How to get to Xinjiang
Xinjiang, full name Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is located in the northwest of China and the hinterland of the Eurasian Continent, accounting for about one-sixth of China’s total land area. It borders 8 neighboring countries including Russia, Kazakhstan and Pakistan, and is adjacent to Tibet, Qinghai and Gansu provinces in China. As an important part of the ancient Silk Road, Xinjiang is a perfect gateway for your travel to explore the blend of Eastern and Western cultures, and its unique geographical location also creates diverse and stunning scenery for your journey.
⏲ Unlock Your Xinjiang Journey, Start with “How to Arrive”
When planning a trip to Xinjiang, the first thing everyone cares about is “how to get there” – whether you’re traveling from far away or nearby, based on our years of experience in receiving tourists in Xinjiang, we have sorted out the most practical and worry-free transportation guide to help you easily start your Xinjiang journey.
Our travel agency not only sort out the advantages, disadvantages and practical skills of various transportation methods for you, but also recommend the most suitable arrival method combined with Xinjiang’s classic travel routes (Northern Xinjiang Loop, Southern Xinjiang Loop), providing connection services throughout the whole process to make your trip smooth and worry-free from departure.
We mainly offer two ways to get around: by air and by land, which includes trains, roads, and border crossings. Flying is the fastest option, especially for international and long‑distance domestic travelers. Overland travel is better suited for those who prefer self‑driving trips or cross‑border journeys. Below is a detailed introduction to different routes and recommendations.
1. The First Part: Air Travel – The Fastest Arrival Method, Suitable for Long-Distance Tourists
The First Part: Air Travel – The Fastest Arrival Method, Suitable for Long-Distance Tourists
1.1 Key Airport Introduction
Urumqi Diwopu International Airport
As Xinjiang’s largest aviation hub, this airport is situated in Urumqi, the regional capital in northern Xinjiang. It is the primary point of entry for most travelers, offering the widest selection of flight routes. The airport links major Chinese cities and operates international flights to Central Asia, West Asia, Russia and other destinations. Upon arrival, you can easily connect to Kashgar and other cities across the region.
Kashgar Airport
Located near Kashgar in southern Xinjiang, this airport is ideal for travelers exploring southern Xinjiang and the ancient Silk Road. It mainly connects to Urumqi, and in recent years has added direct flights to cities including Chengdu and Xi’an.
Other airports in the region include:
Burqin Kanas Airport, Turpan Jiaohe Airport, Karamay Airport, Bole Alashankou Airport, Yining Airport (Ili), Korla Airport, Hotan Airport, Shache Airport, Kuqa Airport.
Most of these airports operate domestic flights and are convenient for regional travel.
1.2 Domestic Flights
There are frequent flights from major Chinese cities to Xinjiang, with flight times ranging from 3 to 6 hours. We recommend flying directly to Urumqi or Kashgar as your starting point.
From Beijing: Around 20 direct flights to Urumqi daily, taking about 4 hours. Connecting flights are also available to Turpan, Kashgar, or Karamay.
From Shanghai: Direct flights to Urumqi take about 5 hours, with services also connecting to Kashgar and other southern Xinjiang cities.
From Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an: Direct flights to Urumqi or Kashgar, with a flight time of 4–5 hours. Chengdu and Xi’an are popular transfer hubs.
From Lanzhou, Dunhuang, Harbin, Qingdao: Direct flights to Urumqi, Turpan, or Yining are available, convenient for travelers from Northwest China.
Internal connections: From Urumqi, you can fly to Kashgar (around 2 hours), Yining (1 hour), Hotan (2 hours), and other destinations, covering both northern and southern Xinjiang.
1.3 International Flights
International flights are available at Urumqi and Kashgar airports, mostly from Central Asia and neighboring countries.
From Central Asia: Direct flights to Urumqi from cities including Almaty (Kazakhstan), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), and Dushanbe (Tajikistan).
From Russia: Flights from Moscow or Novosibirsk to Urumqi.
Other regions: Limited direct flights from Europe or South Asia. We recommend transferring via Beijing or Shanghai first, then connecting to Xinjiang.
1.4 Practical Ticketing and Travel Tips
Ticketing Suggestions: Book tickets 1-2 months in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (June-October, Northern Xinjiang’s summer resort season from June to August, golden autumn season from September to October, Southern Xinjiang’s apricot blossom season from April to May, and cool season from September to October) to enjoy more preferential fares; choosing our travel agency can get group discount tickets and priority seat reservation.
Exclusive Travel Agency Services: We provide airport pick-up and drop-off services, which can connect with hotel check-in and scenic spot transfer; if transfer is needed, we provide transfer rest arrangements and luggage storage services to solve the fatigue and inconvenience of long-distance travel.
The Second Part: Land Border Crossings – A Unique Entry Way, Suitable for Cross-Border Adventure Seekers
Xinjiang has several open land ports that are convenient for travelers entering from Central and South Asia. Foreign visitors must hold a valid Chinese visa and border permit. Some crossings are restricted to independent travelers and require arrangement through a travel agency.
2.1 With Kazakhstan
Khorgos Port
Alashankou Port
Travelers can take road or rail from Almaty via Khorgos to Yining or Urumqi.
2.2 With Kyrgyzstan
Torugart Port
Irkeshtam Port
From Bishkek, you can reach Kashgar via Irkeshtam by road, crossing the Tianshan Mountains in about 1–2 days.
2.3 With Pakistan
Khunjerab Pass
The China-Pakistan Karakoram Highway connects Islamabad to Kashgar, taking around 2 days. It is open seasonally (April to November).
2.4 With Other Countries
Mongolia: Takshiken Port
Russia: Hongshanzui Port
Tajikistan: Karasu Port
These ports are less frequently used. Please verify their opening status in advance.
The Third Part: Exclusive Travel Agency Connection Services – Worry-Free Throughout the Whole Process, Arrive Easily
Customized Transportation Plan: According to the tourist’s departure place, travel time, budget and travel route (Northern Xinjiang, Southern Xinjiang, North-South Xinjiang Line), recommend the most suitable transportation method for tourists, integrate ticketing, pick-up and drop-off, transfer and other services.
Emergency and Guarantee Services: If there are traffic delays or ticketing problems during the trip, we will coordinate and solve them as soon as possible; provide 24-hour customer service support, respond to tourists’ needs at any time, so that every tourist can arrive in Xinjiang smoothly and start a wonderful journey
Conclusion: Choose the Right Transportation, Start a Perfect Xinjiang Journey
There are various transportation methods to Xinjiang – air is fast, railway is cost-effective, and highway is flexible. You can choose according to your own situation. Xinjiang’s beautiful scenery and human customs are worth your trip. We sincerely invite you to choose our travel agency. We will customize an exclusive transportation and travel plan for you, escort you from departure to arrival, and accompany you to unlock every beauty of Xinjiang.
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