Rent Car for Self-Driving Road Trip in Xinjiang

Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, situated in northwest China, encompassing an area of approximately 1.6649 million square kilometers. It spans approximately 2,000 kilometres from east to west and 1,600 kilometres from north to south.

The region is defined by a distinctive topography, comprising the Altai, Tianshan and Kunlun Mountains, along with the Tarim and Junggar basins. The Tianshan Mountains run through the middle of the region, forming a natural boundary between south Xinjiang and north Xinjiang.

To explore this vast land in a most in-depth way, we can book a tour from a reliable travel agency, or alternatively, rent a vehicle and embark on a road trip by ourselves.

Types of Rental Cars

· SUV (5 seats)

Tank300 2.0T SUV 5 seats 92#, 80L Price: /day	Harval 2.0T SUV 5 seats 92#, 60L Price: /day
Volkswagen Talagon 2.0T SUV 6 seats 95#, 74L Price: /day	Toyota 2.0T SUV 5 seats 92#, 55L Price: /day

· MPV/Commercial Vehicle (7 seats)

Buick GL8 2.0T MPV 7 seats 95#, 66L Price: /day	Volkswagen Viloran 2.0T MPV 7 seats 95#, 73L Price: /day

Recommended Road Trip Destinations in Xinjiang

· Duku Highway

Duku Highway connects Dushanzi District, Kuitun City in northern Xinjiang and Kuqa(Kuche) City in southern Xinjiang, with a total length of 561km. It crosses the Tianshan Mountains and rises from 900m to 3390m above sea level. This highway is known as the "most beautiful highway in China", with scenic spots along the way: Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Bayinbuluke Grassland, Nalati Grassland, Kuche Grand Canyon...... Duku Highway is closed from November to May of the following year due to heavy snow, and the best travel time is from June to October.

· Taklamakan Desert Highway

Taklamakan Desert Highway is China's first highway crossing a flowing desert, connecting Luntai County, Bayinguoleng Mongol Autonomous Prefecture and Minfeng County, Hotan Region, with a total length of 566km. It crosses the Taklamakan Desert, the second largest desert in the world. The scenery along the way is magnificent, making it an excellent route to experience the desert. Attractions along the way: Tazhong Oil Field, Tarim River, several viewing platforms...... The Desert Highway is open all year round. The best time to travel is spring and autumn.

Booking in Advance

It is recommended to book your vehicle at least one month in advance, especially during peak travelling seasons (e.g. summer and national holidays) when vehicles are very tight and prices go up. Booking in advance will ensure that you get the vehicle of your choice.

Vehicle Inspection

When you pick up the vehicle, make sure you carry out a thorough inspection and take photos to record the condition of the body, including the front, rear and all four sides, as well as the tyres and wheels. Also, check the vehicle's features such as lights, brakes, air conditioning, fuel gauge, glass water, etc. to make sure everything is in order.

Insurance and Expenses

It is recommended to purchase full coverage insurance or at least insurance that includes a deductible to minimise potential risks. Find out if there are any additional pick-up and drop-off fees, service fees, insurance fees, etc., and make sure all costs are transparent.

Valid ID/Passport

Carry a valid ID with you, almost all the attractions and hotels require ID for registration. Also, make sure your driver's licence is within the validity period and carry it with you.

Obey Traffic Rules and Keep Safe Driving

Traffic rules in Xinjiang are relatively strict, pay attention to the speed limit signs, avoid speeding. Mountain roads are winding and narrow, pay attention to driving safety and avoid fatigue driving. When encountering complicated road conditions, slow down to ensure safety.

Fuelling

Petrol stations are widely available in Xinjiang, but you should plan your refuelling points wisely to ensure you have enough fuel when driving across the desert. It is recommended to fill up every time, just in case.

In Xinjiang, ID checks are always needed before entering a petrol station, so remember to carry a valid ID with you all the time.

Pay attention to Weather Changes

The weather in Xinjiang is changeable, especially in mountainous and desert areas, so keep an eye on the weather forecast. Carry appropriate clothing to cope with large temperature differences.

Accommodation and Catering

There are many choices of accommodation throughout Xinjiang, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Advance booking is recommended, especially during the peak travelling season. The cuisine in Xinjiang is rich and varied, and we recommend trying local specialities such as lamb kebabs, fried rice, big plate chicken and naan.

Emergency Preparation

Carry some common medicines, rechargeable treasure, maps and other emergency items. It is recommended to download offline maps in case of emergency.