What festivals and performances in Xinjiang are worth seeing?
If you catch the atmosphere during Eid al-Adha or Navruz, it is excellent; under normal circumstances, the song and dance banquets and Muqam performances in Urumqi and Kashgar are the most worthwhile to see. What festivals and performances in Xinjiang are worth seeing? This includes the most frequently asked questions and answers for traveling to Xinjiang: documents, safety, seasons, altitude, guides, and dietary restrictions. Spend three minutes before your trip to figure it all out.
- Festivals: Eid al-Adha (dates shift according to the Islamic calendar) – families host guests warmly; Nowruz (around the vernal equinox) – traditional competitions and delicacies; winter in Altay – ice and snow festivals with snow sculptures.
- Performances: Urumqi Grand Bazaar song and dance dinner (meal and show combined); Kashgar Old Town opening ceremony – free to watch every morning; pay attention to theater schedules for special Mukam performances.
- Reminders: During holidays, tourist attractions and transportation are busier, book in advance; follow dress code and photography rules when entering mosques and religious sites.