Discover an authentic China, curated for curious travelers

Xinjiang

新疆

Overland routes, alpine meadows, and bazaar life across China's far west—for travelers who want road trips, not city tours.

Tibet

西藏

High-altitude expeditions, monastery towns, and vast plateau light—for travelers ready for permits, pace, and altitude.

Qinghai

青海

High plateau lakes, empty highways, and frontier light—Qinghai for travelers tracing the roof of the world.

Gansu

甘肃

Silk Road corridors, canyon roads, and Hexi Corridor light—for overland travelers crossing northwest China.

Western Sichuan

川西

High passes, Tibetan valleys, and road-trip country west of Chengdu—for travelers who want mountains, not megacity stops.

Yunnan

云南

Misty villages, terrace country, and slow-travel highlands—Yunnan for travelers seeking human stories and mountain rhythm.

Xinjiang Overland Route

14 daysmid

A curated overland sampler across Xinjiang's valleys, bazaars, and desert edges—every trip is customized, not a fixed package.

Tibetan Plateau Expedition

12 daysmid

A high-altitude expedition framework from Lhasa toward plateau passes and monastery country—customized to your permit window and pace.

Yunnan Highlands Discovery

10 daysmid

A slow-travel loop through Yunnan's misty villages and terrace highlands—shaped to your dates, not sold as a package.

First-Time Travel in Xinjiang

Choose Xinjiang if you have 10–14+ days, accept $80–$220/day costs, and want markets over milestones. Fly one leg or pick north OR south—not both in a week. Summer unlocks passes; wallets beat cards. Build 2 buffer days; read Tibet permits before stacking regions.

Tibet Travel Permits Explained

Tibet requires a Travel Permit (15–25 days processing) and licensed guide—no true independent travel. Budget $1,600–$3,400 for 8–10 days. Book permits before flights; acclimatize in Xining 48–72 hours before Lhasa. ATP needed for Everest corridor.

Driving Across Western China

Western China driving means 350–600 km days, fuel every 180–250 km, and ¥600–¥950/day drivers vs ¥450–¥750 self-drive. First-timers should hire drivers. Get temporary Chinese driving permit 1–3 days in hub cities. Add 2–4 buffer days per fortnight.

Best Seasons for Qinghai

Qinghai peaks in July for bloom and crowds; May/September save 15–30% with cold nights at 3,200 m. Winter closes many lake roads. Plan 2 lake nights, not a Xining day trip. Budget $980–$1,650 for 7 days. Acclimatize before Tibet rail.

Understanding China's Ethnic Regions

Yunnan ethnic travel needs 10+ days, ¥120–¥280 homestays, and lunar market research. Hire drivers beyond Lijiang; two village nights minimum. Drones often banned (¥500–¥2,000 fines). Respect beats checklist photography. Budget $1,400–$2,400 for 12 days.

Planning an Overland China Journey

Plan 18–28 days for Gansu–Qinghai–Xinjiang loops at $2,800–$6,500/person. Sequence permits before Tibet rail; book Mogao 15–30 days ahead. Cap driving at 400 km/day average. Use 4–6 buffer days. Drivers beat heroic mileage on three-province routes.