The Scale of the Problem
Xinjiang is 1.66 million square kilometers. It’s larger than Iran. It’s 16% of China’s total land area.
The distance from Urumqi to Kashgar? 1,500 km. That’s like Paris to Madrid. Or New York to Miami.
So “getting around” isn’t a small logistical detail. It’s the central challenge of any Xinjiang trip.
The Options (Ranked by Practicality)
1. Rental Car with Driver (¥500-1,200/day)
This is the gold standard for seeing Xinjiang properly. You have flexibility, you can stop wherever looks interesting, and you don’t have to navigate the checkpoints yourself.
How to arrange: Through your hotel, a local guide, or (in Urumqi) car rental agencies. Insist on seeing the driver’s license and the car’s paperwork.
My experience: Best money I spent in Xinjiang. My driver, Abliz, became a friend. He knew shortcuts, the best noodle joints, and exactly which checkpoint would need which document.
2. High-Speed Train (¥50-300 per segment)
China’s high-speed rail has reached Xinjiang. The Urumqi-Turpan line is fast (1.5 hours) and comfortable.
The network is expanding: More lines are being built. Check the latest map before you go.
Limitation: Only connects major cities. For the scenic areas (Kanas, Sayram, the grasslands), you’ll still need a car at the destination.
3. Long-Distance Buses (¥50-200 per segment)
They go everywhere. They’re cheap. They’re… slow.
The experience: 6-12 hours on a bus with occasional A/C, a bathroom that you don’t want to use, and stunning scenery if you get a window seat.
Pro tip: Download entertainment before you board. The routes don’t have WiFi.
4. Domestic Flights (¥600-2,500 per flight)
Urumqi connects to most cities in Xinjiang (Kashgar, Kanas/KJI, Yining, Aksu). Flights are 1-2 hours versus 10-20 hours on the ground.
The catch: Flights are frequently delayed or cancelled in winter (weather) and during sandstorm season (spring). Build buffer days into your itinerary.
5. Self-Drive (Rental Car)
Officially, foreigners can rent cars in China with an international driving permit + Chinese translation. In practice, many rental agencies in Xinjiang won’t rent to foreigners due to the permit situation in sensitive areas.
If you can: Road trips in Xinjiang are epic. The G30 highway, the desert highway, the mountain roads to the grasslands — it’s world-class driving.
If you can’t: See option #1. A driver is 90% as good and you don’t have to navigate.
The Checkpoint Situation
This is specific to Xinjiang and catches many travelers off guard. There are police checkpoints every 50-100 km on highways. Your passport (or Chinese ID) will be checked and scanned.
Does it slow you down? Yes. Budget an extra 30-60 minutes per day for checkpoints.
Is it a big deal? Not really. Be polite, have your documents ready, and it’s just a minor inconvenience.
The Verdict
If you can afford it, hire a driver. It transforms the trip from “logistical challenge” to “road trip with a local friend.”
If you’re on a budget, trains + buses + the occasional flight will get you there. It just takes longer and requires more planning.
And whatever you do — don’t try to see all of Xinjiang in 7 days. Pick a region (north or south) and do it properly.
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Published on Xinjiang Travels — Real travel advice from someone who’s been there.