Things to Do in Xinjiang with Kids: 7 Family-Favorite Stops

Planning a family trip to Xinjiang? I've done it more times than I can count — with my own nephews and with clients' kids. The first time, I underestimated the distances. Huge mistake. Xinjiang is massive. But with the right stops, it's pure magic for children.

So here are the things to do in Xinjiang with kids that I actually book for my families — not the generic checklist. This region rewards slow, thoughtful travel. The golden rule: pick three destinations, not five. And always build in a yurt stay — kids remember that forever.

Now, let me save you from the stress of a poorly planned itinerary. Here is my quick guide to the stops that genuinely work for young travelers.

Why Xinjiang with Kids Is a Good Idea

Xinjiang is the China that most foreign tourists never see. It's a region where your kids can ride a camel in the morning and splash in a mountain lake by the afternoon. The landscapes change so dramatically that each hour in the car feels like a new planet. For kids, that's pure wonder.

What surprised me the most in my early years as a guide? The people. Families here are incredibly welcoming to foreign children. My clients' kids usually get free fruit, extra desserts, and lots of affectionate cheek-pinching. That warmth turns a simple tour into a cultural exchange.

But there is a catch: Xinjiang is not a short-haul destination. Distances are long, and some hotels are basic. The trick is to pick the right experiences and not overpack the schedule. I've seen families who tried to copy an express tour and ended up with screaming kids in the backseat.

So, let me save you from that mistake.

The 7 Family-Favorite Stops

These are the seven activities I rotate into almost every family itinerary. I've listed them in no particular order — but if you only have time for three, pick the first three and thank me later.

1. Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum in Urumqi

This is the most underrated museum in China, and it's a perfect indoor Plan B for hot days. It's located at No. 581, Xibei Road, Urumqi, and the nearest metro is Xibei Road Station on Line 1 — take Exit B and walk about 800 meters. Opening hours are roughly from 10:00 to 18:00, but the ticket office stops entry at 16:30. And here's the trick: it's free, but you must book in advance with your passport. Your hotel receptionist can help you call the museum hotline, or you can use the English-friendly Trip.com listing if you search 'Xinjiang Regional Museum'.

Children love the mummy exhibition. The natural mummies are over 3,000 years old and still hold details like little toys? Actually no — but they are astonishingly well preserved. I always warn parents that younger kids might find some displays intense. One of my clients' seven-year-old called it a spooky Halloween house. But the kids are endlessly fascinated.

My insider tip: start from the second floor, because the main kids' wow-factor exhibits are there. By the time you reach the first floor, everyone is tired. Also, the museum gift shop has little felt figurines that make great travel mascots.

2. Ride a Camel and Sandboard in Kumtag Desert

The Kumtag Desert, near the city of Shanshan, is a playground my young travelers talk about for years. From Urumqi, you'd drive about 2.5 hours, but I suggest chartering a driver who can stop along the way for bathroom breaks and snacks. The desert area is part of the Kumtag Desert Scenic Area, and entrance fees are typically around 30 RMB per adult and half for kids over 1.2 meters. Vehicles with a guide can go inside for an extra fee.

What must you do here? Camel riding — count on 20 to 30 minutes and about 80 RMB per person. Sandboarding down the dunes is free with your ticket; you can rent a plastic board for around 20 RMB. My favorite time of day is 4:30 PM, when the sand is no longer burning. I've taken many kids who tried to run while the sun was high; their tiny feet quickly learned that sand can fry.

Also, for the love of everything, bring water. There's no shade. I always repeat: if you think you've brought enough water, double it. Kids get dehydrated much faster in the desert than you do. And use a ziplock bag for your phone — sand gets in every port.

3. Hike the Heavenly Lake Boardwalk

Heavenly Lake is high up in the Tianshan Mountains, and it's the place where Urumqi locals go to escape the summer heat. It sits at about 1,900 meters above sea level, so the air is thin and cool. The drive from Urumqi to the entrance is about 1.5 hours. Then you must take a shuttle bus into the scenic area, about 40 minutes. The shuttle costs around 90 RMB round-trip for adults and 45 RMB for children. There's also a steep cable car that my older kids love, but for families with little ones, I recommend sticking to the wooden boardwalk along the lake.

The boardwalk is flat and stroller-friendly for the first kilometer. You'll see yaks, golden eagles, and more photo ops than you can process. But do not — I repeat, do not — try to walk the whole lake with kids. I did that once; it's about 16 kilometers. My clients still bring it up in therapy? Just joking, but we were exhausted.

Instead, do a one-hour loop near the ferry terminal, then find a grassy spot for a picnic. The best photo light is between 10 AM and 2 PM, because the afternoon clouds roll in and often hide the peak. Also, the rental down jackets near the lake are cheap and surprisingly effective if you forget warm layers.

4. Wander the Ancient Ruins of Jiaohe

This is a UNESCO-listed archaeological site in Turpan that turns history class into a scavenger hunt. The ruins are 10 kilometers west of Turpan city. Taxi from downtown should cost about 30 RMB. Admission is roughly 70 RMB per adult, 35 RMB for kids. The site is wide and exposed, so take the electric cart from the gate to the upper level — it's a lifesaver in summer.

Kids enjoy pretending they're exploring a ghost city. I always give them a simple mission: find the old well and the Buddhist pagoda. The wooden walkways are safe, and there's a small museum with models that explain the history. One warning: there is almost no shade. Don't forget hats and sunscreen — even in the cooler months, the sun in Turpan is fierce.

Here is a pro tip: go right when the site opens at 9:00 AM and finish before noon. The heat and the tour groups both arrive together.

5. Pick Grapes in Grape Valley

Grape Valley in Turpan is a charming green oasis that will make your kids feel like they've entered a candy store. Located just outside Turpan, it's a lush valley fed by ancient karez irrigation systems. The gate fee is around 60 RMB per adult, 30 RMB for children. Inside, there are endless grape trellises, and at the right season, usually from August to October, you can taste fresh grapes straight off the vine.

My favorite stop is the Uyghur family courtyard where kids can learn to make raisins. The hosts are incredibly patient and generous. Your little ones will also love the small irrigation channels running through the valley — do keep an eye on them, the stone paths can be slippery.

A warning: the grape tasting is divine, but do not let your kids eat unwashed fruit from the ground. Also, try the flatbread and yogurt ice cream from the small stall near the entrance — it's one of the best cheap treats in Xinjiang.

6. Explore the Grand Bazaar in Urumqi

The International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi is a sensory explosion — and a great spot to let your kids use their spending money. It's located at No. 12, Jiefang Road South. You can get there on Metro Line 1 to Erdaoqiao Station, Exit C, then walk 400 meters. It's open until about 10 PM, but the liveliest time is late afternoon.

For kids, my highlight is the rooftop terrace where you can see the entire bazaar spread out. There are also big water fountains to splash around. Don't expect curated cleanliness here; it's busy and chaotic. That's the charm.

I always set a rule: each child gets a 20 RMB budget to buy one thing. Parents, hold your wallets. The kids will want a thousand things. My young clients usually go for tiny camels made of felt, or a colorful little drum. It's a wonderful way for them to learn the art of bargaining. Let them try: start at one-third of the asking price; sellers expect it.

Quick note: some vendors only speak a few English words, but smiling and pointing at prices works fine. There's an ATM at the entrance — bring cash for small purchases, since international credit cards rarely work here.

7. Stay in a Yurt on the Bayanbulak Grasslands

If you want a night that your kids will talk about for the rest of their childhood, book a yurt stay on the vast Bayanbulak Grassland. It's a bit far south — about 8 hours from Urumqi if you drive directly — but many families do a multi-day loop that includes it. The grassland is the second-largest in the world, and in summer it becomes a sea of green with yaks and sheep.

Yurt accommodations are basic: shared toilet, no hotel-style Wi-Fi, and a coal stove at night. But that's exactly what makes it an adventure. Kids can run freely, meet local Kazakh families, and try their hand at milking a mare. The price for a yurt with floor beds is around 150 RMB per person per night, which usually includes a simple dinner.

Be prepared for cold temperatures at night even in July — it can drop to 5°C. Bring a down jacket. And here's the insider tip: ask your yurt host to point out the Jiuqu Shibawan viewpoint at sunset. The winding river glittering in the golden light is a memory I can't stop revisiting.

How Do You Get Around Xinjiang with Kids?

For families, I strongly recommend hiring a private driver with a car seat. Trains and flights between cities are efficient, but once you're in the region, having a driver who knows the roads and can stop when a little traveler needs a break is priceless.

Here's why: public buses are hot and confusing, and taxi drivers may not have the patience to find car seats. A private driver usually costs between 100 and 150 USD per day, depending on the itinerary. You can book through local agencies or ask your Urumqi hotel to recommend one. Always lock the price in advance, and confirm the car has air conditioning and working seat belts.

The alternative is to take long-distance trains like the high-speed service from Urumqi to Turpan — that's a fun 40-minute ride and very kid-friendly. But you have to navigate the train station with luggage and kids; it's doable if you have another adult.

One important note: Google Maps doesn't work reliably in China. I always put Apple Maps or the AMap Global app in English on my phone. And save the Chinese addresses for each hotel, so you can show them to a driver or copy them into a ride-hailing app.

What Should Kids Eat in Xinjiang?

Xinjiang food is genuinely kid-friendly — as long as you know what to order. Most local dishes are grilled, savory, or sweet, which is a big win for picky eaters.

Naan bread is a universal hit. Warm, fluffy, and slightly salty, it's a staple at every meal. Lamb skewers are everywhere, too, and often have a mild spice. If your kids are sensitive to heat, ask for 'bu la', meaning no spice.

The star dish for kids is probably the Uyghur polo, a rice and carrot or mutton pilaf. It's usually not spicy and tastes like home cooking. For a fun dessert, try the so-called 'bingtan' — a sweet fruit ice made with local grapes or apricots.

My favorite family spot in Urumqi: the restaurant 'Xiaoxueyan' on Beijing South Road. It's not fancy, but the staff adore kids and will bring extra fruit. Prices are around 40-60 RMB per person. And yes, they have a picture menu.

Remember: most smaller places are cash or mobile-payment only. Always have about 200 RMB in cash as a backup, because international cards are not accepted as often here.

Is Xinjiang Safe for Foreign Families?

The biggest safety concerns for foreign families are usually about infrastructure, not crime. Xinjiang has strict security checkpoints in major cities, and you'll see police at transport hubs. But in practice, I've never felt that a family was in danger. The local people are curious and often helpful.

The real risks are: sunburn, dehydration, altitude sickness in the mountains, and bus-borne illnesses. So build in rest days, use sunscreen, and give kids water every 20 minutes.

You will also need to mind the visa situation. China's visa rules for Xinjiang are the same as for the rest of the country, but you must always carry your passport with you. Check the latest regulation on the official National Immigration Administration website before you travel.

Also, keep in mind that health care is decent in Urumqi, but local hospitals may not have English-speaking staff. Buy travel insurance with air evacuation coverage — I've never needed it, but I've felt calmer knowing it's there.

Money Moves That Save You a Bundle

Tourist attractions in Xinjiang are actually cheaper than in eastern China, but the real savings come from your planning.

First, always book major train tickets in advance. The official ticket platform 12306 has an English app, and you can purchase tickets with a foreign passport. Last-minute tickets in summer are nearly impossible to get.

Second, skip the guided tour package for the big sites. You can often hire a private driver and a separate local guide at the ticket gate for a fraction of the cost, but only if you speak a little Chinese. If you don't, investing in an English-speaking guide for one or two days is worth the money — they can smooth out all the logistics for you.

Third, accept that international cards won't work everywhere. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive, link it to your international card. Then you can just scan and go — even at fruit stalls in the market. For kids' treats, train them to use cash.

My last tip: many family-friendly hotels offer free shuttle buses to popular spots. Ask when you book.

Family Travel FAQs

Let me be honest with you — your family trip to Xinjiang won't be flawless. You'll have tiny fights, maybe a lost sock, and a child who refuses to sleep in a yurt. But those small imperfections become the stories you'll tell around the dinner table forever. The camels, the ruins, the endless sky — they'll all be unforgettable.

So: book the flight, pack the snacks, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.