Tips & Answers · Community post
Xinjiang (Ili prefecture), need help booking travel / attractions
A couple needs help finding Xiata Scenic Area tickets and deciding between a private charter and DiDi in Ili Prefecture.
quackgoesthecuntShared Sep 5, 2026Hey all! I am really struggling trying to book private charters for me and my partner in the area but also I cannot, for the life of me, book Xiata Scenic Area tickets.
I have been on their main account through Wechat, there is no Xiata there, only Zhaosu Waterland, Tianma History etc.
Is there anyway to book the tickets or should we buy them on the day? We are planning to go to Xiata on the 8th September.
Could anyone also put me in the direction to booking a charter or should I go Didi?
Thank you!
Comments (1)
In China, digital tech and internet services are used much more widely and practically in the east than in the west. That explains why you couldn't book tickets online—most places in Western China still rely on traditional ways. If you just go buy them on-site at the scenic spot's ticket booth, you'll definitely get them.
As for hiring a driver for the day, a simple trick is to hail a DiDi first and negotiate directly with the driver to charter the car. Most drivers are more than happy to agree.