Polo (手抓饭) is Xinjiang’s most iconic dish — a fragrant pilaf of rice, lamb, carrots, and onions. Learn its history, how it’s made, regional variations, and where to find the best Polo in Xinjiang.
Hotan (和田) is famous for jade, but there’s more to this southern Xinjiang city — silk workshops, carpet makers, and some of the best bread in the region. Here’s how to spend 1-2 days in Hotan.
Bosten Lake (博斯腾湖) is China’s largest inland freshwater lake, but it rarely appears on typical Xinjiang itineraries. Here’s why it’s worth the detour and how to get there from Urumqi.
Renting a car in Xinjiang as a foreigner is possible but has specific requirements. Here’s which companies allow foreigners, what documents you need, and why some roads require a local driver.
Tashkurgan sits at 3,100m and the Khunjerab Pass reaches 4,693m. Here’s how to prepare for altitude sickness, what symptoms to watch for, and where to find help on the Pamir Plateau.
Xinjiang can be expensive if you don’t plan ahead. Here are real costs for accommodation, food, transport, and entrance fees in 2026 — plus practical tips for saving money without sacrificing the experience.
Visiting Tashkurgan or the Karakoram Highway? You need a border pass. Here’s exactly how to get it in Kashgar, what documents you need, and how long it takes.
Naan in Xinjiang isn’t just one thing — there’s guitar-shaped naan, onion naan,芝麻 naan, and more. Here’s a guide to the different varieties and where to find the best ones.
Xinjiang yogurt (酸奶) is nothing like the sweetened stuff from supermarkets. It’s tart, thick, and often served with honey or jam. Here’s where to find the best in Urumqi and Kashgar.
Laghman (拉条子) is Xinjiang’s answer to hand-pulled noodles — thick, chewy, and topped with a savory vegetable and meat sauce. Here’s where to find the best bowls in Urumqi and Kashgar.