Northwest China, China: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Northwest China, China? If you're planning to go to Northwest China, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Northwest China, China

Based on the climate and weather in Northwest China, China, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Northwest China, China

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Northwest China, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Northwest China, China by month

January

If you go to Northwest China in January, you will notice that it can be bitter cold. Expect it to rain occasionally. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). There is frost almost every day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest China. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Make sure to find the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

February

If you are traveling to Northwest China in February, you will notice that it is beyond freezing. Expect it to rain once in a while. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C). There is frost almost every day of the month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest China. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Make sure to choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

March

March can be extremely cold. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost almost every day of the month. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest China. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Ensure that you choose the right type. Most adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

April

If you go to Northwest China in April, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain once in a while. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest China. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Check that you choose the right type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

May

May in Northwest China is mild. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost sometimes. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest China. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. It's important that you find the necessary kind. Many adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

Traveling to Northwest China in June, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain regularly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 60s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest China. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. It's important that you get the right type. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

If you are traveling to Northwest China in July, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain regularly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest China. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. It's important that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

August is warm. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest China. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Check that you get the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

September

Traveling to Northwest China in September, you will notice that it is chilly. Expect it to rain once in a while. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C). There is frost once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest China. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Be careful to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

October

October here is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about half of the time. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest China. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Be careful to find the necessary type. Many adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

November

Traveling to Northwest China in November, you will notice that it is very cold. Expect it to rain occasionally. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). There is frost almost every day of the month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest China. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Take care to get the right kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

December in Northwest China is biting cold. Temperatures average in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost almost every day of the month. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest China. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Be sure to get the right type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

What to do in Northwest China, China

Northwest China, also known as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, is a vast and diverse region that is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. From the towering mountains to the vast deserts, there are plenty of tourist attractions in Northwest China that offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. In this article, we will explore some of the top tourist attractions in Northwest China.

1. The Silk Road - The ancient Silk Road was a trading route that connected China to the Mediterranean, and it passed through Northwest China. The region was a hub for trade and cultural exchange for centuries, and today, visitors can explore the remains of ancient cities and trading posts, including Xian, Dunhuang, and Kashgar.

2. The Karakoram Highway - The Karakoram Highway is one of the world's highest and most scenic roads, connecting China to Pakistan. The highway passes through stunning mountain landscapes, with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes. Many visitors choose to take a road trip along the Karakoram Highway to experience the stunning natural scenery up close.

3. The Gobi Desert - The Gobi Desert is one of the world's largest and most unspoiled deserts, covering an area of over 500,000 square miles. Visitors can ride camels across the sand dunes and experience the quiet and peacefulness of the desert. The Gobi Desert is also home to a number of ancient ruins and archaeological sites, including the ruins of the ancient city of Dunhuang.

4. Heavenly Lake - Heavenly Lake is a beautiful alpine lake that is located in the Tianshan Mountains, which stretch across Xinjiang. The lake is surrounded by rugged mountain landscapes and is a popular destination for hiking, boating, and fishing. Visitors can also take a cable car to the top of the mountain for stunning panoramic views.

5. Turpan - Turpan is an oasis town located in the middle of the Xinjiang desert. It is famous for its unique grape cultivation method, which involves growing grapes in circular pits that are dug into the ground to protect them from the harsh desert climate. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of the city, including the Jiaohe Ruins, which date back to the 2nd century BC.

In conclusion, Northwest China is a region full of wonders, from the ancient Silk Road to the breath-taking beauty of the Karakoram Highway and the Gobi Desert. The region is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, and there are countless tourist attractions for visitors to explore. Whether you are a history buff, an adventure seeker, or just looking for a unique travel experience, Northwest China has something for everyone.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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