Answer: Visiting the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture (“Ili”, sometimes spelled “Yili” or “伊犁” in Chinese) in Xinjiang is definitely possible from Yining (also known as Ghulja), which serves as the prefectural seat and transport hub. Here are the detailed travel options and tips for how to tour Ili from Yining.

Answer: Entering China from Pakistan via the Tashkurgan border in Xinjiang is subject to special regulations due to the sensitive nature of the region. Xinjiang, particularly the border areas like Tashkurgan near the Pakistan border, requires more than just a standard Chinese visa for foreign travelers.

Answer: For a first-time solo traveler to Xinjiang, visiting Urumqi, Tianchi Lake, Turpan, and historic sites, I would suggest planning around 5–6 days to comfortably soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Answer: Your proposed free-and-easy itinerary in north Xinjiang in mid-May is quite feasible and very appealing for a relaxed pace, especially if you prefer to avoid long coach drives and instead use flights and shorter transfers. That said, there are a number of practicalities and considerations to keep in mind to make it run smoothly.

Answer: If you are a Pakistani passport holder and plan to transit through Ürümqi in Xinjiang for 24 hours, you need to carefully consider visa requirements. China generally allows certain nationalities to use 24-hour transit without a visa (TWOV), but Pakistan is not on the list of countries eligible for this transit policy in most cities, including Ürümqi.

Answer: Cycling from Osh (Kyrgyzstan) to Irkeshtam, then to Kashgar, and across the Khunjerab Pass to Northern Pakistan is a challenging route, especially in July when temperatures can be high and water sources limited. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect regarding distances, towns, and water availability along the route:

Answer: Currently, there is a train service connecting Urumqi in Xinjiang, China, to Almaty in Kazakhstan. This international route allows travelers to cross the border by rail, but there are important details to be aware of.

Answer: Traveling from Tashkurgan to Kashgar by public transport is possible, but information is limited and schedules can change depending on the season and demand. Here is what you need to know:

Answer: Traveling from Kashgar to Xi’an by train can be an unforgettable journey through the diverse landscapes and historical heartlands of China. Here’s a detailed guide for planning your trip:

Answer: Visiting Xinjiang in late September is a great choice, as the weather is generally pleasant, with cooler temperatures after the summer heat and beautiful landscapes. For a relaxed 12-day itinerary from 19 September to 1 October, you can focus on major highlights around Urumqi, Turpan, and the Tianshan mountains.

Answer: Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake) is a popular scenic destination located about 110 km east of Urumqi in Xinjiang. Visiting without a guide is possible, as the area is relatively well-signposted, but planning transport and accommodation in advance is recommended.

Answer: If you're planning a 7–10 day trip to northern Xinjiang in late August or September and are looking to join a group tour, there are several reputable local agencies offering well-organized itineraries. Since you speak Chinese, you have the advantage of accessing a broader range of local tours, which can enhance your experience and potentially reduce costs.

Answer: Traveling from Hotan (Hetian) to Kuqa or Aksu is possible, but there are several important considerations for foreign travelers, especially UK citizens, planning a trip in September–October.

Answer: If you plan to visit Tashkurgan from Kashgar, you will need a border permit issued by the Kashgar Public Security Bureau (PSB). This permit is mandatory for all foreigners traveling to Tashkurgan and the surrounding border areas in Xinjiang.

Answer: Renting a car with a driver in Xinjiang for a group of 13 people over 6 days is a common and practical option, especially given the vast distances between attractions and the limited public transportation options for large groups. Hiring a local driver allows you to explore popular sites such as Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), Turpan, Kanas Lake, and the Flaming Mountains at your own pace without worrying about navigating or road conditions.

Answer: Traveling to Xinjiang for 10 days and wanting an eSIM for your iPhone requires careful consideration because coverage in remote areas can vary. Xinjiang is vast, and while cities like Urumqi, Kashgar, and Turpan have good mobile coverage, rural and desert regions may have limited signal. Major Chinese carriers offer eSIMs, but not all work well in Xinjiang.

Answer: Both Irkeshtam and Torugart are major border crossings between Kyrgyzstan and China’s Xinjiang region, commonly used by trucks and cars. Crossing on a bicycle is possible, but there are important practical and regulatory considerations.

Answer: Visiting Kanas Lake, Hemu, and Tashkurgan in Xinjiang as a foreign traveler requires some planning, especially regarding tickets and permits. Here is a detailed guide.

Answer: Narat Prairie, located near Yining in the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang, is famous for its vast grasslands and apricot blossoms in April. Staying in a traditional yurt (ger) is a unique way to experience local Kazakh culture and the stunning scenery, but since April is peak blossom season, accommodations can fill up quickly.

Answer: Private transfers from Tashkurgan to Kashgar Airport are possible, but there are a few important points to note given the remote location and long distance.

Answer: Travelling in Urumqi (and more broadly in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region) and down to places like Xi’an in China presents the same challenges that apply throughout mainland China when it comes to internet access: many popular sites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.) are blocked behind the “Great Firewall”.

Answer: Hello,

Answer: Traveling from Kashgar to Tashkurgan by shared taxi is a common option for independent travelers in Xinjiang, especially along this scenic but remote route. Since you are looking for at least 2 more people to share the ride, you have a few practical considerations and tips:

Answer: For your free-and-easy days in Urumqi, it is best to stay in a central area that is convenient for public transport, close to local food, and near morning markets. The downtown area around the People’s Square and Xinhua Road is very popular among visitors for its convenience and access to attractions.

Answer: Yes, the 'Ruby Elegant Hotel' does exist in Urumqi, China, and there are two branches located near major attractions:

Answer: Embarking on an overland journey from Kashgar to Lhasa is a remarkable adventure, offering a unique opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of western China and Tibet. To ensure a smooth and legally compliant trip, it's essential to book your tour through a licensed Tibetan travel agency, as independent travel is not permitted for foreign tourists in Tibet.

Answer: Tashkurgan is a small town in southern Xinjiang, close to the border with Pakistan and Tajikistan. Accommodation options are limited compared to larger cities, but there are a few decent 3-4 star hotels suitable for a one-night stay. Most hotels cater to domestic tourists and visiting travelers, offering basic amenities with clean rooms and warm hospitality.

Answer: For your itinerary in Urumqi, a 2 hour 10 minute self-transfer is generally tight but feasible if everything runs smoothly. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Answer: Traveling from Urumqi to Kashgar and then on to Lhasa within 3 weeks is feasible but requires careful planning, especially as a solo traveler in April. Here is a detailed breakdown:

Answer: Traveling from Kashgar Airport to the Radisson Blu Kashgar is fairly straightforward, especially with a group of six. The airport is not very far from the city center, so you have several options for transport.

Answer: The soft sleeper trains running from Urumqi to Kashgar are among the most comfortable long-distance services in Xinjiang and are generally quite clean and well maintained. The journey covers around 1,500 km and takes about 16 to 18 hours depending on the specific train, so having a clean, comfortable compartment makes a big difference. Many travelers find the experience pleasant, especially if they prefer to travel overnight and wake up in Kashgar.