Gujangbagh Xinjiang, China Travel Guide
China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are the major mobile providers. Purchase a local SIM card at their official shops in major cities. Your passport is needed for registration.
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. However, the internet within China is heavily censored by the Great Firewall.
China Post offices are available in cities and towns. You can send postcards or parcels from these locations.
Mandarin Chinese is the official language and is spoken throughout Xinjiang. However, Uyghur is widely spoken in Hotan and other Uyghur-majority areas.
For seamless global connectivity, consider Airalo eSIM or a Solis Wi-Fi portable device. Enhance your language proficiency with Rosetta Stone.
Travel in Xinjiang involves knowledge of local operating times.
Shops: 9:00 AM/10:00 AM to 8:00 PM/10:00 PM. Restaurants: Open for lunch and dinner, some for breakfast. Government Offices: Weekday business hours, 9:12:00 AM to 5:00 am:00 PM with lunch break.
Banks typically operate 9:12:00 AM to 5:00 am:00 PM on weekdays. Some branches have shorter weekend hours. ATMs are widely available in cities and operate 24/7.
Major Chinese Public Holidays and Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha) significantly affect transport, accommodation, and business hours. Book well in advance.
Some remote attractions or high mountain roads experience seasonal closures, especially during winter because of snow. Check ahead for specific sites.
Consider various services to enhance your airport experience or address flight disruptions.
Plan your itinerary with accessibility in mind. Confirm arrangements directly with hotels and transit operators.
Cultural respect is paramount when checking out a region with a distinct identity like Xinjiang.
People don't usually tip in China. Meals are often shared.
Always get consent before taking pictures of people, especially women and children. Be cautious and discreet with photography in public areas due to high surveillance.
Avoid discussing politics, human rights, or religion openly, especially with locals or in public settings. Do not compare Xinjiang to other parts of China in a negative light.
Public displays of affection are generally uncommon. While homosexuality is not illegal inside China, LGBTQ+ rights are limited, and public expression remains discreet.
Organize your trip with accessibility in mind. Confirm arrangements directly with the accommodation and transport providers to minimize potential challenges.
