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Heavily guarded petrol stations in Xinjiang province, China 🇨🇳 |S8, EP115
Xinjiang Adventure: Heavily Guarded Petrol Stations and Road
In this episode, I ride together with Bing to Yecheng. Fuelling up in this province of China is not easy. As a foreigner, I can't get fuel at all, since you only are granted access to the petrol station with a Chinese ID card and after scanning your face and license plate number. This region has so...
In this episode the rider travels with Bing to Yecheng. Fuelling up in Xinjiang proves difficult for a foreigner since access to petrol stations is restricted to those with a Chinese ID card and face plus license plate verification. The journey reveals many interesting villages and countryside moments that feel surprisingly welcoming despite the restrictions. Itchy Boots also explains filming techniques, including drone shots captured while riding, giving a behind the scenes look at gear and methods used on the road.
In this travel diary style episode, Itchy Boots teams up with Bing to ride toward Yecheng, deep in Xinjiang. Fuelling up as a foreign traveler proves surprisingly difficult, because access to petrol stations is restricted to locals who present a Chinese ID card and undergo a face scan along with license plate verification. The ride reveals a province rich in villages and countryside life, offering surprises and warmth despite the logistical hurdles. Itchy Boots uses the moment to share practical filming techniques, including how she captures drone shots while riding, giving viewers a behind the scenes look at her gear and process. The journey blends rugged overland adventure with cultural glimpses, showing that even in a guarded region there are welcoming pockets and fascinating scenes just off the main roads.
In this episode the rider travels with Bing to Yecheng. Fuelling up in Xinjiang proves difficult for a foreigner since access to petrol stations is restricted to those with a Chinese ID card and face plus license plate verification. The journey reveals many interesting villages and countryside moments that feel surprisingly welcoming despite the restrictions. Itchy Boots also explains filming techniques, including drone shots captured while riding, giving a behind the scenes look at gear and methods used on the road.
<p>In this episode of her China adventure, Itchy Boots sets out from the ancient city of Kashgar with her guide Bing, headed for the town of Yecheng. The journey immediately highlights the unique challenges of traveling as a foreigner in Xinjiang, particularly when it comes to fueling up. The duo faces a lengthy, bureaucratic process at a petrol station—involving ID checks, license plate scans, and multiple U-turns—before they are finally allowed to fill the tank. It’s a stark reminder of the strict regulations in the region.</p><p>Along the way, they stop at a charming village famous for its handmade pottery and mud-and-straw houses, where locals are seen crafting traditional wares and singing in Uyghur. The traveler notes the deep sense of history, with families living there for over a thousand years. Next, they visit a village renowned for its 400-year-old tradition of handcrafting knives. Though the workshop itself prohibits filming, Itchy Boots describes the incredible detail and the high price of the unique blades, which can take up to 15 days to make.</p><p>The cultural exploration continues at lunch, where Bing introduces her to cuisine from his home province—a stark contrast to the local Uyghur dishes she’s been eating. She raves about the flavors, including a tender Kung Pao chicken. The episode ends with them arriving in Yecheng, where a small car accident on the street underscores the everyday realities of travel. Back at the hotel, a lighthearted moment occurs when a delivery robot brings her a snack, ordered by Bing. Throughout the day, Itchy Boots reflects on the surprising warmth of the people despite the heavy security, and the joy of finally having all her paperwork in order to ride legally in China.</p>
From navigating heavily guarded petrol stations in Xinjiang to discovering a 400-year-old knife-making village, this episode follows Itchy Boots and her guide Bing through a region full of contradictions. The journey reveals the strict security protocols for foreigners, the warmth of local Uyghur communities, and the stunning contrast between ancient mud-brick villages and hyper-modern Chinese cities. Witness the challenges of fueling up, the joy of authentic regional cuisine, and the behind-the-scenes reality of solo motorcycle travel in one of China's most fascinating provinces.
Itchy Boots navigates strict petrol stations, explores a 400-year-old knife-making village, and enjoys local Uyghur pottery and cuisine in Xinjiang, China.
Petrol Station Challenges and Ancient Villages in Xinjiang China Motor
5:32 Having a Chinese driver's license and local plates simplifies riding legally, but always carry the official card and paperwork.
7:17 In Xinjiang, theft is very rare. It is often safe to leave your belongings unattended due to pervasive security cameras.
11:24 Foreigners need a local with a Chinese ID card to enter many petrol stations in Xinjiang. Face and license plate scans are common procedures.
23:50 Hotels need a special permit to host foreigners, usually only available at three-star establishments or above, limiting budget options.
5:32 Having a Chinese driver's license and local plates simplifies riding legally, but always carry the official card and paperwork.
7:17 In Xinjiang, theft is very rare. It is often safe to leave your belongings unattended due to pervasive security cameras.
11:24 Foreigners need a local with a Chinese ID card to enter many petrol stations in Xinjiang. Face and license plate scans are common procedures.
23:50 Hotels need a special permit to host foreigners, usually only available at three-star establishments or above, limiting budget options.
0:34 Good morning from Kashgar
2:37 Leaving the old city wall
7:32 Pottery village exploration
10:57 Difficult petrol station
14:36 Famous knife making village
17:34 Lunch and local cuisine
22:46 Arrival in Yecheng
0:34 Good morning from Kashgar
2:37 Leaving the old city wall
7:32 Pottery village exploration
10:57 Difficult petrol station
14:36 Famous knife making village
17:34 Lunch and local cuisine
22:46 Arrival in Yecheng
round the world on motorbikemotorbike travellersolo female travelleradventure rideroffroad motorcycleitchy bootsyamaha tenereyamaha xt600xt600zvintage motorcycle1987 yamaha tenerearound the worldxinjiang chinauygurs china中國機車旅行中國陸路旅行What was the biggest challenge at the petrol station?
We had to show my Chinese ID card, scan the license plate, and a face scan. We even had to do U-turns to get the boom gate to open properly.
What was the knife-making village like?
They wouldn't let me film the workshop, but I saw masters making knives completely by hand. Each knife is unique, taking up to 15 days to make, and some cost over 700 euros.
