Planning a family trip to Xinjiang can feel daunting. The distances are enormous, the culture is unfamiliar, and you're probably wondering whether your kids will enjoy it or spend the whole time asking for WiFi. The good news? Xinjiang is one of the most visually exciting, adventure-packed places on Earth for children—and the activities practically sell themselves.
We've been organizing family trips to Xinjiang since 2015, and this guide distills everything we've learned about traveling the region with kids. Whether your children are toddlers who need stroller-friendly paths or teenagers who want adrenaline-fueled adventures, there's something here for your family. For general travel logistics, start with our Xinjiang travel tips guide.
Most family destinations offer a handful of kid-friendly attractions surrounded by adult-oriented filler. Xinjiang is different. The landscape itself is the attraction—soaring snow peaks, vast deserts, turquoise lakes, and endless grasslands that make children feel like they've stepped into a storybook or a nature documentary.
The region is also remarkably safe for families. Security is visible and effective, tourist sites are well-maintained, and Chinese culture is inherently child-friendly. Locals will go out of their way to interact with your kids, offer them snacks, and make your family feel welcome. In a region where many communities are traditionally family-oriented, traveling with children opens doors that solo travelers and couples simply don't get.
Xinjiang is also home to several sites of global significance. The Xinjiang Tianshan UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2013, encompasses some of Central Asia's most spectacular mountain landscapes—many of which are accessible to families on the itineraries below.
Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake), near Urumqi: A short bus ride from Urumqi takes you to this stunning alpine lake set against snow-capped peaks. The boardwalk around the lake is flat and stroller-friendly. Boat rides are available and delight young children. At 1,910 meters elevation, the altitude is manageable for most toddlers, but bring layers—temperatures can be 10-15°C cooler than Urumqi.
Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, Urumqi: A sensory wonderland of colorful textiles, musical instruments, dried fruits, and nuts. Toddlers love the vibrant colors and the chance to taste raisins, walnuts, and apricots from vendor stalls. The bazaar has indoor sections that provide shelter from sun or rain.
Turpan Grape Valley: The shaded grape trellises of Turpan's Grape Valley create a natural playground. Children can wander beneath vines heavy with fruit (in season from August to October), and the area's famous karez irrigation tunnels are fascinating underground passages that even young children find magical. Our guide to the karez wells explains this ancient engineering marvel in detail.
This is the golden age for Xinjiang family travel. Kids this age are curious, energetic, and adaptable—and the region offers no shortage of ways to burn off that energy.
Camel riding in the Taklamakan Desert: Near Dunhuang's Mingsha Shan (Crescent Moon Spring) and at desert camps outside Kashgar, children can ride Bactrian camels across golden sand dunes. The two-humped camels are stable and gentle, and guides are experienced with young riders. For a complete desert guide, see our Taklamakan Desert guide.
Swimming and boating at Kanas Lake: The turquoise waters of Kanas Lake in northern Xinjiang are a highlight for children and adults alike. While swimming is restricted in some areas, boat tours take families close to the lake's legendary "water monster"—actually a species of giant fish. The surrounding forest trails are easy hikes suitable for children.
Naan bread baking workshop: In Kashgar's old city, several bakeries offer informal naan-making experiences where children can knead dough, stamp patterns with a chenid (naan stamp), and watch their bread bake in a traditional clay tandoor oven. It's messy, delicious, and one of the most memorable cultural activities a family can do.
Horse riding in the Nalati Grasslands: The rolling green hills of the Nalati and Bayanbulak grasslands offer gentle horse riding suitable for children aged 6 and up. Kazakh herders provide horses and guidance, and the landscape—think Swiss Alps meets Mongolia—is breathtaking. Our horse riding guide covers routes and safety details.
Teenagers need more than pretty scenery—they need challenges, stories, and moments of independence. Xinjiang delivers.
Trekking the Tianshan Mountains: Multi-day treks through the Tianshan range combine physical challenge with jaw-dropping scenery. Routes like the Qiaqiaketai Valley or Xiaota Trek offer 2-4 day itineraries with yurt camping. Teens will love sleeping under star-filled skies and navigating mountain passes. Our Tianshan trekking guide has route details.
Pamir Highway road trip: The Karakoram Highway from Kashgar to Tashkurgan and Karakul Lake is one of the world's great road trips. At over 4,000 meters, it's an adventure that feels genuinely remote. Teens with an interest in photography, geography, or geopolitics will be riveted. Learn more in our Pamirs travel guide.
Exploring Kashgar Old City: The restored old city is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden courtyards, copper workshops, and teahouses. Give teenagers a map and a small budget and let them explore independently (with a meeting point and time agreed in advance). The sense of discovery is unmatched. Our Kashgar Old City guide provides walking routes.
Not every destination in Xinjiang is equally suitable for families. Here's our honest assessment of the top destinations:
Urumqi (Highly recommended): The capital city has modern amenities, family hotels, the Xinjiang Regional Museum (with dinosaur fossils that fascinate kids), and easy access to Tianchi Lake. Use it as your base for 2-3 days at the start or end of your trip.
Turpan (Highly recommended): Compact, flat, and packed with kid-friendly sites including the Flaming Mountains, the underground karez wells, the ancient Jiaohe ruins (kids love exploring the crumbled city), and Grape Valley. The summer heat can be extreme (up to 45°C), so plan visits for spring or autumn.
Kashgar (Recommended with preparation): Rich in culture but more challenging logistically. The Sunday livestock market can be overwhelming for young children, and some restaurants are basic. However, the old city, the bazaar, and the surrounding countryside are extraordinary. Best for children aged 6 and up.
Kanas Lake and Hemu Village (Highly recommended): The scenery is stunning, the air is clean, and activities like hiking, horse riding, and boating are accessible to most ages. The main challenge is the 6-8 hour drive from Burqin, which can test younger children's patience. Break it up with stops.
Taklamakan Desert edges (Recommended for ages 8+): Camel rides, sand dune sliding, and desert camping are thrilling but require tolerance for heat, sand, and basic facilities. The desert near Hotan or the Mingsha Shan area near Dunhuang are the most accessible entry points.
One of the biggest parental concerns when traveling in China is food. "Will my kids actually eat this?" In Xinjiang, the answer is usually yes—the regional cuisine is among the most accessible in China for Western palates.
Kid-friendly staples:
• Laghman (hand-pulled noodles with vegetables and meat)—familiar and filling
• Naan (flatbread)—similar to pita; children love tearing it apart
• Kawap (grilled lamb or chicken skewers)—essentially kebabs, universally loved
• Polo (rice pilaf with carrots, onions, and lamb)—mild and hearty
• Fresh fruit—Xinjiang's melons, grapes, pomegranates, and apricots are among the best in the world
• Suan nai (fresh yogurt)—served with honey or sugar at local shops
For a deeper dive into the regional cuisine, see our comprehensive Xinjiang cuisine guide, which includes a dish-by-dish breakdown with photos and pronunciation.
Tips for picky eaters: Carry familiar snacks from home for the first day or two while children adjust. Major cities have supermarkets with imported goods. In Urumqi, you'll find McDonald's, KFC, and Pizza Hut. Most restaurants will prepare plain rice or steamed noodles on request if you ask for "bai mifan" (white rice) or "su miantiao" (plain noodles).
Xinjiang is safe for families, but the environment presents some specific challenges that parents should plan for:
Altitude awareness: Several popular destinations sit at significant altitude. Tianchi Lake is at 1,910m (mild), Tashkurgan at 3,100m (moderate), and Karakul Lake at 3,600m (notable). Children are generally more resilient to altitude than adults, but watch for headaches, nausea, or unusual fatigue. Ascend gradually and keep everyone hydrated.
UV protection: Xinjiang's high elevation and clear skies mean intense UV radiation, even on cloudy days. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen every two hours, and make sure children wear hats and sunglasses. Sunburn can happen in 30 minutes at altitude.
Long travel distances: Xinjiang is vast. Drives of 4-8 hours between destinations are normal. Pack entertainment, snacks, and plan regular stops every 90 minutes. Consider breaking very long drives with overnight stops in intermediate towns.
Water safety: Tap water is not drinkable in most of Xinjiang. Buy bottled water in bulk at supermarkets. For babies, use bottled water to prepare formula. Carry a portable water filter or purification tablets as backup for remote areas.
Here are two proven itineraries we've refined over years of family travel in Xinjiang. For more options, see our full Xinjiang itinerary guide.
Day 1-2: Urumqi—Xinjiang Museum, Grand Bazaar, acclimatize
Day 3: Tianchi Lake—boat ride, boardwalk walk, picnic lunch
Day 4: Drive to Burqin (colorful sunset at Wucaitan)
Day 5-6: Kanas Lake—hiking, boating, Hemu Village log cabins
Day 7: Drive back via Karamay Ghost City (wind-eroded rock formations kids love)
Day 8: Return to Urumqi, departure
Day 1-2: Urumqi arrival and exploration
Day 3: Fly to Kashgar—old city, Id Kah Mosque, bazaar
Day 4: Kashgar Sunday Market (if timing aligns), naan-making workshop
Day 5: Drive to Karakul Lake via Pamir Highway (stunning scenery)
Day 6: Tashkurgan—Stone City ruins, grassland walk
Day 7: Return to Kashgar, rest day
Day 8: Fly to Turpan—Flaming Mountains, karez wells
Day 9: Grape Valley, Jiaohe Ruins, Bezeklik Caves
Day 10: Return to Urumqi, departure
Finding family-friendly accommodation in Xinjiang requires some advance planning, but options are plentiful once you know where to look.
In Urumqi: International chains like the Hilton, Sheraton, and Holiday Inn offer family rooms, cribs on request, and breakfast buffets with both Chinese and Western options. These are your safest bets for families with young children who need predictability.
In Kashgar: The Chini Bagh Hotel and Qinibagh Hotel offer comfortable family rooms in historic settings. Newer mid-range hotels near the old city provide modern amenities within walking distance of attractions.
In Kanas and Hemu: Log cabin guesthouses are the signature accommodation. Most offer rooms with multiple beds suitable for families. Facilities are basic (shared bathrooms are common), but the setting is unforgettable. Book well in advance for summer.
On the road: For long drives, plan overnight stops at county-level cities where decent hotels are available. Ask for "jiating fang" (family room) when booking.
Pack a medical kit: Include children's ibuprofen, rehydration salts, anti-diarrhea medication, bandages, insect repellent, and any prescription medications. Pharmacies exist in all cities but may not carry familiar brands.
Learn key phrases: Teach kids basic Mandarin phrases like "xiexie" (thank you), "ni hao" (hello), and "ce suo zai nar?" (where is the bathroom?). Locals are charmed by children making the effort.
Manage expectations: Xinjiang is not Disneyland. Some sites involve long walks, early starts, and basic facilities. Prepare children in advance by showing photos and videos of the destinations. Frame the trip as an adventure, not a resort vacation.
Budget for extras: Entrance fees for family groups add up quickly. Most major sites charge 100-200 RMB per adult, with children under 1.2m often free and children 1.2-1.4m at half price. Budget 200-400 RMB per day for a family of four in entrance fees alone.
We specialize in family-friendly Xinjiang itineraries with kid-tested activities, comfortable accommodation, and experienced guides who know how to keep children engaged and parents relaxed.