There are various ways to travel from Chengdu to Xinjiang. Here are some detailed travel routes, attraction recommendations, and precautions for you:
Train travel
According to the latest train schedule (released on 2025-02-24), there are multiple options for trains from Chengdu West to Urumqi:
K568 Train: Departure time 08:24, arrival time 19:51, duration 35 hours and 27 minutes.
Z508 Train: Departure time 16:37, arrival time 19:58, duration 27 hours and 21 minutes.
Z372 Train: Departure time 23:58, arrival time 06:13, duration 30 hours and 15 minutes.
Self-driving Travel
Self-driving provides a more flexible and personalized travel experience. Here are some examples of self-driving routes and recommended attractions:
Southern Xinjiang Loop Route: Starting from Chengdu, enter Shaanxi Province via the Chengdu-Chongqing Expressway and then proceed along G75 Lanzhou-Haikou Expressway to Lanzhou. After a short rest in Lanzhou, transfer to G30 Lianhuo Expressway directly to Urumqi. Afterward, you can drive southeast along G30 Expressway, passing through places such as Flaming Mountain and Jiaohe Ancient City, and continue south to Korla to visit Kongque River, Lop Nur, and other attractions. Then drive west to Aksu, where you can visit the Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon on the way, and finally arrive in Kashgar.
Northern Xinjiang Loop Route: Starting from Urumqi, drive northwest along G217 Highway, passing through the乌尔禾Devil’s City. After arriving in Kuitun, continue driving west to Yining, passing through the Guozigou Bridge to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Ili Valley. Finally, arrive in Burqin to visit Colorful Beach, Kanas Lake, and more.
When self-driving, be sure to pay attention to vehicle inspection, itinerary planning, preparation of necessary items, and weather changes. At the same time, abide by traffic rules, pay attention to road conditions, and familiarize yourself with emergency rescue methods along the way.
Panda Express Train Tourism
The Panda Express Train Chengdu offers a 16-day ultimate journey option for a panoramic view of northern and southern Xinjiang, starting and ending in Chengdu, Lanzhou, or Urumqi. This tourist route covers multiple famous attractions such as Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area, Kashgar Old City, Pamir Plateau, and Kanas Lake.
Precautions
Altitude sickness: Some areas in Xinjiang have high altitudes, which can easily lead to altitude sickness. Before departure, have a physical examination to confirm good physical condition.
Food hygiene: During your trip in Xinjiang, try to choose clean and hygienic restaurants for meals and avoid consuming cold foods to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort.
Prevention of common diseases: Prepare commonly used medications such as cold medicine, antidiarrheal medicine, and band-aids to deal with unexpected situations during the trip. At the same time, pay attention to personal hygiene, wash hands frequently, and maintain good living habits.
Protect the environment: When playing in scenic areas, do not litter randomly and respect local culture and customs.
Wildlife prevention: In nature reserves, be vigilant about preventing wildlife attacks and do not feed animals randomly.
Personal safety: When playing in water areas, do not enter the water alone to prevent drowning accidents. At the same time, keep an eye on personal belongings to prevent theft.
Respect local customs: Xinjiang is home to many ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture and customs. When interacting with locals, respect their traditions and beliefs to avoid offense.
The above information is for reference only. Specific itinerary and arrangements need to be adjusted according to personal interests and time. Before traveling, it is recommended to further understand the latest information about the destination and make adequate preparations.