Travel to Xinjiang needs to be well prepared, because Xinjiang has a vast area, diverse climate, and some areas have special conditions. Here is a detailed list of essentials to help you better plan your trip:
1. Documents
Passport: Xinjiang security check is strict, you need to carry it with you.
Border pass (if you need to go to the border areas) : such as Kanas, Tashkurgan (Pamir Plateau), Khorgos, etc., need to apply in advance at the place of residence or Xinjiang local.
Driver's license: If traveling self driving, bring original and photocopy.
2,clothing category
Windbreak warm coat: Xinjiang has a large temperature difference between day and night, especially in mountainous areas (such as Tianshan, Kanas,Yili), and may also encounter low temperatures in summer.
Sunscreen clothing: UV is strong, it is recommended to bring sunscreen clothing, ice sleeves, wide-brimmed hat.
Comfortable hiking shoes: suitable for long walking or grassland, desert terrain.
Change of clothes: Prepare according to the number of days of travel, Xinjiang is dry so the clothes after clean easily dry
Thermal underwear/down jacket (essential for autumn and winter) : Winter has begun in some areas after October.
Rain gear: portable raincoat or folding umbrella (changeable weather in mountainous areas).
3. Sun protection and skin care
High power sunscreen (SPF50+) : Xinjiang UV is very strong, especially in Turpan, desert areas.
Sunglasses: anti-glare, essential for snow or desert travel.
Lip balm + moisturizing skin care products: dry climate to prevent chapped skin.
Hydrating spray/mask: relieve dryness.
4.Medicine
Gastrointestinal medicine: Dietary differences may cause discomfort (such as stomach-strengthening tablets, antidiarrheal drugs).
Cold medicine/antipyretic medicine: temperature difference is easy to catch a cold.
Motion sickness medicine: Xinjiang long distance, mountain road (such as the only library road)
Mosquito repellent (grassland and wetland in summer).
Anti-altitude sickness medication (e.g., travel to Pamir).
Band-aid + disinfectant wipes: emergency treatment of small wounds.
5. Daily necessities
Thermal kettle: refill hot water at any time (cold in some areas).
Wipes/paper towels: Sanitation is limited in some remote areas.
Power bank (less than 20,000 MA) : It is inconvenient to charge on the road.
Socket board: Hotel outlets may be insufficient.
U-shaped pillow + eye mask: rest for long-distance driving.
Portable toiletries: Some accommodation or scenic area conditions are more simple
6. Other important items
Cash (small amount) : some mountainous areas, grasslands signal is poor, can not be mobile payment.
Camera + Spare battery: Beautiful scenery, fast power consumption.
Map/Offline navigation: Some sections have no signal (e.g., Dukou Highway, Desert highway).
Dry snacks: such as chocolate, nuts, for long driving.
7. Precautions
Respect local customs: In areas inhabited by ethnic minorities in Xinjiang (such as Kashgar and Hotan),
Time difference: Xinjiang uses Beijing time, but the actual work and rest are 2 hours later (such as dinner starts at about 20:00).
Language communication: need English tour guideor translater
Season-specific advice
Summer (June-August) : focus on sun protection, grassland mosquitoes.
Autumn (September-October) : Kanas, poplar forests need to prepare thick coats.
Winter (November - March) : Snow driving requires a snow chain, warm equipment to be complete.
With all this in mind, you will be able to enjoy Xinjiang's magnificent scenery and diverse cultures more at ease. If you have special needs (such as camping, hiking), you need to prepare extra professional equipment
