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
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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.
More about Xinjiang, please visit China Xinjiang
Other Cities of Xinjiang
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Q & A on Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
1.
Jan. 11,2010 18:14 Reply
Mr.Low(Canada) said:
Is there a train ride or flight going to Tibet from Xinjing in the Summer 2010?
Jan. 11,2010 20:29
Mr.Hank replied:
As I know there is no direct flight. You could take a train from xinjiang to Lanzhou firstly and then take another train to Lhasa, Tibet. Or tranfer at Chengdu or Xian by flight.
2.
Dec. 10,2009 02:30 Reply
Ms.Chan(Hong Kong) said:
Hi there,
I'm writing an article on romantic places to visit in China, I heard that the famous movie "Hero" was filmed in Xinjiang, could anyone tell me exactly where in Xinjiang it was filmed? If not, anything about where to find the most beautiful/breathtaking scenery in Xinjiang?
Thanks in advance!
Dec. 10,2009 21:14
Mr.Jamie replied:
As I know, this movie was not filmed in Xinjiang, but Inner Mongolia. However, Xinjiang has many wonderful sceneries, you could point them out one by one on this map: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/images/map/xinjiang.jpg
Dec. 10,2009 22:16
Ms.Chan(Hong Kong) replied:
Hi Mr Jamie,
Thanks so much for your quick reply! I think it was my mistake, the film that was done in Xinjiang was Ashes of Time (Dung che sai duk). Does that one sound familiar to you? Would you know whereabouts in Xinjiang it was filmed? I believe it was in Xinjiang desert but understand that there is more than one desert?
Thanks again...
Dec. 11,2009 20:09
Mr.Jamie replied:
Hi Chan, the Ashes of Time was filmed in Yinchun City, Gansu Province and Yulin City, Shaaxi Province. The movie 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon ' has filmed a section in the dessert of Xinjiang.
3.
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?
Nov. 26,2009 01:12
Mr.sandy replied:
It is still cold and windy in march. If you plan to go, suggest you go in May. If you would like to take some beautiful pictures, May is the best month. Avoid to be there in early May for the Lobor Day Festival. The weather is still changeable in May and varies grealy in defferent places of Xinjiang. If you get to Tianshan Mountains area, you should even take down coat with you.
4.
Nov. 23,2009 00:10 Reply
Mr.Sam (USD) said:
Is Winter ok to travel in Xinjiang
Nov. 26,2009 01:05
Mr.Sandy replied:
Winter is cold here and everything is covered by snow. Not a good time to be there in Winter. Summer and autumn are the best time.
5.
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?
Nov. 24,2009 15:09
Mr.ALVIS(USA) replied:
HELLO fellow biker---What a great idea!!..motoring
through China's countryside...now,that's what I call a
roadtrip...It is now late November,did your trip went well?..I would love to hear about your experiences on two wheels; Many years ago I traveled from CHICAGO to
Anchorage,Alaska on a Honda Goldwing tourer W/trailer
...ever since,I wanted to try someting like that...
I recently read a book/watched movie of "motorcycle
daries and once again..got the "bug" to ride longways
Hope to hear from anybody that has traveled in China
or surrounding countries ... thanks "AL'..in Dallas
Nov. 25,2009 14:10
Mr.J P Charcutier(Germany) replied:
Hi there! My friend from Urumqi had suggested to do such a trip rather in spring or early autumn. Another friend from Beijing offered some guidance... and... great bikes, too. Ever heard of 750cc two-cylinder BMW-like bikes and side-cars. We're going to arrange guided tours from Beijing to the West of Xinjang and back... If u r interested feel free to post a note or email me (dwo@me.com). CU