Since August 1st, resort areas in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, such as Urumqi and Kashi, are welcoming soaring numbers of tourists. In Urumqi, hotels and restaurants are almost full and 8000 tourist transport vehicles still can't meet the rising need.

The popularity of the Xinjiang tourism market has exceeded its current capacity. Under these circumstances, related agencies suggest that tourists heading for Xinjiang should make their hotel reservation before setting off on their journey.

A manager in the public relations department of the Xinjiang Hualing Hotel said that individual tourists should book hotels 3-5 days before their arrival, while tour groups should make their hotel reservations 10-15 days in advance.

It is reported that from late July through to now, all the luxury 5-star hotels in Urumqi have been at full capacity.

By August 12th, the reservation rate for standard suites in various hotels has reached 100 percent, and deluxe suites costing more than 10,000 yuan (US$1,250) per night are welcoming large numbers of customers as well. Some hotels have even vacated their administrative offices in order to satisfy booking needs.

While the tourist season is still going strong, hotel room rates have reached a new peak. Currently, standard suites in 5-star hotels in Urumqi cost between 480 and 780 yuan per night, and those of 3-star and 4-star hotels cost between 218 and 288 yuan per night.

(CRIENGLISH.com August 15, 2006)