A campsite in Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture on an RV travel app. Users can share experiences, find campsite information and rent vehicles on the app (SCREENSHOT)
Driving a recreational vehicle (RV) from the grasslands along the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains to Ancient City of Kashi (Kashgar) in south Xinjiang, one will see the vast and diverse region unfolding in a new light. Increasingly, travelers are choosing to explore Xinjiang on wheels, discovering its landscapes and cultures at their own pace.
What makes such journeys seamless is the remarkable advancement of Xinjiang's infrastructure, from roads and communications to energy and digital payment systems. These modern upgrades have turned RV travel across the region into a practical and enjoyable reality.
In Xinjiang today, renting an RV can be completed entirely on a smartphone. Real-name authentication, digital driver's license verification, insurance purchase and contactless payment can all be handled within minutes. There is no need to visit a rental agency, as vehicles are delivered directly to customers once the system automatically verifies their identity and driving credentials.
An RV rental company in Kashi promotes its services through livestreaming on super app Weixin (SCREENSHOT)
This convenience stems from the region's rapidly improving digital infrastructure. The national one-stop online government services platform allows public security, transportation and insurance departments to share data. In the past, travelers had to bring stacks of paper documents and wait for manual verification. Now, with only a smartphone in hand, they can rent an RV immediately. Policies for international visitors are also being refined to make the process even smoother.
Initiatives like expanding 5G coverage in scenic areas and improving connectivity in the Gobi Desert have extended Internet access to major tourist routes and key scenic spots, so that travelers can enjoy real-time navigation, make mobile payment and share photos and videos even when traveling.
