2026 Hong Kong to Xinjiang Travel Guide: Transportation, Itineraries & Costs

For Hong Kong travelers, Xinjiang is a land both familiar and unfamiliar — familiar with Chinese customs, yet unfamiliar with its snow-capped mountains, grasslands, ancient cities, and deserts. When traveling from Hong Kong to Xinjiang, the top concerns are transportation choices, itinerary planning, budget, and document preparation. Focusing on the actual travel scenarios of Hong Kong travelers, this guide covers 8 core modules: long-distance transportation from Hong Kong to Xinjiang, classic itinerary planning, in-region mobility, accommodation recommendations, cost breakdown, and exclusive tips on documents and customs clearance, helping you plan a seamless Xinjiang journey.

Long-Distance Transportation from Hong Kong to Xinjiang: Flights as Priority, High-Speed Rail Optional

Due to the long distance between Hong Kong and Xinjiang, flights are the mainstream choice. Travelers with ample time can opt for the high-speed rail + cross-border bus combination. Detailed options and costs are as follows:

Flights (Fastest, Top Choice for HK Travelers)

• Direct Flights: Hong Kong to Urumqi (2-3 flights weekly, operated by Cathay Pacific/Xinjiang Airlines), one-way fare HK$3,000-5,000, flight time approx. 5.5 hours. Peak season (June-October) fares rise to HK$4,000-6,000; early bird discounts available if booked 2 months in advance.
• Connecting Flights: Hong Kong → Chengdu/Xi’an/Guangzhou → Urumqi, total one-way cost HK$2,000-3,500 (HK$1,000-1,500 cheaper than direct flights), layover time 1-3 hours. Chengdu is recommended for layovers (more flights, opportunity to explore Chengdu en route).

High-Speed Rail + Cross-Border Bus (Cost-Effective for Time-Rich Travelers)

• Route: Hong Kong West Kowloon Station → Shenzhen North Station (high-speed rail, approx. 18 mins, HK$55) → Urumqi Station (high-speed rail with layover in Xi’an/Lanzhou, total journey approx. 30 hours, soft sleeper HK$1,200-1,500).
• Pros & Cons: 50% cheaper than flights but time-consuming. Suitable for travelers with over 10 days of vacation who wish to experience the scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

Scenery of Kanas Lake

Exclusive Xinjiang Itineraries for Hong Kong Travelers

[Xinjiang Wild Horse Riding · Kalajun Route C] 5-Day 4-Night Secret Pasture Journey

• Day 1: Arrive in Yining → Kalajun Grassland Camp

After arriving in Yining independently, transfer by car to the camp deep in Kalajun Grassland (four-star standard tents with private bathrooms and heating); get familiar with horses in the evening and enjoy a grassland afternoon tea.

• Day 2: Wild Horse Riding on Kalajun Route C → Secret Canyon

Morning: Wild horse riding through the core section of Kalajun Route C, passing the “Human Body Grassland”; Afternoon: Hike into the secret canyon to explore hidden streams; Evening: Camp barbecue and stargazing.

• Day 3: Wild Horse Riding → Snow Mountain Forest Pasture Camp

Full-day horse riding to the forest camp at the foot of snow-capped mountains, encountering herdsmen and alpine flower seas along the way; Experience sheep milking and milk curd making upon arrival, stay at a four-star camp by the forest.

• Day 4: Leisure Hike from Camp → Flower Sea Pasture

Morning: Leisure hike along the snow-capped mountain foot, admiring glacial meltwater streams and hundreds of mu of flower seas; Afternoon: Ride back to the main grassland camp, take photos of the grassland sunset, and enjoy a herdsman’s feast.

• Day 5: Final Horse Riding Experience → Depart from Yining

Morning: Short horse riding session to conclude the experience; Transfer back to Yining by car and arrange airport drop-off according to flight schedules.

[Silk Road In-Depth Tour] 14-Day Dunhuang + Xinjiang Journey

• Day 1: Gather in Dunhuang

Airport transfer, check into a four-star Dunhuang hotel, explore Shazhou Night Market freely.

• Day 2: Dunhuang → Mogao Grottoes → Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Moon Spring

Morning: Visit Mogao Grottoes (with professional guide); Afternoon: Tour Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Moon Spring, stay in Dunhuang.

• Day 3: Dunhuang → Yumen Pass → Hami

Visit Yumen Pass and Yangguan Ruins, drive to Hami (Xinjiang), stay at a four-star hotel.

• Day 4: Hami → Turpan

Tour Hami Royal Palace, drive to Turpan, visit Grape Valley and Karez Irrigation System, stay in Turpan.

• Day 5: Turpan → Urumqi

Tour Flaming Mountain, drive to Urumqi, check into a four-star hotel, explore the International Grand Bazaar.

• Day 6: Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Yining

Circular tour of Sayram Lake, drive to Yining, stay at a four-star hotel.

• Day 7: Yining → Nalati Grassland

Tour Nalati Heavenly Grassland, stay at a four-star hotel near the grassland.

• Day 8: Nalati → Duku Highway → Kuqa

Experience the middle section of Duku Highway, tour Bayanbulak Grassland, stay in Kuqa at a four-star hotel.

• Day 9: Kuqa → Wensu Grand Canyon → Kashgar

Tour Wensu Grand Canyon, flight to Kashgar, stay at a four-star hotel near the ancient city.

• Day 10: In-Depth Tour of Kashgar Old City

Explore Id Kah Mosque and Xiangfei Garden, experience the ancient city gate opening ceremony, stay in Kashgar.

• Day 11: Kashgar → Pamir Plateau → Taxkorgan

Visit Karakul Lake and Muztagh Ata Peak, stay at a four-star oxygen-supplied hotel in Taxkorgan.

• Day 12: Taxkorgan → Panlong Ancient Road → Kashgar

Experience Panlong Ancient Road, return to Kashgar, stay in Kashgar.

• Day 13: Kashgar → Hotan → Urumqi

Explore Hotan Grand Bazaar, flight back to Urumqi, check into a four-star hotel.

• Day 14: Depart from Urumqi

Free activity, arrange airport drop-off according to flight schedules.

In-Region Mobility in Xinjiang: Hong Kong Travelers Prefer English Services

Due to the long distances between attractions in Xinjiang, Hong Kong travelers are advised to choose transportation with English services to avoid language barriers:

Group Tours (with English-Speaking Guides, Top Choice for Budget Travelers)

• Cost: HK$1,500-2,000 per person for 7-day Northern Xinjiang routes; HK$2,500-3,000 per person for 10-day Southern Xinjiang routes (includes vehicles, drivers, English-speaking guides, and fuel fees, no need for self-planning).
• Suitable for: First-time Xinjiang travelers from Hong Kong with language concerns, ideal for solo travelers or small groups seeking convenience.

Chartered Cars (Exclusive English-Speaking Drivers, Top Choice for Comfort)

• Cost: HK$400-600 per day for 5-seater SUVs; HK$600-800 per day for 7-seater commercial vehicles (includes driver and fuel fees, excludes driver’s accommodation and meals — subsidy of HK$80-100 per day required). Most cost-effective for 4 people sharing.
• Advantages: Flexible itinerary — stay longer at Sayram Lake for photos or explore Kashgar Old City for an extra 30 minutes. Drivers double as translators and recommend local delicacies.

Shared Cars (Small English-Speaking Groups, Cost-Effective)

• Cost: HK$1,200-1,500 per person for 7-day Northern Xinjiang routes; HK$2,000-2,500 per person for 10-day Southern Xinjiang routes (4-person shared car with English-speaking driver), 30% cheaper than chartered cars. Suitable for 2-4 Hong Kong travelers traveling together.

Accommodation Recommendations for Hong Kong Travelers: English Services + Convenient Locations

Recommended accommodations popular among Hong Kong travelers, prioritizing English services and proximity to attractions or transportation hubs:

Urumqi

• Budget-friendly: Chain hotels near Hongshan (e.g., Home Inn, 7 Days Inn), HK$300-400 per night (includes breakfast, 10-minute walk to the Grand Bazaar, English-speaking front desk staff).
• Comfort: Four-star downtown hotels (e.g., Silver Star Hotel), HK$600-800 per night (with Englishservices, spacious rooms, close to subway stations).

Kashgar

• Must-stay: Homestays in Kashgar Old City (e.g., Ancient City Impression Homestay), HK$500-700 per night (English-speaking owners, arrange old city photo shoots, 5-minute walk to Id Kah Mosque).

Kanas/Hemu

• Comfort: Wooden house homestays in Kanas Village, HK$600-800 per night (with heating and hot water, some English-speaking staff, convenient for booking in-scenic transportation).

Taxkorgan (Ta County)

• Practical: Hotels in Taxkorgan County, HK$400-500 per night (with basic oxygen supply, front desk can assist in contacting English-speaking drivers, close to bus stations).

Must-Experience Activities in Xinjiang: Dual Experiences of Nature and Culture

The essence of Xinjiang lies not in checking in at attractions but in immersive experiences. Here are 5 must-do activities for Hong Kong travelers:

1. Kashgar Old City Gate Opening Ceremony: Held daily at 10:00 AM at the East Gate of the old city, Uyghur girls and boys perform the Meshrep dance — join in the interaction to feel their warm hospitality.
2. Hiking Kanas Three Bays: Hike from Immortal Bay to Dragon Bay (3km) between 6-8 AM; the lake shrouded in morning mist and sunlight filtering through forests creates a fairyland-like scene.
3. Horse Riding on Ili Grassland: Rent a horse at Nalati Heavenly Grassland, led by herdsmen from the river valley to the mountain top (HK$200 for 2 hours). Feel the grassland breeze mixed with wildflower fragrance, with snow-capped mountains visible in the distance.
4. Camping in the Taklamakan Desert: Stay in tents at camping bases on the edge of Hotan’s desert (HK$300 per person). Watch the desert sunset in the evening, photograph starry skies at night, and enjoy bonfire parties.
5. Xinjiang Food Experience: Try roasted eggs (HK$10 each) and Uyghur polo (rice pilaf, HK$30 per serving) in Kashgar Old City; taste whole roasted lamb (AA for groups, HK$100 per person) and horse milk wine (HK$20 per glass) in Urumqi.

Xinjiang Uyghur Polo

Cost Breakdown for Hong Kong Travelers to Xinjiang

Budget-Friendly (7 Days, Total Budget: HK$6,000-8,000 per person)

• Suitable for: Students, backpackers, first-time Xinjiang travelers prioritizing cost-effectiveness.
• Core Expenses:

◦ Round-trip Transportation (HK ↔ Urumqi): HK$2,500 (connecting flights via Chengdu/Guangzhou, book early bird tickets 2 months in advance to save over HK$1,500 compared to direct flights).

◦ In-Region Transportation: HK$1,500 (10-person small group with English-speaking guide, covering Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Nalati core route).

◦ Accommodation: HK$1,800 (budget chain hotels/hostels, HK$300 per night × 6 nights, near transportation hubs like Urumqi/Yining, some with basic English services).

◦ Dining: HK$1,050 (budget meals, HK$50 per meal × 3 meals × 7 days, including local snacks like roasted buns and noodles, plus 1 special polo experience).

◦ Tickets: HK$500 (Sayram Lake ticket + round-trip shuttle, Nalati Grassland ticket; off-season tickets save 30%).

◦ Others: HK$200 (travel insurance HK$150 + cash for small purchases HK$50, free Border Defense Permit application).

Comfort (10 Days, Total Budget: HK$9,000-12,000 per person)

• Suitable for: Family trips, group tours with friends, seeking itinerary flexibility and basic comfort with Englishservices.
• Core Expenses:

◦ Round-trip Transportation (HK ↔ Urumqi): HK$4,000 (direct flights via Cathay Pacific/Xinjiang Airlines, book 1 month in advance to avoid peak season prices over HK$5,000).

◦ In-Region Transportation: HK$2,700 (4-person shared car with English-speaking driver, HK$300 per day × 9 days, includes vehicle, fuel, and driver’s basic accommodation/meals; flexible itinerary).

◦ Accommodation: HK$3,600 (comfort hotels/featured homestays, HK$400 per night × 9 nights, near Kashgar Old City/Nalati Grassland, English-speaking front desk).

◦ Dining: HK$2,400 (HK$80 per meal × 3 meals × 10 days, including 2 special experiences — AA whole roasted lamb in Kashgar, herdsman’s feast in Nalati; daily meals at restaurants with English menus).

◦ Tickets: HK$800 (core attractions like Id Kah Mosque, Xiangfei Garden, White Sand Lake, Kuqa Grand Canyon, including in-scenic transportation).

◦ Others: HK$500 (travel insurance HK$300 + horse riding experience HK$200, free Border Defense Permit application via travel agency).

Premium (10 Days, Total Budget: HK$15,000+ per person)

• Suitable for: Travelers seeking privacy, customized experiences, high-quality accommodation and services.
• Core Expenses:

◦ Round-trip Transportation (HK ↔ Urumqi): HK$8,000 (business class tickets with lie-flat seats, airport lounge access, priority boarding to reduce long-haul fatigue).

◦ In-Region Transportation: HK$5,400 (exclusive 7-seater luxury commercial vehicle + full-time English-speaking guide, HK$600 per day × 9 days, includes driver/guide’s accommodation/meals, vehicle air conditioning, VIP transfers).

◦ Accommodation: HK$9,000 (five-star hotels/high-end homestays, HK$1,000 per night × 9 nights, including courtyard homestays in Kashgar Old City, Silver Star Hotel in Urumqi, four-star oxygen-supplied hotel in Taxkorgan, 24-hour English services).

◦ Dining: HK$4,500 (HK$150 per meal × 3 meals × 10 days, including 3 customized experiences — private chef’s Xinjiang cuisine, exclusive session at Kashgar’s century-old teahouse, special meal near Hotan Jade Market).

◦ Tickets + Experiences: HK$3,000 (VIP access to core attractions, private tour of the Pamir Plateau, Kashgar Old City photo shoot package, desert camping stargazing experience).

◦ Others: HK$500 (premium travel insurance with plateau rescue and luggage loss coverage, WeChat/Alipay/UnionPay accepted, minimal cash needed).

Essential Document & Customs Tips for Hong Kong Travelers

Two types of documents are required for traveling to Xinjiang; note the following customs clearance guidelines:

Required Documents

• Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Home Return Permit): Must be valid for more than 6 months beyond the trip end date. Check validity before departure (no additional visa required if the permit is valid).
• Border Defense Permit: Mandatory for visiting border areas like Taxkorgan, Baihaba, and Wucai Beach — free of charge! Apply at the police station in your Hong Kong residential area (bring Home Return Permit + 1 passport-sized photo) for same-day collection; or apply through a travel agency in Kashgar (same-day collection with Home Return Permit copy), free but may take 1-2 days during peak season (pre-application in Hong Kong recommended).

Customs Clearance Tips

• Departing Hong Kong: Present your Home Return Permit when exiting via Hong Kong Airport/Hong Kong West Kowloon Station. Declare high-value cameras/lenses to avoid misunderstandings during entry.
• Entering Xinjiang: Scan your Home Return Permit for security checks at Urumqi Airport/Railway Station. Liquids (e.g., skincare products) must be in containers under 100ml and carried in hand luggage.

Practical Tips for Hong Kong Travelers to Xinjiang

• Currency Exchange: Exchange HK$2,300-3,500 for RMB 2,000-3,000 at Bank of China in Hong Kong. WeChat/Alipay are accepted in major Xinjiang cities (Urumqi, Kashgar); cash only in remote areas (Taxkorgan, deserts). Withdraw cash via Hong Kong UnionPay cards at ATMs (service fee approx. HK$15 per transaction).
• Communication: Activate mainland roaming for Hong Kong mobile phones (approx. HK$30 per day via PCCW/3 Hong Kong) or buy a local SIM card at Urumqi Airport (HK$50 for 7 days with data). Weak signal in remote areas (Kanas, Taxkorgan) — download offline maps in advance.
• Luggage Preparation: Xinjiang has large temperature differences (thin down jacket needed in Kanas even in summer) — recommend “layered dressing”. Bring high-SPF sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, and a hat (strong plateau UV rays). Pack your favorite tea (Xinjiang milk tea is salty, which some may not be used to).
• Language Communication: Most attractions and hotels have Chinese signs. Choose groups/chartered cars with English-speaking guides to avoid communication barriers. Learn simple Uyghur phrases (e.g., “Yaxshimusen” = Hello) — locals are very friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Hong Kong Travelers

Q1: Can I travel to Xinjiang if my Home Return Permit expires in 1 month?

A1: No! Strict checks are enforced in Xinjiang — the permit must be valid for over 6 months beyond the trip end date. Renew it in advance.

Q2: Is it more convenient to apply for a Border Defense Permit in Hong Kong or Xinjiang?

A2: Hong Kong is more time-efficient! Apply at your local police station with a Home Return Permit and 1 photo for same-day collection. In Xinjiang, agency applications are free but may take 1-2 days (book in advance during peak season).

Q3: Can I make calls and use data with a Hong Kong SIM card (roaming) in Xinjiang?

A3: Calls work, but data is weak in some areas! Roaming covers major cities (Urumqi, Kashgar) — use offline maps or local SIM cards for remote areas (HK$50 for 7 days with data).

Q4: How to ensure a English-speaking guide for group tours? Extra charge?

A4: Choose travel agencies specializing in Hong Kong markets (e.g., China Dragon Travel Service) and select “English small groups” when booking — guide fees are included, no extra charge. Last-minute requests for English guides cost HK$200-300 per day.

Q5: Do Xinjiang restaurants have English menus? What if I don’t like lamb?

A5: Famous restaurants in major cities (e.g., Uyghur restaurants in Kashgar Old City) have English menus. Non-lamb options include chicken/beef dishes (e.g., Spicy Boiled Chicken, Big Plate Chicken) or Han-style stir-fries — plenty of choices.

Overview of Core Travel Information (Hong Kong to Xinjiang)

Traveling from Hong Kong to Xinjiang in 2026 is no longer an unreachable journey—this guide has broken down all travel hurdles for you: whether it’s the flexible long-distance transportation featuring both direct and connecting flights, the simple application process for your Home Return Permit and Border Defense Permit (with quick access to electronic temporary permits if lost), or the full-range English-speaking guides and accommodation services, language, documentation, and transportation are no longer barriers; based on your budget, you can choose budget-friendly small-group tours, comfortable shared rides, or high-end customized trips, and during your 7-14-day itinerary, you will not only immerse yourself in the morning mist over Kanas Lake and the azure waters of Sayram Lake in Northern Xinjiang but also linger in the bustling atmosphere of Kashgar Old City and the grandeur of the Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang, while also enjoying the unique pleasures of horse riding on grasslands, desert camping, and savoring authentic local cuisine; if you want to save the trouble of planning, simply contact China Dragon Travel to customize an exclusive itinerary, and you’ll enjoy a worry-free journey from start to finish—let Xinjiang, a land where “one can never truly appreciate the vastness of China until visiting it”, leave you with an unforgettable cross-border travel memory with its snow-capped mountains, grasslands, ancient cities, and warm hospitality.