Northwest China Travel Guide
Discover the stunning natural beauty, cultural sites, food, and more with our comprehensive guide to Northwest China!
- Introduction to Northwest China
- List of Places to Visit in Northwest China
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Northwest China
- Best Things to Do in Northwest China: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Northwest China
- Food and Drink Scene of Northwest China
- Where to Stay in Northwest China: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Northwest China: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Northwest China
- Best Time to Visit Northwest China
- Do’s and Don’ts of Northwest China
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Northwest China: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Northwest China
- Where to Go Next from Northwest China: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Northwest China
Northwest China covers a vast area of China located in East Asia. The region stretches from the Gobi Desert to the Pamir Mountains and is home to a unique blend of cultures, landscapes, and ethnic groups. Northwest China provides visitors with a chance to explore ancient cultural sites, stunning natural landscapes, and experience the customs, traditions, and cuisines of the local people.
List of Places to Visit in Northwest China
Whether you are a history buff, an adventure-seeker, or a food lover, Northwest China has something for everyone. Here are some of the must-visit places in the region:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Terracotta Army, Xi’an
- Mogao Caves, Dunhuang
- Jiayuguan Pass, Jiayuguan
- Maijishan Grottoes, Tianshui
- Labrang Monastery, Xiahe
Natural Attractions of Northwest China: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, Zhangye
- Heavenly Lake, Urumqi
- Yadan National Geologic Park, Dunhuang
- Kanas Lake, Altay
- Tengger Desert, Alashan
Hiking/Biking Routes of Northwest China
Northwest China is a treasure trove of hiking and biking routes that offer stunning scenic views, challenging trails and the opportunity to explore remote areas. Here are some of the top trails to try:
- Songduo Mountain Trail, Zhangye
- Helan Mountains Trail, Yinchuan
- Qilian Mountain Trail, Zhangye
- Gansu Corridor Hike, Dunhuang
- Kumtag Desert Bike Tour, Turpan
Best Things to Do in Northwest China: Activities and Tours
There is no dearth of things to do in Northwest China. Here are some of the best activities to do:
- Explore the ancient Silk Road
- Taste delicious local cuisine
- Witness grand religious ceremonies and local festivals
- Attend a traditional music or dance performance
- Take a hot air balloon ride or helicopter tour
Week-Long Itinerary for Northwest China
Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Northwest China:
| Day | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Xi’an, visit the Terracotta Army and Muslim Quarter |
| Day 2 | Travel to Dunhuang, explore the Mogao Caves and the sand dunes |
| Day 3 | Take a camel ride through the desert, visit the Yadan National Geological Park |
| Day 4 | Fly to Urumqi, visit the Heavenly Lake, and experience Kazakh culture |
| Day 5 | Travel to Turpan, visit the Karez Irrigation System and the Flaming Mountains |
| Day 6 | Visit the ruins of the Jiaohe and Gaocang Ancient Cities |
| Day 7 | Fly from Urumqi back home |
Food and Drink Scene of Northwest China
Northwest China boasts a unique cuisine that is influenced by the region’s diverse ethnic groups and geographical location. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger)
- Laghman (hand-pulled noodles)
- Da pan ji (big-plate chicken)
- Shouzhua bing (hand-grab pancake)
- Yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread)
Local Beverages
- Chang (fermented barley beer)
- Kumiss (fermented mare’s milk)
- Grape wines of the Helan Mountains
Where to Stay in Northwest China: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Northwest China has a range of accommodation options for all budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay:
- Bell Tower Hotel, Xi’an
- Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel, Dunhuang
- CNY Hostel, Turpan
- Urumqi Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel, Urumqi
- The Lodge on the Lake Kanas, Altay
What to Buy in Northwest China: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Northwest China has a rich heritage of handicrafts, textiles, and traditional art. Here are some souvenirs and local products you can bring home:
- Silk carpets and embroidery
- Chinese medicines and herbs
- Lanzhou Beef Noodles
- Bronze ware and copper goods
- jade and other precious stones.
Local Culture and Customs of Northwest China
Northwest China is home to a variety of ethnic groups who have their unique customs, traditions, and dialects. It is essential to respect their beliefs and practices. Do not touch the religious artifacts in temples, dress modestly in religious sites, and do not take pictures without permission.
Best Time to Visit Northwest China
The best time to visit Northwest China is from May to October when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is breathtaking. Winter is not recommended due to frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall, which can make travel difficult.
Do’s and Don’ts of Northwest China
Do:
- Try local foods and drinks
- Learn basic Chinese phrases
- Respect local customs and dress modestly in religious sites
- Take extra care of your personal belongings
- Tip appropriately
Don’t:
- Touch the religious artifacts in temples
- Take pictures without permission
- Eat street food that looks unhygienic
- Attempt to climb the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge without proper safety measures
Safety and Health
Safety in Northwest China
Northwest China is generally considered safe for tourists, but it is always better to take necessary precautions while travelling. Avoid travelling to the Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia regions during times of political unrest. Keep your valuables in a safe place and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Health in Northwest China
It is advisable to get vaccinations before travelling to Northwest China, especially if you plan to visit rural areas. Take precautions against mosquito bites, stay hydrated and avoid uncooked food.
Getting to Northwest China: Transportation Options and Logistics
Northwest China is accessible by air, rail or road, depending on where you’re coming from. Here are some transportation options for getting to the region:
Airports Near Northwest China
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport
- Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport
- Dunhuang Airport
- Urumqi Diwopu International Airport
- Altay Airport
Bus Stations Near Northwest China
- Xi’an Bus Station
- Lanzhou Bus Station
- Turpan Bus Station
- Urumqi Bus Station
- Altay Bus Station
Other Options
- Train travel
- Private taxi
How to Get Around in Northwest China
Public transport isn’t always convenient or readily available in many parts of Northwest China, but private taxis or tour buses are a comfortable and safe option. Biking and hiking are also popular ways to explore the region.
Where to Go Next from Northwest China: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Northwest China is an excellent place to start exploring China. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions you can take:
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Chengdu and the Giant Panda Sanctuary
- Beijing and the Great Wall of China
- Guilin and the Li River
- Shanghai and its modern skyline
Conclusion
Northwest China is a fascinating and diverse region that has something for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re interested in history, food, culture, or adventure, Northwest China is a must-visit destination that will leave you breathless and wanting more.