2026 Complete Guide to Xinjiang | Transfer Routes, Regional Experiences & Practical Tips

Xinjiang is definitely a “must-visit destination” on Taiwanese travelers’ bucket lists—Sayram Lake in northern Xinjiang is like a blue gem, with golden birch trees in Kanas in autumn and green grasslands in Ili in summer; there are amazing natural scenery everywhere. Kashgar Old Town in southern Xinjiang, however, feels like stepping into a time tunnel—Uyghur handicrafts, snow-capped mountains and lakes in the Pamir Plateau are full of rich exotic charm. But first-time planners often struggle with questions: When traveling from Taiwan to Xinjiang, should I transfer via Chengdu or Xi’an? Choose northern Xinjiang for scenery or southern Xinjiang for culture? What should I note when using the Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents? Tailored specifically for Taiwanese travelers, this guide clearly breaks down all doubts—from transfer routes and regional experiences to document & transportation matters and practical tips—helping you plan a hassle-free and smooth Xinjiang trip.

Xinjiang Core Travel Regions Overview Table

Northern vs. Southern Xinjiang: How to Choose?

Xinjiang is vast, with distinct styles between northern and southern Xinjiang. You can choose in-depth travel in a single region or a panoramic tour connecting both (recommended for at least 10 days).

Northern Xinjiang: A Palette of Colors, the Pinnacle of Natural Scenery

Centered on magnificent natural landscapes, northern Xinjiang has unique scenery in every season, making it the first choice for Taiwanese travelers visiting Xinjiang for the first time.

• Must-Experience Highlights:

◦ Kanas Lake: In autumn (September-October), the lake water turns emerald green, surrounded by golden ginkgo and birch trees. The smoke curls from the Tuva village in Hemu, like a fairy tale world;

◦ Ili Grasslands: In summer (June-August), Nalati Grassland and Karajun Grassland are covered with lush green grass and flocks of cattle and sheep. Sayram Lake (the last tear of the Atlantic) has clear blue water, with wildflowers blooming along the lake shore;

◦ Duku Highway: Open from June to October annually. Running from Kuqa to Kuitun, it passes through snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, and Gobi in one day. Known as China’s most beautiful highway, it is recommended to experience by car rental or group tour;

• Best Travel Time: June-August (grasslands and flower seas), September-October (golden autumn scenery).

Northern Xinjiang Sayram Lake

Southern Xinjiang: A Millennium Cultural Corridor, Rich Ethnic Charm

Focused on Uyghur culture and ancient Silk Road relics, southern Xinjiang has a slow pace, suitable for travelers who enjoy in-depth cultural experiences.

• Must-Experience Highlights:

◦ Kashgar Old Town: The world’s largest existing earthen architecture city. Walking through the alleys of the old town, you can see Uyghur elders playing the dutar, children playing in the square, and believers praying at Id Kah Mosque in the evening;

◦ Pamir Mountains: A 4-hour drive from Kashgar, passing by Mount Muztagh Ata (Father of Ice Mountains) and Karakul Lake along the way. The magnificent plateau scenery allows you to experience the hospitality of the Tajik people;

◦ Taklamakan Desert: China’s largest desert. You can take an off-road vehicle for sandboarding, or visit the Luntai Poplar Forest (in October) on the edge of the desert to see the magical scene of poplar trees that live for a thousand years, stand for a thousand years after death, and remain unyielding for a thousand years after falling;

• Best Travel Time: April-May (blooming flowers), September-November (golden poplars, cool climate).

Southern Xinjiang Kashgar Old Town

Route Planning for Taiwanese Travelers to Xinjiang (Transfers & Recommended Itineraries)

 There are no direct flights from Taiwan to Xinjiang; transfers via mainland China are required. Below are two mainstream transfer plans and classic itineraries:

Transfer Plans (Cost-Effective vs. Convenient)

• Cost-Effective Transfer: Taiwan → Ürümqi (via Xi’an/Chengdu)

◦ Route: Fly from Taiwan to Xi’an/Chengdu (frequent flights, round-trip ticket approx. NT$6,000-12,000) → Transfer to Ürümqi (one-way ticket approx. NT$1,500-3,000);

◦ Advantage: Flights from Xi’an/Chengdu to Ürümqi are frequent (5-8 flights daily) with stable ticket availability. You can also visit Xi’an’s ancient city or enjoy Chengdu’s cuisine along the way;

• Convenient Transfer: Taiwan → Ürümqi (via Shanghai/Beijing)

◦ Route: Fly from Taiwan to Shanghai/Beijing (frequent direct flights) → Transfer to Ürümqi (direct flight, approx. 4.5 hours);

◦ Advantage: Direct flights from Shanghai/Beijing to Ürümqi use large aircraft with high comfort, suitable for travelers with limited time.

Recommended Classic Itineraries

• 7-Day Northern Xinjiang Essence Tour:

Ürümqi → Sayram Lake → Ili Nalati Grassland → Karajun Grassland → Duku Highway (Southern Section) → Bayanbulak → Ürümqi;

• 8-Day Southern Xinjiang Cultural Tour:

Ürümqi → Aksu (Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon) → Kashgar Old Town → Pamir Mountains → Taklamakan Desert → Ürümqi.

Practical Guide for Taiwanese Travelers to Xinjiang (Documents / Transportation / Accommodation)

Document Preparation (Top Priority)

• Core Documents:

◦ Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents: Must be valid for more than 6 months. It is required for entry and exit at all airports, railway stations, and scenic spots in Xinjiang. It is recommended to carry the original with you and save an electronic copy on your phone;

◦ ID Card: If you have applied for a Mainland Resident ID Card, you can carry it with your Taiwan Travel Permit. Some scenic spots allow faster entry by swiping the ID card;

• Notes: Some areas in Xinjiang (such as the Pamir Mountains and parts of Duku Highway) require a Border Pass. Taiwanese travelers cannot apply independently; it must be handled by a travel agency (e.g., China Dragon Travel). Submit a copy of your Taiwan Travel Permit 7-10 days in advance.

Regional Transportation Options (Xinjiang is Vast, Transportation Planning is Key)

• Flights: There are flights between Ürümqi and Kanas (northern Xinjiang), and between Kashgar and Aksu (southern Xinjiang) (approx. 1.5-2 hours). Suitable for long-distance cross-regional travel. Book tickets 15 days in advance during peak season (June-October);
• Car Rental / Shared Car: Scenic spots in Xinjiang are far apart (e.g., approx. 800 km from Ürümqi to Kanas, 10-hour drive). Car rental or shared car is the best choice—a 5-seater SUV costs approx. NT$4,000-6,000 per day. Split among 4 people, the cost is NT$1,000-1,500 per person per day. It is recommended to arrange local regular vehicles (with drivers familiar with routes) through a travel agency;
• Train: There are overnight trains from Ürümqi to Kashgar (soft sleeper approx. NT$2,500 per person, 12 hours). It saves one night’s accommodation and the carriages are comfortable, suitable for travelers who do not want to take long-distance buses.

Accommodation Recommendations (Choose the Right Accommodation by Region to Enhance Experience)

• Northern Xinjiang: In Kanas and Hemu Village, it is recommended to stay in local wooden homestays (approx. NT$1,500-3,000 per night during peak season) to experience Tuva life; in Ili and Ürümqi, choose star-rated hotels (3-4 stars approx. NT$1,200-2,000 per night) with complete facilities;
• Southern Xinjiang: Stay in Uyghur-style homestays in Kashgar Old Town (approx. NT$800-1,500 per night) with views of the old town from the window; accommodation conditions on the Pamir Plateau are limited—choose basic hotels with heating (approx. NT$1,000-1,800 per night).

Must-Try Experiences & Practical Tips for Taiwanese Travelers to Xinjiang

• Must-Try Food:

Northern Xinjiang: Hand-pulled rice (polu), roasted buns (samsa), kvass (Russian-style drink), Ili horse milk wine;

Southern Xinjiang: Kashgar roasted eggs, tank meat (mutton in a jar), handmade ice cream, Hotan roasted chicken;

Tip: Xinjiang dishes are large in portion—share with 2-3 people to avoid waste. Some restaurants do not serve pork; confirm the menu in advance.

• Dressing Tips:

Northern Xinjiang: Even in summer, the temperature difference between morning and evening in grasslands and snow-capped mountains can reach 15°C. Bring a light down jacket/windproof jacket; bring thick sweaters and scarves in autumn;

Southern Xinjiang: Desert areas are hot during the day (bring sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, hats) and cool at night—bring a thin jacket;

• Internet & Safety:

Most areas in Xinjiang have 4G signals (weaker in mountainous and desert areas). You can apply for a local phone card in Ürümqi in advance (requires Taiwan Travel Permit, with sufficient data);

Xinjiang has good public security with patrol officers at scenic spots and streets. Travel with peace of mind and respect local ethnic customs (e.g., take off shoes when entering mosques, do not take photos of others without permission).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Taiwanese Travelers to Xinjiang

Q1: Do Taiwanese travelers need to apply for a “Xinjiang Entry Permit”?

A1: No. Unlike Tibet, Xinjiang has no requirement for a “Xinjiang Entry Permit.” You only need to carry a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents. However, a Border Pass is required for border areas (e.g., Pamir Mountains, Tacheng), which is more convenient to apply for through a travel agency.

Q2: Is there altitude sickness in Xinjiang? Do Taiwanese travelers need to prepare altitude sickness medicine?

A2: Most areas in northern Xinjiang are at an altitude of 1,000-2,000 meters (no altitude sickness). The Pamir Plateau is at 3,000-4,000 meters—some people may experience mild headaches. Bring headache medicine (e.g., Paracetamol). Walk slowly, drink more water, and avoid strenuous exercise upon arrival; adaptation usually takes 1-2 days.

Q3: Can Taiwanese travelers drive by themselves in Xinjiang?

A3: Yes, but you need to prepare your Taiwan Travel Permit + international driver’s license translation. Provide them to the car rental company; familiarize yourself with Mainland China’s traffic rules (right-hand drive, left-side traffic). Xinjiang’s routes are long, and some sections (e.g., Duku Highway) have many curves and steep slopes—it is better to have a local driver accompany you.

Q4: Is there a language barrier in Xinjiang?

A4: No. Most business owners and scenic spot staff speak Mandarin. Elderly ethnic minorities in southern Xinjiang may only speak Uyghur, but communication is smooth with gestures and mobile translation apps. Locals are warm and hospitable and willing to help.

Why Choose China Dragon Travel to Plan Your Xinjiang Trip?

The core of Xinjiang travel lies in route planning + document processing + transportation guarantee. China Dragon Travel provides exclusive services for Taiwanese travelers:

• Customized Routes: Based on your schedule and preferences (northern Xinjiang’s nature / southern Xinjiang’s culture), plan one-stop itineraries including transfer flights, car rental, and accommodation to avoid connection troubles when booking independently;
• Document Processing: Free Border Pass application—only need to provide a copy of your Taiwan Travel Permit, no need to handle procedures yourself;
• Transportation Guarantee: Arrange local regular car rentals (with drivers familiar with routes) with emergency support for Duku Highway (northern Xinjiang) and desert sections (southern Xinjiang);
• Full-Support Service: Provide a pre-trip guide (dressing, food list) before departure from Taiwan, 24/7 dedicated customer service during the trip, and private car pick-up upon arrival in Ürümqi for a worry-free journey.

The beauty of Xinjiang lies in the vastness of northern Xinjiang’s snow-capped mountains and grasslands, the warmth of southern Xinjiang’s old town alleys, the perseverance of desert poplars, and the enthusiasm of ethnic compatriots. In 2026, if you want to explore this land of singing, dancing, and fruits from Taiwan—whether chasing the natural wonders of northern Xinjiang or experiencing the cultural charm of southern Xinjiang—feel free to contact China Dragon Travel. Let our professional team plan your entire trip for a safe and unique Xinjiang journey.