Can Malaysians Travel to Xinjiang, China?
Yes — absolutely.
Malaysia and China currently have a 30-day mutual visa-free policy. Malaysian passport holders can enter China without a visa (subject to the latest official policy).
That means you can book your flight and go.
However, Xinjiang is far from Malaysia. Realistically:
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Day 1 = Travel day
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Last day = Return flight
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A 10-day trip usually means only 8 full sightseeing days
Plan your leave carefully.
Sayram Lake
✈️ How to Fly to Xinjiang
The capital of Xinjiang is Urumqi (Airport code: URC).
There are currently no direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Singapore. You must transit through major Chinese cities such as:
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Guangzhou
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Chengdu
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Shanghai
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Xiamen
Common Airlines
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China Southern Airlines
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Shanghai Airlines
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Sichuan Airlines
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China Eastern Airlines
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XiamenAir
China Southern Airlines operates frequent routes from Kuala Lumpur via Guangzhou.
Flight Duration & Price Range
Total travel time (including transit): 9–12 hours minimum.
Approximate round-trip fares:
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June: RMB 3,000–4,000
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September: RMB 5,000–6,000
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Peak season (July–August & China National Day): higher
Booking Tips
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Buy round-trip tickets with the same airline
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If transiting between terminals, allow at least 3 hours
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Groups of 10+ can request group fares
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Avoid scheduling heavy sightseeing on arrival day
When Is the Best Time to Visit Xinjiang?
Xinjiang has two dominant seasons:
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May–October: Summer
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November–April: Winter
Spring and autumn are very short.
🌿 Summer (May–October)
Best for the classic North Xinjiang scenic loop, including:
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Nalati Grassland
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Sayram Lake
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Kanas Lake
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Hemu Village
Expect:
✔ Snow mountains + forests
✔ Lakes + grasslands
✔ Cool summer climate
Peak seasons:
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July–August (China school holidays)
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Late September–early October (National Day Golden Week)
Best value period: May–June (fewer crowds, better prices)
❄️ Winter (November–April)
Winter is surprisingly suitable for Malaysian travelers.
Why?
1️⃣ Snow Experience Without Extreme Cold
The Ili region is snowy but not as brutally cold as northern cities in China. Good for first-time snow experiences.
2️⃣ Lower Costs
Hotels are much cheaper.
A 6-person small group, 8–9 days, can cost around RMB 5,000–6,000 per person (excluding flights).
3️⃣ Food Is Friendly for Malaysians
Xinjiang has a large Muslim population. Halal food is widely available and easier to adapt to.
Kanas
How to Choose a Route (Avoiding Common Mistakes)
For first-time visitors:
Choose the North Xinjiang loop.
Core landscape types:
✔ Snow mountains & forests (Hemu / Kanas)
✔ Lakes (Sayram Lake)
✔ Scenic highways (S21 Desert Highway, Guozigou Valley)
✔ Unique landforms (Devil’s City, canyons)
Recommended duration:
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8–10 days ideal
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Less than 7 days = too rushed
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More than 12 days = physically tiring
Self-Drive or Private Car?
Xinjiang has one defining feature: distance.
Driving 3–6 hours between attractions is normal.
Self-Drive Challenges
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Long-distance fatigue
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Short winter daylight hours
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Mountain weather changes
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Unfamiliar road conditions
Why Many Travelers Choose Carpool / Small Group Tours
✔ Optimized, mature routes
✔ No need to calculate distances
✔ Experienced drivers know photo stops
✔ Hotels pre-arranged
✔ Shared transportation costs
In Xinjiang, saving mental energy equals more freedom.
Kalajun
Budget Planning
For a 10-day North Xinjiang small group trip:
Typically includes:
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Vehicle & fuel sharing
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3–4 star hotels
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Some entrance tickets
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Driver service
Cost control is easier compared to solo self-driving.
Xinjiang isn’t ultra-cheap — but choosing the right format makes it manageable.
Clothing & Packing
Xinjiang has large temperature differences.
No matter the season:
✔ Always bring a jacket
✔ Sunglasses are essential
✔ Strong UV protection is necessary
Winter essentials:
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Down jacket
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Anti-slip boots
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Gloves
Internet & Connectivity
Prepare a China SIM card or eSIM before arrival.
Mountain areas may have weak signals, but major scenic areas are generally covered.
Do not rely on airport purchase only.
Hemu Village
Travel Pace Advice
Xinjiang is not suitable for “5 attractions in one day.”
Instead:
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Spend half a day at Sayram Lake
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Stay overnight in Hemu
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Allocate proper time for Kanas
This is not a checklist destination — it’s about immersion.
Final Advice for First-Time Malaysian Visitors
Xinjiang is breathtaking.
But it’s not a spontaneous, last-minute destination.
Clear routes
Proper timing
Right travel style
These make a huge difference.
If you don’t want to spend your trip calculating distances and road conditions,
choosing a well-designed private car itinerary will make the journey much smoother.
Xinjiang may require a 9-hour flight —
but with proper planning, it’s absolutely worth it.
