Is Xinjiang Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Xinjiang is located in the North West of China, in the Mongolian Uplands.

It is on the traditional Silk Road.

The region has historically been populated by the Uighurs, a people more closely related to those in Central Asia than to the Han; however, in recent decades, the Chinese government has given money to attract Han to move to the region.

The Uyghur people are renowned for their honesty, kindness, and open-mindedness towards outlanders.

Most of the tourists in this area are attracted by the opportunity to visit the Silk Road itself. And Golden Travel Route – The Taklimakan in Tarim Basin, South Xinjiang, is the world’s second-largest desert, which used to be dubbed “Death Sea.”

Warnings & Dangers in Xinjiang

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Xinjiang is a safe enough travel region. There is a low crime rate, and you can travel freely at any time of the day or night. Of course, staying alert and taking the usual precautions is also worth it. Beware of pickpockets in the bazaars.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transport is not reliable enough. It may not be very convenient for movement and not go on schedule. Taxis are preferred for travel. Be sure to discuss the price of your trip before you board a taxi.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets operate in street bazaars and crowded places. Traditionally, they work in groups, and often one will distract you, while the other will empty your pockets or steal a bag/backpack. Be especially vigilant in bazaars.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Xinjiang region is exposed to an array of natural hazards, including droughts, earthquakes, floods, heatwaves, landslides, and typhoons. Before traveling to this region, it is recommended that you study the situation for natural disasters and take appropriate measures.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Armed severe robberies are not common here. This is instead an exception to the general statistics. However, it is worth taking appropriate security measures, neither getting drunk nor getting involved in drunken fights. If an incident has occurred with you, immediately contact the police.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

There have been no terrorist attacks in Xinjiang since 2017, mainly because of the Chinese governments' harsh responses against it such as mass surveillance, increased arrests, and a system of "re-education camps", estimated to hold a million Uyghurs and members of other Muslim minority ethnic groups.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Fraud is not common in Xinjiang. However, isolated cases may occur when locals try to deceive tourists by overestimating the price of goods or travel by taxi. Also, be sure to purchase services (such as excursions) at licensed locations.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

There will be no problem for women traveling alone in Xinjiang. It is safe enough, and you are unlikely to show unwanted attention. Wear modest clothing, especially near religious sites. Follow standard precautions to avoid problems.

So... How Safe Is Xinjiang Really?

Xinjiang is considered a very safe region.

There is almost no crime, and it is safe to find in the whole region both in the daytime and at night.

Perhaps the greatest danger in Xinjiang can only be pickpockets.

The area is home to a vibrant bazaar culture where everyone and everything is traded.

The crowds here are large and create the right conditions for pickpockets, which often work as a team and can be very useful in what they do.

Be very careful with your values ​​when you are away from home.

As a foreign traveler, you are the primary goal.

There is also a slight risk of receiving fake change bills.

It sometimes happens in shops or local restaurants.

Try to choose only the right places in the central parts of cities.

In general, Xinjiang is safe to travel if you take the usual precautions.

Keep track of your things, although it is unlikely that someone will rob you.

However, bad people are everywhere.

It is customary to bargain at the bazaars, and you can safely do it.

The price of goods is usually very high initially.

The best tool at your disposal is a simple smile – it has a disarming effect with almost everybody you meet.

How Does Xinjiang Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Visitors to the mainland of the People's Republic of China must obtain a visa from one of the Chinese diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. A valid passport is a must.

Currency

Rénmínbì or yuán is the official currency in Tibet. The distinction between renminbi and yuan is that the renminbi is the name of the currency and yuan refers to its primary unit. One yuan is subdivided into 10 jiao.

Weather

The best season for tourism in Xinjiang is autumn and more specifically from August to September. During these two months, the weather is cool but comfortable and attracting many tourists from within China and abroad.

Airports

Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport is an airport serving Ürümqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwestern China. It is located in Diwopu township of Xinshi district, 16 km northwest of downtown Ürümqi. A hub for China Southern Airlines and as a focus city for Hainan Airlines, the airport handled 23,027,788 passengers in 2018, making it the 19th busiest airport in China by passenger traffic.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Xinjiang Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

China - Safety by City