Planning Your Journey to the Far West
Plan My Trip →Xinjiang is vast and rewarding — but planning a trip there involves real logistics. This guide covers how to visit the far west of China: permits, transport, and the practical essentials.
Xinjiang is reached by flight to Urumqi (from Beijing, Shanghai, and other cities) or by the long train journey across northern China. Flying saves days of travel.
Most of Xinjiang is open to travelers with a valid passport. Some border and highland areas require permits — arrange them through a licensed tour operator.
The region is enormous — plan a focused route rather than trying to see everything. Combine the grasslands of the north, the oases of the south, or the highlights of one region.
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Summer suits the grasslands; winter suits the cities and the snow landscapes.
Flights connect the main cities, trains cover the major routes, and private cars handle the local travel. A tour operator coordinates the logistics.
Carry your passport at all times — security checks are routine. Pack for the region's extremes. The rewards of Xinjiang — its landscapes and cultures — are extraordinary.