Things To Do
in Ghulja

The city’s main market area where you’ll find fresh fruit, nuts, dried goods, bread ovens, grilled skewers and small eateries; ideal for sampling a wide range of street foods and buying regional produce.

Seasonal stalls sell local melons, grapes and apples—especially good in late summer and autumn during harvest.

Many residents are Muslim or follow local traditions—dress modestly near mosques, avoid eating pork or drinking alcohol in front of conservative locals, and remove shoes where required.

Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly women and religious sites; many vendors are accustomed to tourists but respect is appreciated.

Bargaining is normal in bazaars—be polite and smile. Use both hands to accept items or tea when offered, and small gestures of hospitality are part of local interactions.

Chinese regulations require carrying your passport or local ID—hotels will register you, and police checkpoints can request identification.

Tipping is not customary and usually not expected in small restaurants or taxis; rounding up or a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated but not required.

Cash (Chinese yuan) is widely used—carry small bills for markets and taxis. Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate in many places but require Chinese bank accounts; international credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger businesses but are less common in local eateries and bazaars.

Cool to mild temperatures with occasional wind; orchards begin flowering. Early spring can still be chilly, so pack layers and a windproof jacket.

Warm to hot days (pleasant compared with China’s humid regions) and dry air—best time for grasslands and lake visits. Expect busy markets and local festivals; sunscreen and a hat are recommended.

Crisp, clear weather and harvest season for grapes and melons—beautiful colors and excellent food. Ideal time for photography and outdoor activities with cooler days and cold nights.

Cold and dry with snow in some years; temperatures often drop below freezing. Some rural routes and mountain passes may be inaccessible—bring warm clothing and confirm transport availability.

Vast pastoral landscape ideal for day hikes, horseback treks and photography—best visited in summer when the grass is green and yurt camps are open.

Scenic walks around an alpine lake with clear water and mountain backdrops; choose shorter loops for day trips and be prepared for cooler temperatures.

Lower-elevation trails offer varied terrain, wildflower meadows in summer and accessible hiking options closer to town.

Hiking and viewpoint opportunities above the border area—check access rules and avoid sensitive installations when exploring these routes.

A significant Turkic-speaking Muslim community with deep cultural presence in local markets, cuisine and religious life.

Ethnic Kazakhs contribute equestrian and pastoral traditions, particularly in surrounding grasslands and village life.

Han residents are present in government, business and urban neighborhoods, contributing to a mixed cultural landscape.

Smaller communities such as the Hui (Chinese Muslims) and other ethnic groups add to the area’s multicultural character.