For many people, the first impression of traveling in Xinjiang is that you must drive or hire a private car. But if you’re traveling solo, don’t want long-distance driving, or simply prefer freedom over fixed itineraries, public transportation can take you much further than you might expect.
This guide skips poetic descriptions and focuses on how to actually get around—where to board, how much it costs, whether it’s worth it, and what to watch out for. It’s written for travelers who don’t drive, don’t hire private cars, and don’t join packaged tours.
Sayram Lake
1. Transportation Costs Overview (Train + High-Speed Rail + Flight)
The total long-distance transportation cost for this Northern Xinjiang trip was RMB 465.5 (excluding local buses and taxis):
- Turpan North → Urumqi (hard seat): RMB 24.5
- Urumqi → Yining (high-speed rail): RMB 128
- Yining → Kuitun (high-speed rail): RMB 78
- Kuitun → Altay (hard sleeper): RMB 144
- Altay → Urumqi (hard seat): RMB 91
👉 Alternative option: Yining → Altay by plane, around RMB 305. Much faster and avoids overnight trains. If you value time and energy over budget, flying is highly recommended.
2. 11-Day Northern Xinjiang Itinerary Using Public Transport
Day 1｜Turpan Day Tour → Night Train Back to Urumqi
Route: Flaming Mountains → Flaming Mountains Food Street → Tuyugou Mazha Village → Tuyugou Grand Canyon → Kumtag Desert
A one-day local tour in Turpan is the most efficient option. Doing this independently by bus is time-consuming and inconvenient. In the evening, return from Turpan Station to Urumqi and stay overnight.
⚠️ Note: Tuyugou Mazha Village is often under renovation. Expect limited photo opportunities.
Day 2｜Urumqi City Exploration
- Xinjiang Museum (free, reservation required)
- Hetian Second Street
- Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar
⚠️ Current status: Exhibition halls 1–6 are under renovation; only halls 7–9 are open.
Day 3｜Urumqi → Yining (High-Speed Rail)
Direct high-speed rail, reliable and comfortable. After arrival:
- Liuxing Street Food Area
- Hanren Street Bazaar
- Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area
Public buses and taxis are sufficient for getting around Yining.
Day 4｜Yining → Sayram Lake (Public Bus)
Tickets: Official WeChat account “Yili Prefecture Bus Terminal”
- One way: RMB 49
- Round trip: RMB 98
- Departure: Around 9:30 AM (off-season may have only one bus)
The bus circles the lake without transfers, making it very convenient.
⚠️ In late winter and early spring, most of the lake is frozen except for the swan area.
Day 5｜Yining → Altay (Flight)
This route saves a full day compared to trains. Alternatively, take the train via Kuitun.
Day 6｜Altay → Hemu Village (Carpool)
Winter buses do not operate. Carpooling is required:
- Approx. RMB 200 per person
- Transfer in Burqin required
Arrive in the afternoon and head straight to the sunset viewpoint.
Day 7｜Hemu Village Full Day
- Hemu International Ski Resort (winter)
- Hemu Bridge & Birch Forest
⚠️ Hemu deserves a full, unhurried day.
Day 8｜Hemu → Altay City
Return by carpool to Altay city. Stay overnight for rest and supplies.
Day 9｜Altay City Exploration
- Corner Travel Bookstore
- Jinshan Market
- Camel Peak
- Kelan River
A relaxed day to recover energy.
Day 10｜Altay → Urumqi (Train)
Visit Altay Museum during the day, then take an evening train back to Urumqi.
Day 11｜Departure
Urumqi Tianshan International Airport → onward flight.
Kanas
3. Hemu – Kanas – Baihaba Public Transport Add-on
Best for autumn or non-peak winter periods:
- Burqin → Hemu: Bus RMB 60 (daily at 16:00)
- Hemu → Jiadengyu: RMB 51
- Jiadengyu → Kanas Scenic Area: Shuttle RMB 70
- Kanas → Baihaba: Shuttle RMB 45
👉 Choose right-side seats on buses for the best views.
4. Important Practical Tips
1️⃣ Sayram Lake buses rarely run after 6 PM; late buses cost more
2️⃣ Altay flight tickets can often be exchanged for free ski resort day passes during ski season—call ahead to confirm
3️⃣ Some routes around Zhaosu and Xiata may trigger international roaming; disable mobile data
4️⃣ When public transport is limited, choose licensed local drivers—fair prices and safer
5️⃣ In winter, always confirm road access to Hemu and Baihaba in advance
5. Food Recommendations (Tested)
Urumqi: Kashgar Hand Rice, Hotan Yogurt Ice Water, Nuriman Fig Pilaf, Desert Red-Beaked Goose
Burqin: No.5 Roasted Bun Pilaf, Sweda Restaurant, Xiao Niu Ke’en Yogurt
Hemu: Nalan Hegu Restaurant, Hongbas Restaurant
