Xinjiang, a land of incredible diversity in Northwest China, beckons travelers with its stunning mountains, vast deserts, vibrant cultures, and historical Silk Road legacy. Planning your trip to this expansive region requires understanding the best ways to get there and navigate its considerable distances. This guide simplifies your travel planning, offering clear, straightforward advice on reaching Xinjiang and exploring its wonders.
Xinjiang’s remote location means that reaching it is an adventure in itself. Fortunately, modern transportation has made this vast region more accessible than ever. You can choose between flying for speed and convenience or taking a train for a scenic, overland experience.
Xinjiang Map in China
Traveling to Xinjiang by Air
Flying is undoubtedly the fastest and often most convenient method to reach Xinjiang from other parts of China or internationally. The region boasts the highest number of civil aviation airports in China, making air travel a popular choice.
Major Airports and Connections
Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC): This is Xinjiang’s primary air gateway and a major hub. It handles the bulk of flights to and from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. URC also serves some international routes. Most travelers will fly into Urumqi first and then connect to other destinations within Xinjiang. The airport is located about 18 km (a 30-minute drive) from Urumqi’s city center.
Kashgar Laining International Airport (KHG): Situated in southwestern Xinjiang, Kashgar Airport is crucial for those wanting to explore Southern Xinjiang’s rich culture and history. It has numerous domestic flights connecting to cities like Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, and Xi’an, as well as intra-Xinjiang flights. The airport is about 10 km (a 20-minute drive) from downtown Kashgar and the Old Town.
Flights from Key Chinese Cities
- From Beijing: Direct flights to Urumqi take approximately 4.5 hours, with nearly 20 daily options. Flights to Kashgar take about 5.5 hours.
- From Xi’an: You can reach Urumqi in about 3.5 hours, with over 15 flights per day. Flights to Kashgar take around 5 hours.
- From Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou: Flights to Urumqi typically take 4 to 5 hours.
Other notable airports in Xinjiang include Turpan Jiaohe Airport (TLQ), Burqin Kanas Airport (KJI) (seasonal, for Kanas Lake), Yining Airport (YIN), Korla Airport (KRL), and Hotan Airport (HTN). These primarily serve domestic routes and facilitate travel within the vast province.
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Traveling to Xinjiang by Train
Train travel to Xinjiang offers a unique opportunity to witness the changing landscapes of China, particularly along the historic Silk Road. While slower than flying, it can be a more budget-friendly and immersive experience.
The Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway
This is the primary high-speed rail artery connecting Xinjiang with the rest of China. The line runs from Lanzhou in Gansu province, passing through cities like Xining, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang, before reaching Turpan and terminating in Urumqi. This route is ideal for travelers wishing to incorporate Silk Road sights into their journey to Xinjiang.
Travel Times on Key Routes
- Lanzhou to Urumqi: A bullet train takes about 11.5 to 12.5 hours.
- Xi’an to Urumqi: Bullet trains complete this journey in approximately 13 to 14.5 hours.
- Dunhuang to Turpan: Bullet trains take around 3 to 3.5 hours.
Normal-speed trains also serve Xinjiang, connecting it to cities further afield like Beijing and Shanghai. However, these journeys can be very long (e.g., over 30 hours from Beijing to Urumqi) and are generally recommended only for those with ample time or a preference for rail travel over very long distances. Urumqi Railway Station is the main hub for both high-speed and conventional trains. Turpan North Railway Station is another significant stop, especially for those arriving from Dunhuang.
Getting Around Xinjiang
Xinjiang is China’s largest province, and its attractions are often spread hundreds, if not thousands, of kilometers apart. Efficiently moving between these locations is key to a successful trip. A combination of internal flights, trains, and private road transport is often the most practical approach.
Internal Flights: Covering Great Distances Quickly
For those with limited time, flying between major cities within Xinjiang is the most efficient option. Urumqi Diwopu International Airport serves as the main hub for these internal flights, connecting to destinations like Kashgar, Yining, Hotan, Karamay, and Aksu. Flights can significantly cut down travel time; for example, a flight from Urumqi to Kashgar takes about 2 hours, versus a train journey of 16-24 hours.
Regional Trains: Scenic Journeys Within Xinjiang
Xinjiang has a developing rail network that connects many of its key cities and towns. The Southern Xinjiang Railway, for instance, offers a remarkable journey skirting the Taklamakan Desert between Turpan and Kashgar. While not as fast as flying, trains provide a comfortable way to see the landscape and are generally more affordable. There are 42 train stations across Xinjiang, facilitating travel between places like Urumqi, Kashgar, Turpan, Hami, Korla, and Hotan.
Private Drive: Flexibility and Scenic Routes
Hiring a private car with a driver, or joining a guided tour that includes private transportation, is highly recommended for exploring Xinjiang comprehensively. This mode of travel offers unparalleled flexibility to stop at viewpoints, visit remote attractions, and tailor your itinerary. Roads in Xinjiang are generally well-maintained, connecting major tourist destinations. Famous drives include the Karakoram Highway (to Tashkurgan) and routes through the Tianshan Mountains or to Kanas Lake.
Long-Distance Coaches and Local Transport
Long-distance buses connect most cities, towns, and even smaller counties in Xinjiang. While they are the most economical option, they can be slower and less comfortable than trains or planes. Within cities like Urumqi and Kashgar, public buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services are readily available. Bike rentals can also be found in some urban areas for short-distance exploration.
Travel Times and Methods Within Xinjiang
To help you plan your itinerary, here’s a table summarizing common travel routes to and within Xinjiang:
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Reaching Key Destinations Within Xinjiang
Xinjiang’s main attractions are spread across its northern, southern, and eastern regions. Here’s a quick look at how to get to some of the most popular spots:
Urumqi (乌鲁木齐)
As the regional capital, Urumqi is the primary entry point. From Urumqi Diwopu Airport or Urumqi Railway Station, you can easily access downtown (20-30 min drive). Nearby attractions include Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), about a 1-1.5 hour drive, and the Southern Pastures (Nanshan), around 1.5 hours away.
Kashgar (喀什)
The cultural heart of Southern Xinjiang. Fly into Kashgar Airport (KHG), or take a long train journey. The airport is a 20-minute drive from the Old Town. From Kashgar, you can drive to Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan on the Karakoram Highway (approx. 5 hours to Tashkurgan). Shache (Yarkant) is about a 3-hour drive.
Turpan (吐鲁番)
Famous for its ancient ruins, Flaming Mountains, and unique Karez irrigation system. Turpan is easily reached by high-speed train from Urumqi (about 1 hour) or Dunhuang (3-3.5 hours) to Turpan North Railway Station. Turpan Jiaohe Airport (TLQ) has limited flights. The Kumtag Desert is about a 1.5-hour drive from Turpan.
Kanas Lake (喀纳斯湖) and Hemu Village (禾木村)
Located in Northern Xinjiang’s Altai Mountains, these are famed for their stunning natural beauty. The closest airport is Burqin Kanas Airport (KJI), about a 1.5-hour drive to the Kanas scenic area entrance (Jiadengyu). KJI usually operates seasonal flights from Urumqi or other Xinjiang cities. Alternatively, it’s a long (full-day) scenic drive from Urumqi. From Jiadengyu, official tourist buses take you to Kanas Lake or Hemu Village (approx. 2 hours to Hemu).
Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture (伊犁)
Known for its lush grasslands like Narati (Nalati) and Kalajun, and the stunning Sayram Lake. Driving is a popular way to explore Ili, often as part of a loop from Urumqi. Alternatively, fly from Urumqi to Yining Airport (YIN) (approx. 1h 10min) or Xinyuan Nalati Airport (NLT) (closer to Narati Grassland). From Yining, Sayram Lake is about 2.5 hours by car.
Hotan (和田)
Located in deep Southern Xinjiang, famous for jade and carpets. Hotan can be reached by a 6-hour drive from Kashgar (visiting Shache/Yarkand en route), a 1-hour flight from Kashgar or Urumqi to Hotan Airport (HTN), or a 5.5-7 hour train ride from Kashgar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the fastest way to get to Xinjiang?
Flying is the fastest way to reach Xinjiang. Major airports like Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) and Kashgar Laining International Airport (KHG) have frequent flights from many large Chinese cities. For example, a flight from Beijing to Urumqi takes about 4.5 hours.
Is it easy to travel around Xinjiang?
Xinjiang is very large, so traveling between attractions can take time. For long distances between cities like Urumqi and Kashgar, internal flights are recommended. For exploring regions and accessing scenic spots, hiring a private car with a driver or joining a guided tour is often the most convenient and flexible option. Trains connect some major cities and offer scenic views.
Should I book flights and trains in Xinjiang in advance?
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your flights (both to and within Xinjiang) and train in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (summer and major holidays). This ensures availability and often better prices. You can book through online travel agencies or official airline/railway websites.
What are the main entry points for Xinjiang?
The main entry points are Urumqi (via Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, URC or Urumqi Railway Station) and Kashgar (via Kashgar Laining International Airport, KHG). Turpan is also a common entry point for those arriving by train along the Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway, particularly if coming from Dunhuang or Lanzhou.
Can I drive myself in Xinjiang?
For most international tourists, hiring a car with a local driver is more common and often easier due to language barriers, unfamiliar roads, and potential permit requirements for certain areas.
