Are the attractions in Xinjiang far apart? What is the most convenient way to get around?
Xinjiang accounts for one-sixth of the country's area, and travel between cities and attractions often takes 3–6 hours by car. The most convenient way is to hire a car or join a tour (driver also acting as guide); between cities, you can choose flights, high-speed rail (Urumqi—Turpan—Korla), or overnight trains.
"Is Xinjiang big?" is the most common question from travelers—very big. The straight-line distance from Urumqi to Kashgar is over 1,000 kilometers, so you need to plan your itinerary according to travel time:
- Chartered car / Tour group: Highly recommended. Routes like the Northern Xinjiang loop and Ili small loop are driven by drivers familiar with the roads, allowing stops for photos anytime.
- High-speed rail: The Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway connects Hami, Turpan, and Urumqi, reaching destinations within an hour at fastest.
- Airplane: Kashgar, Yining, Altay, and Korla all have flights to and from Urumqi, making it the first choice for long distances.
- Self-driving: Road conditions are generally good, but some sections have strict speed limits and fueling stations are far apart, so planning ahead is necessary.
It is recommended to keep daily driving within 400 kilometers to leave time for sightseeing rather than being on the road.