Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region covers over 1,600,000 square kilometers (617,763 square miles), one-sixth of China's total territory, making it China's largest province. Xinjiang borders Tibet, Qinghai, Gansu, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kirghizstan, Uzbekistan, Tadzhikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. With a population of over 19 million, Xinjiang is home to 47 ethnic groups including the Uygur, the major ethnic group in Xinjiang. 
Xinjiang Tourist Map
When to Go
Xinjiang has a desert climate with a low annual rainfall of only 150 millimeters (6 inches). Winters are very cold and summers extremely hot. The best time to visit this province is in the autumn, when the days are long, the sky is clear and temperatures more bearable than in the heat of the summer. Another excellent reason to visit at that time is the abundance of delicious melons and other fruits and vegetables which are then available.
History
Xinjiang has a long history. The area was called Xiyu in ancient China which means "West Region". It was plundered by the Huns before the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). During the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - 24 AD), Xinjiang was treated as an integral part of the nation's territory. Since then, Xinjiang was governed by all successive dynasties.
What to See
Superlatives are often used when describing Xinjiang: It is the most arid province; also contains the hottest and the coldest places; the longest inland river, the Tarim; the lowest marsh, the Aydingkol Lake (Moonlight Lake) in the Turpan Basin; the largest inland lake and the largest desert. In Xinjiang tourists can visit the world-famous Yardang Spectacle in Korla, stone forests, enjoy the mystery of the desert with its spectacular sand mountains. The ancient Silk Road brought Xinjiang a mix of eastern and western cultures which left behind stunning relics. Today, those ancient cities, caves, temples and tombs attract countless tourists from home and abroad.
While you are visiting Xinjiang, it is important to be aware of the time zone being used. Although officially run on Beijing time, Xinjiang people also use there own system. If Beijing time is used it means that the sun doesn't raise until 9am and it is still light at midnight in the summer months. When making travel arrangements, be sure which time zone or system is being used or you could get caught out.
Other Cities of Xinjiang
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Travelers' Voices on Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
1.
Nov. 16,2009 22:29 Reply
Ms.Dian(Malaysia) said:
We are planning to visit XinJiang somewhere in March or May 2010 (next year). Is it good to visit XinJiang during that time of a year and what weather climate that would be?
2.
Nov. 1,2009 20:55 Reply
Mr.Walker said:
In the winter in 2009, all the scenic spots including Kanas Nature Reserve and ski resorts in Altay City in Xinjiang will be open free to visitors. In order to attract more visitors to spend winter vacation in Altay, many colorful snow activities are planned to be held. In the middle of this December, Altay Ice and Snow Tour and the ceremony of the first skiing in Jiangjun Mountain Ski Resort are to be started. Between Dec.8 and 15, the National Ice Sculpture Invitational Tournament and the extending ice and snow activities will be held in the area as well.
3.
Feb. 21,2009 07:04 Reply
Mrs.chen(china) said:
xinjiang is a very beautiful city.I want to go there several years ago.But I want to go there by myself,some one told me there the transport was not so convenient.Is that true?
Aug. 23,2009 13:27
Mr.ma(china) replied:
I am sorry mrs xinjiang is not city it is a province name ,urumqi is the capital city of xinjiang province ,hee hee
Oct. 15,2009 09:40
Ms.Hu(china) replied:
There is no need fou you to worry about the transport,it is very covenient in tourist areas .You just enjoy the amazing veiws in xinjiang .In southern xinjiang,there are many historic intrest about the Silk Road and in northern xinjiang,The natrual scenery is glamorous
4.
Oct. 3,2009 08:22 Reply
Mr.alec(USA) said:
i am an American citizen coming to China later this month. i want to go to Xinjiang. is it possible, or do i need a special permit? how cold will it be?
thank you for any advice.
Oct. 6,2009 02:32
Ms.wong(malaysia) replied:
Mr alec,you can enter xinjiang by using the normal visa you applied,only if you visit Tibet,you will need to preapply a special permit
5.
Aug. 25,2009 10:26 Reply
Ms.Too(Malaysia) said:
Hi Mr.Lee, we are a group of friends (about 13 of us) depart from KL, singapore and Beijing respectively and meet in Urumqi. We will hire a tour quide in Urumqi and we have our own itinerary.
6.
Aug. 23,2009 13:13 Reply
Mr.ma(china) said:
welcome to my hometown ,cordial and friendly , this season there are many fruits in my hometown , thanks for you support our tourism.
7.
Aug. 21,2009 10:58 Reply
Ms.Too(Malaysia) said:
We have intention to visit Xinjiang from 19th to 30th Sept but we still cannot decide to go or not to go (is it safe there?) The cheapest air fare from Kuala Lumpur to Urumqi is China Southern Airline transit in Guang Zhou.
Aug. 23,2009 03:33
Mr.jill(cn) replied:
It is safe in xinjiang now. Do not worry and have a good time in xinjiang!:)
Aug. 23,2009 09:12
Mr.Lee(KL, Malaysia) replied:
Hi Ms Too, are you joining a tour agency from Kuala Lumpur for your trip to Xinjang? I am suppose to joint but the dates are not suitable and I found the fares is a bit too expensive. Anyway, I am planning to visit Northern Xinjang in September 2010.
8.
Jul. 29,2009 05:30 Reply
Mr.LC Lee(Kuala Lumpur) said:
Hi Mr. Moon,
Thanks for your reply. By the way, you are flying to Urumqi from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur? Have you booked the tour? How many of you?
Aug. 3,2009 01:12
Mr.Frank replied:
Currently, neither Singapore nor Kuala Lumpur has direct flight to Urumqi. So, you could fly to Beijing, Shanghai or Xi'an from either of them, and then transfer to Urumqi by air.
Aug. 4,2009 20:14
Mr.moon(singapore) replied:
Flying from Singapore. Not too sure how many of them in this group and wonder if closed for booking already....Do let me know your contact if you interested
9.
Jul. 23,2009 06:03 Reply
Mr.LC Lee(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) said:
Anyone from Malaysia interested to travel to Northern part of Xinjang from 11-09-09 to 21-09-09? Having difficulty to find enough people to travel with me.
Jul. 28,2009 22:54
Mr.Moon(Singapore) replied:
Hi, I'm joining a local tour group going to Northern Xinjang departing on 5th Sept and returning on the 17th Sept.
10.
Jul. 27,2009 17:06 Reply
Mr.bradshaw(Britain) said:
I am planning to ride a motorbike through Xinjiang entering from Kazakhstan on 16 september - what are the road conditions like and is petrol plentiful away from the main highways?