Navigate China’s largest province – Xinjiang with ease using this comprehensive travel guide for domestic and international visitors. Xinjiang requires careful transportation planning to maximize your experience.
Essential Travel Insights for Xinjiang
- Urumqi serves as the main transportation hub with international airport connections and railway links to major Chinese cities
- Multiple transportation options available including flights, high-speed trains, buses, and rental cars for exploring this vast region
- Early autumn offers the best travel experience with comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and seasonal fruits and melons
How to Travel to Xinjiang by Air
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Xinjiang.
Major Airports
Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC):
Xinjiang’s largest airport, with direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and other major Chinese cities. International flights connect to cities like Istanbul and Dubai.
Tip: Book flights 2–3 months in advance for better prices.Kashgar Airport (KHG):
A smaller airport in southern Xinjiang, offering flights from Urumqi, Xi’an, and Chengdu. Perfect for travelers heading to the Karakoram Highway or ancient Silk Road sites.- Hotan Airport: Serves southern Xinjiang
- Kanas Airport: Convenient for visiting the beautiful Kanas Nature Reserve
Other Airports:
Smaller cities like Turpan, Korla, and Yining also have airports with limited domestic flights.
Flight Routes to Xinjiang
Many Chinese cities offer direct flights to Urumqi:
- Beijing to Urumqi: About 4.5 hours
- Shanghai to Urumqi: About 5 hours
- Guangzhou to Urumqi: About 5 hours
- Chengdu to Urumqi: About 3.5 hours
- Xi’an to Urumqi: About 3 hours
Connecting Flights
If your city has no direct flights to Xinjiang:
Fly to Beijing, Shanghai, or Xi’an first.
Transfer to a domestic flight to Urumqi (takes 4–5 hours).
Airport Transfer Tips
After arriving at the airport:
- Urumqi Airport: 16 miles (25 km) from downtown, about 30 minutes by taxi
- Kashgar Airport: About 20 minutes from downtown by taxi
- Ride-hailing apps like Didi work well in major Xinjiang cities
- Airport shuttles are available at Urumqi Airport
How to Travel to Xinjiang by High-Speed Train
High-speed trains offer a comfortable and scenic alternative to flying. The rail network connects Xinjiang with many other Chinese provinces.
Main High-Speed Rail Routes
The Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway is the main line serving Xinjiang. It connects:
- Lanzhou (Gansu Province) to Urumqi
- Xining (Qinghai Province) to Urumqi
- Dunhuang to Turpan and Urumqi
Travel Times by High-Speed Train
High-speed trains dramatically reduce travel times compared to regular trains:
- Xi’an to Urumqi: About 13.5 hours
- Lanzhou to Urumqi: About 10.5 hours
- Xining to Urumqi: About 9.5 hours
- Zhangye to Urumqi: About 7.5 hours
- Jiayuguan to Urumqi: About 6 hours
- Dunhuang to Urumqi: About 4 hours
Turpan High-Speed Rail Connections
Turpan North Railway Station serves bullet trains from:
- Jiayuguan to Turpan: About 5-5.5 hours
- Zhangye to Turpan: About 6-7 hours
- Dunhuang to Turpan: About 3 hours
Booking Train Tickets to Xinjiang
To book train tickets to Xinjiang:
- Use the official China Railway website or the 12306 app
- Book tickets up to 60 days in advance
- Reserve early during peak seasons (summer and major holidays)
- International travelers can use Trip.com for easier booking
How to Travel Around Xinjiang
Xinjiang is vast, covering over 1.6 million square kilometers. Various transportation options help you explore this huge region efficiently.
Travel by Air Within Xinjiang
For long distances within Xinjiang, domestic flights save significant time:
- Urumqi to Kashgar: About 2 hours
- Urumqi to Kanas: About 1.5 hours
- Urumqi to Hotan: About 2 hours
- Urumqi to Yining: About 1 hour
Urumqi serves as the main hub for flights to all parts of Xinjiang.
Travel by Train Within Xinjiang
Trains connect major cities and attractions in Xinjiang:
- Urumqi to Turpan: About 1 hour by bullet train
- Urumqi to Karamay: About 5 hours
- Urumqi to Korla: About 5 hours
- Urumqi to Yining: About 10 hours
Both high-speed and regular trains operate within Xinjiang, with varying comfort levels and prices.
Travel by Bus Within Xinjiang
Long-distance buses connect cities and smaller towns:
- Operate between major cities like Urumqi, Kashgar, Turpan, and Hotan
- Typically cheaper than trains but take longer
- Schedules can change based on weather and road conditions
- Buses often depart from central bus stations in each city
Private Car and Drivers
For flexibility and access to remote areas:
- Hiring a local driver is recommended over self-driving
- Many attractions are spread out and require full-day trips
- Popular routes include:
- Urumqi to Kanas: About 3-5 days with sightseeing
- Kashgar to Tashkurgan: About 1 day
- Turpan circuit tours: 1-2 days
- Hotels and travel agencies can arrange drivers
Local Transportation Within Cities
In Xinjiang’s cities, transportation options include:
- Taxis: Available in all major cities
- Ride-hailing apps: Didi works well in Urumqi and Kashgar
- Public buses: Inexpensive but require some Chinese language skills
- Subway: Urumqi has a growing subway system
How to Get to Xinjiang from Malaysia
For travelers from Malaysia looking to experience Xinjiang’s beauty, here are your best options:
By Air (Recommended)
The most efficient way to reach Xinjiang from Malaysia is by air:
- Book a flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC)
- Most flights require a connection through major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou
- Total travel time: approximately 6-8 hours depending on your layover
- Airlines operating these routes include China Southern, Air China, and Malaysia Airlines
Alternative Routes
While less convenient, you can also consider:
- Flying to a major Chinese city first, then taking a domestic flight or train to Urumqi
- This option provides flexibility to explore other parts of China before heading to Xinjiang
| Route | Airlines | Duration | Cost (MYR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur → Urumqi | China Eastern Airlines | ~11h 10m | From 1,028 |
| Kuala Lumpur → Kashgar | Air China (1 stop) | ~18h | From 1,556 |
| Penang → Urumqi | Xiamen Airlines | ~17h 45m | From 982 |
How to Travel to Xinjiang from Xi’an
Xi’an is home to the famous Terracotta Warriors, is a common starting point for travelers heading to Xinjiang. Here are your transportation options:
By High-Speed Train
- Depart from Xi’an North Railway Station to Urumqi Railway Station
- Journey time: approximately 14-20 hours
- Sleeper class accommodations available for overnight travel
- Tickets cost around CNY 500-1000 (USD 70-150)
- Offers scenic views of the Chinese countryside
By Air
- Fly from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC)
- Flight duration: approximately 2-3 hours
- Several flights operate daily
- Tickets cost around CNY 500-1500 (USD 70-220)
By Long-Distance Bus
- Less common but available option, no direct line
- Journey time: approximately 30-40 hours
- Not recommended for comfort-seeking travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to get to Xinjiang from Beijing?
A: The best way to get from Beijing to Xinjiang depends on your priorities. For speed and convenience, a direct flight from Beijing to Urumqi takes about 4.5 hours. If you prefer scenery and a more relaxed journey, take a high-speed train to Xi’an first, then connect to Urumqi (total journey around 20 hours). Flights are more expensive but save significant time, while trains offer better views and a chance to adjust gradually to the altitude and climate differences.
Q: Do I need permits to travel in certain areas of Xinjiang?
While most major tourist destinations in Xinjiang don’t require special permits, some border areas and sensitive regions may require travel permits. Places like Kanas Nature Reserve, Kashgar, Turpan, and Urumqi are freely accessible to foreign tourists. However, if you plan to visit remote areas near borders with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, or Mongolia, you might need permits. It’s best to check with a travel agency or your hotel about current requirements, as regulations can change. Joining organized tours can simplify access to areas with restrictions.
