Xinjiang trip practicalities

Question

Hi everyone,

I have been wanting for some time to go to Xinjiang to see Kashgar and maybe one or two other interesting places. I will have 9 days, from the Friday to the Sunday.

My main concern is the visa. I have read that mentioning Xinjiang on the visa application form will see it rejected - is this true? People who have been to Xinjiang, how what did you do?

Please note that I like in Uzbekistan and would be looking to travel overland via Kyrgyzstan. I have read that it can be done - does anyone have any experience?

Besides the questions above, if anyone has any general tips regarding the itinerary, safety or avoiding scams etc, I'd be grateful.

Thank you!

Answer

Traveling to Xinjiang, particularly to places like Kashgar, is still possible for independent travelers, but there are some practical considerations and restrictions you should be aware of. Your concerns regarding visas and overland travel are valid and require careful planning.

Visa considerations: For most nationalities, including those from Uzbekistan, a standard Chinese tourist visa (L visa) is required to enter China. There is some anecdotal advice online suggesting that explicitly mentioning Xinjiang on the visa application form could lead to delays or extra scrutiny. However, in practice, the visa form only asks for your intended itinerary in China. Most travelers who plan to visit Xinjiang simply list major cities such as Ürümqi or Kashgar and are granted a regular visa without issue. Being truthful is generally recommended — falsifying your itinerary could cause problems at entry.

List your main entry city (for example, Ürümqi) on the visa application.
You can mention Xinjiang as part of your itinerary but be prepared to provide hotel bookings or travel details if requested.
Some travelers report that leaving “Xinjiang” off the visa application entirely can avoid extra scrutiny, but it is not strictly required if your documents are in order.

Overland travel via Kyrgyzstan: Entering Xinjiang overland from Kyrgyzstan is possible, typically through the Irkeshtam or Torugart border crossings. The route can be scenic and interesting, but it comes with a few challenges:

Border crossings can be slow; expect paperwork checks and potential delays.
You will need a valid Chinese visa before crossing; China does not issue visas at these borders.
Transport options are limited. Many travelers hire local taxis or join tour groups to travel from the border to Kashgar or Ürümqi.
Some areas in southern Xinjiang, especially near borders, require additional travel permits for foreigners. Check with local authorities or your hotel in advance.

Itinerary and practical tips for 9 days:

Focus on either southern Xinjiang (Kashgar, Karakul Lake, Tashkurgan) or northern Xinjiang (Ürümqi, Turpan, Kanas Lake) to avoid excessive travel.
Book domestic flights early; distances in Xinjiang are vast, and overland travel can be time-consuming.
For Kashgar, try to visit the old city, Sunday Bazaar (if your schedule aligns), Id Kah Mosque, and Karakul Lake.
Accommodations in Kashgar and Ürümqi are generally safe and reliable. Choose hotels with experience hosting foreign travelers.

Safety and avoiding scams:

Xinjiang is generally safe for tourists, but it is highly monitored. Always carry your passport and visa with you.
Be cautious with unofficial guides or taxis offering “special” tours; use hotel-recommended or licensed transport.
Avoid political discussions; sensitive topics may attract attention.
Internet access is limited; some apps like Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Facebook may not work without a VPN.

In summary, a Xinjiang trip is feasible with proper visa planning and attention to overland travel logistics. Mentioning the city on the visa form is usually fine if you have supporting bookings and a clear itinerary. Prioritize safe transport, reputable accommodations, and plan realistically for the distances involved.

Xinjiang trip practicalities

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