Duku Highway through the Tianshan mountains, are part of the trip. The Duku Highway is only open in the warmer months, usually from about June to October, depending on snow.

Bring a neck pillow, snacks and a power bank for the coach, and use rest stops when they come.

Time, daylight and weather

Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) near Ürümqi under clear skies

China uses Beijing time everywhere, but Xinjiang's daily life runs about two hours later. Your tour schedule always uses Beijing time.
In summer the sun sets late, around 9 to 10 pm, so evenings are long and dinners are late.
Days can be warm and nights cold, even in summer, especially in the mountains. Pack layers.
The air is dry and the sun is strong: bring sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and moisturiser.

ID checks and travel rules

There are more security and ID checks in Xinjiang than elsewhere in China, at hotels, attractions, petrol stations and on some roads. Keep your passport with you at all times, and follow your guide's instructions at checkpoints.

Do not take photos of police, military or security sites. If in doubt, ask your guide before taking a photo.

Choosing a route

Kanas Lake seen from a viewpoint above the valley

Northern Xinjiang is about lakes, forests and grasslands, such as Kanas, Sayram Lake and Nalati. Southern Xinjiang is about the Silk Road, deserts and the old city of Kashgar. Each season suits a different route; see our season-by-season guide before you choose.