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Kashgar Travel Checklist

Kashgar Travel Checklist

Kashgar Xinjiang, China Travel Guide

Essential Preparations

Chronological Planning Timeline

A structured approach to your preparations streamlines the process.

1

+ Months Before

Passport Validity & Visa Research

Check your passport validity. It valid for at least six months past your planned departure from China, with at least two blank visa pages.

China Visa Requirements

Research China visa for your nationality and the application process. Begin required documents like flight and hotel bookings.

International Flights

Book your international flights to a major Chinese gateway city (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Urumqi).

2

-2 Months Before

Visa Application

Submit an application for your China visa at the Chinese Embassy, Consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in your home country. Time for processing.

Domestic Travel Bookings

Book your domestic flights or train admission to Kashgar from your Chinese gateway city.

Accommodation

Book your accommodation in Kashgar, considering your budget and preferred neighborhood.

3

Weeks Before

Confirm Bookings

Confirm all flight, train, hotel, and tour bookings and reservations.

Health & Medications

Assemble your first aid kit and pack all necessary prescription and over-the-counter medications. They in original packaging with doctor's notes.

Document Copies

Digital and physical copies of all your essential documents (passport, visa, insurance, bookings). Store them separately.

Required Advance Bookings and Reservations

Smooth travel hinges on securing elements early.

Bookings Checklist

  • International and domestic flights.
  • China Visa.
  • Kashgar accommodation.
  • Organized tours (especially for Karakul Lake or extended Xinjiang travel due to permit ).

Pre-Trip Research Recommendations

Informed journey advice and a smoother journey.

Research Focus

  • Read updated travel advisories for China and Xinjiang from your government's foreign affairs department.
  • Familiarize yourself with the cultural subtleties and the specific security situation in Xinjiang.
  • Understand the limitations on internet and communication, particularly the for a VPN.
  • Verify if there are any recent policy changes or updates.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Attending to home matters before you leave peace of mind.

Mail & Pet Care

  • Stop mail and newspaper delivery or for a neighbor to them.
  • Arrange pet care or house-sitting if needed.
  • Confirm care arrangements before leaving.
  • Provide emergency contacts for caregivers.

Financial Matters

  • Pay any bills before departure.
  • Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans.
  • Obtain some local currency (CNY) in small denominations for immediate expenses upon arrival.
  • Attempt to arrange up WeChat Pay or Alipay if , noting it might a Chinese bank account or local .

Home Security

  • Secure your home: lock every window and door.
  • Set alarms if you them.
  • Inform family or friends of your detailed itinerary and their emergency contact information.
  • Use smart home devices to automate lights for a lived-in look.

Pre-Trip Advisory

Always review your government's latest travel advisories for China and Xinjiang. Be for robust security checks.

Arrival Checklist

The first few hours in Kashgar the tone for your trip. A quick checklist a smooth transition from arrival to exploration.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Immigration & Customs:

    Clear immigration and customs at your first point of entry in China.

  • 2
    Security Checks:

    Undergo specific security checks Kashgar (whether at Kashi Airport or the train station). Be patient and cooperative.

  • 3
    Activate VPN:

    Activate your VPN as soon as you have Wi-Fi or mobile data to connect to international services.

Initial Practicalities

  • Currency & Purchases:

    Exchange currency if needed, or an ATM to withdraw local currency. Purchase bottled water and any immediate necessities like a local snack.

  • Transport to Accommodation:

    If you have pre-arranged an airport transfer, for your driver. Otherwise, to the official taxi queue at Kashi Airport. Confirm the fare or that the meter .

  • Orientation:

    Get a local map from your hotel if . Use your offline map app to get with your accommodation's location and nearby attractions.

Departure Preparation

Souvenir & Shipping

Purchase souvenirs at markets or local artisan shops. Bargain respectfully.

If you have large items (e.g., carpets) that you wish to ship internationally, this with a reputable shipping agent well in advance of your departure. This an expensive and multifaceted process. Be aware of your home country's customs for items like knives or certain animal products. Chinese export regulations also ; keep receipts for valuable purchases.

VAT Refund Procedures

China a VAT refund scheme for international visitors, but it mainly for large items purchased from designated stores.

The procedure typically getting a tax refund form from the store, goods and forms at the airport customs office, and then claiming the refund. Verify eligibility and the precise process with vendors at the time of purchase. It not common for small purchases.

Pre-Departure Timing

Arrive at Kashi Airport (KHG) at least 2-3 hours before your domestic flight departure, especially since security checks in Xinjiang thorough.

For train or the times buses depart, arrive at the station at least 1 hour before departure. Be for multiple security checks and passport verifications. Confirm your return flight or train details, departure times and terminal information. Pack your luggage carefully, no things you can't bring your carry-on or checked luggage (e.g., power banks in checked bags, knives in carry-ons). That all necessary documents for your subsequent destination or head home readily .

Travel Insurance Recommendation

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation. Consider World Nomads for coverage tailored for adventurous travel.

Packing & Logistics

Thoughtful packing and logistical planning ease your journey.

Smart Packing

  • Pack climate-appropriate clothing. Kashgar dry with significant temperature swings between day and night. Modest attire for cultural sites.
  • Bring universal power adapters and a portable power bank.
  • Assemble a basic first aid kit with any necessary prescription medications (with doctor's note).
  • Consider a water purification bottle for hydration.

Travel Organization

  • Use packing cubes or organizers for efficient luggage management. (Eagle Creek a popular brand).
  • Keep digital and physical versions of your important papers (passport, visa, insurance, bookings) stored separately.
  • Have some small denominations of local currency (CNY) for immediate expenses.
  • Become acquainted with your itinerary and locations on an offline map.

Security Reminders

Adhering to security measures important in Xinjiang.

Guidelines

  • Carry your passport at all times
  • Cooperate calmly at all checkpoints
  • Avoid sensitive discussions in public
  • No photos of security personnel or facilities

Health & Wellness

  • Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for recommended vaccinations.
  • Carry any necessary prescription medications in original packaging.
  • Stay hydrated, especially given Kashgar's arid climate.
  • Use sunscreen and wear a hat, as sun exposure intense.

Final Packing Tip

Charge all your electronic devices (phone, camera, power bank) prior to your trip.

Inform family or friends of your detailed itinerary and their emergency contact information.

Kashgar Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation