Complete Guide to Self-Driving in Xinjiang
Practical details for self-driving in Xinjiang: driving licenses and car rental procedures, gas station rhythm (fill up when you see a station), section speed checks and speed limit rules, special reminders for the Duku and desert roads.
Documents and Car Rental
A Chinese driver's license is sufficient; foreign travelers holding a foreign driver's license need to obtain a temporary license, with the procedure assisted by the rental company. Choose a reputable chain for car rental and check the spare tire and roadside assistance terms.
Refueling Routine
Gas stations in Xinjiang are far apart and require security registration. It is an iron rule to refuel when the tank is more than half full; at some stations, you need to swipe your ID card, and only the driver enters the station.
Speed Limits and Speed Monitoring
Section speed monitoring is common, drive according to the speed limits on the navigation; cattle and sheep in pastoral areas may appear on the road at any time, and mountain roads should not be driven at night.
Special Road Sections
Du-Ku Highway is limited to vehicles with fewer than 7 seats and is open from June to October each year; desert highway gas stations are spaced by mileage; for mountain areas without signal coverage, download offline maps in advance.