In the high-temperature-difference regions of Northwest China, existing rural buildings suffer severe heat loss due to inadequate thermal insulation measures, while the increasing carbon emissions exert tremendous pressure on environmental pollution. Implementing thermal insulation measures for both existing and newly built rural residences is one of the effective approaches to address energy consumption and environmental pollution. This study takes a typical rural residence in Jiuquan City as the research object, conducts compar- ative analyses of different thermal insulation measures, proposes an optimal solution, and identifies effective pathways for reducing energy consumption. The findings provide valuable references for the renovation of existing buildings and the design and construction of new buildings in Northwest China.