Xinjiang evokes images of snow-capped peaks, vast grasslands, desert poplars, sweet grapes, and sweeping deserts. But this region is even larger than you might expect—spanning over 2,000 kilometers north to south. Without well-planned transportation, exploring its beauty can be a real challenge.
On this vast land, airports serve as the very first step to start your Xinjiang adventure. This article will introduce you to Xinjiang’s major civil airports, flight coverage at each location, travel tips, and how professional agencies like China Dragon Travel can help you arrange a worry-free, efficient Xinjiang trip.
Xinjiang’s “Air Gate”: Urumqi Tianshan International Airport
Urumqi Tianshan International Airport (IATA code: URC) is Xinjiang’s largest aviation hub and one of the busiest airports in Northwest China. It connects major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Chongqing, and operates international flights to Central Asia, West Asia, and Russia, serving as a vital aerial corridor to Central Asia and Europe.
From here, you can conveniently take regional flights to Kashgar, Yining, Korla, Altay, Hotan, and other destinations, saving dozens or even hundreds of hours compared to overland travel.
Practical tips:
The airport is about 25 km from downtown Urumqi, a taxi takes roughly 40 minutes, costing around 50 RMB. Terminals T2 and T3 serve different airlines and routes, so confirming your departure terminal ahead of time is important.
Urumqi Tianshan International Airport
Northern Xinjiang Gateways: Yining Airport & Altay Airport
If you plan to explore classic northern Xinjiang routes such as Sailimu Lake, Nalati Grassland, Zhaosu Lavender, and Kanas Lake, flying into Yining Airport (YIN) or Altay Airport (AAT) is ideal.
Yining Airport is located in the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture capital Yining City, with regular flights from Urumqi, Chengdu, Xi’an, and more, serving as a hub for northern Xinjiang tourism.
Altay Airport is the best aerial gateway for Kanas, Hemu, and Baihaba areas. Compared to the grueling mountain road journey, flying to Altay and then transferring by car significantly reduces travel fatigue.
Yining Airport
Southern Xinjiang Gateways: Kashgar Airport & Hotan Airport
Southern Xinjiang is famed for its deep Uyghur culture, Silk Road relics, and desert landscapes. If you dream of exploring the Taklamakan Desert, Kashgar Ancient City, Taxkorgan Grassland, Panlong Ancient Road, or Hotan—the “Kingdom of Walnuts”—air travel is crucial.
Kashgar Airport (KHG) is the largest airport in southern Xinjiang, with direct flights to Urumqi, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and seasonal flights to Xi’an and Chongqing. It is located about 10 km from Kashgar city, with convenient transportation.
Hotan Airport (HTN) is suitable for visiting the Kunlun Mountains’ jade origin or taking the southern Xinjiang big loop nomadic route.
Kashgar Airport
Key Regional Airports Overview
- Xinjiang is vast, and in addition to the major airports, many regional airports help you reach remote, less crowded, and beautiful destinations:
- Tacheng Airport (TCG): Gateway to Baluruke Grassland and Yumin Xiata
- Kuqa Kizil Airport (KCA): Explore Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and Tianshan Grand Canyon
- Ruoqiang Loulan Airport (RQA): A key transfer point on the southern loop
- Other growing airports: Shache, Tumxuk, Bole, and more
- With the gradual expansion of Xinjiang’s regional airport network, even remote prefectures can be reached and visited on the same day.
Xinjiang Airport Travel Tips: How to Travel Easier?
- Prefer early morning flights: Xinjiang’s large day-night temperature difference makes morning departures better for rhythm adaptation.
- Allow ample transfer time: Some airports have busy flight schedules; allow at least 2 hours for transfers.
- Use city check-in counters: Urumqi, Yining, and other cities offer city check-in services for early baggage drop-off.
- Carry a thermos and moisturizer: Xinjiang’s dry climate and strong airport air-conditioning call for hydration and skin care.
- Download apps like “Flight Master” to track real-time flight info and airport layouts.
Start Your Xinjiang Journey with Expert Planning — Recommended China Dragon Travel Xinjiang Panorama Routes
Xinjiang is vast and impossible to see all at once, but with a well-designed itinerary, you can deeply experience the unique scenery of northern and southern Tianshan in 7 to 14 days. Instead of blindly traveling on your own, entrust the professionals to customize your routes, flights, and hotels in one package.
China Dragon Travel has years of experience organizing tours in Northwest China and Tibet. They offer multiple classic Xinjiang tour routes optimized by flight entry and exit points, maximizing your time and energy.
Popular Recommended Routes (Including Flights, Transfers, Guides):
Route 1 8-Day Xinjiang Pamir Plateau Tour: Urumqi, Pamir Plateau, Kashgar, Tashkurgan & More $ 773
Route 2 9-Day Xinjiang Duku Highway Tour: Urumqi, Kanas, Hemu, Sailimu Lake & More $ 691
Route 3 16-Day Xinjiang Panorama Tour: Urumqi, Heavenly Lake, Altay, Nalati, Tashkurgan, Kashgar & More $ 1660
One Airport, One Journey Starting Point
Xinjiang’s airports are more than waiting areas; they are gateways to diverse geographic landscapes and ethnic cultures. From the bustling flights at Diwopu to the border charm of Kashgar, from the cool forests of Northern Xinjiang to the scorching deserts of the south, each stop adds rhythm and uniqueness to your trip.
If you want a truly relaxing, breathtaking journey through Northwest China, let China Dragon Travel handle everything—from flight booking to itinerary design, hotels, and guided tours—making each step efficient and unforgettable.
Start your Xinjiang journey now—from the airport and from your heart!
