Xinjiang Map 2026: Navigation, Tourist & Attraction Maps

If you are planning a trip to China's most diverse region - that is Xinjiang, you should know a thing or two about it. Xinjiang is really big and covers over 1.66 million kilometres, which is roughly the same size as France, Germany and Spain combined. To help you with your trip to Xinjiang, we have a Xinjiang map guide that shows you the regional divisions, the transportation routes and the major attractions.

Where Is Xinjiang - Xinjiang Location Map

Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is located in the north-west of China next to eight countries like Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. On a map of China, it takes up one-sixth of the entire countrys land, which makes it the biggest provincial-level area.

The area has a "three mountains with two basins" shape:

• Altai Mountains in the far north
• Junggar Basin (northern lowland)
• Tianshan Mountains running east-west through the centre
• Tarim Basin (southern lowland, home to the Taklamakan Desert)
• Kunlun Mountains forming the southern border with Tibet

Source: Wikipedia

The land in this area is divide into two parts. You have Northern Xinjiang (Beijiang) and Southern Xinjiang (Nanjiang).

Xinjiang Transportation Map

Given Xinjiang's enormous size, understanding your transport options is essential.

By Flight

Xinjiang has more than 20 airports that people can use to travel to different parts of the region. If you are coming from Singapore, you will probably fly into Urumqi Tianshan International Airport.

Key Air Routes from Singapore: Singapore to Urumqi takes around 6 to 8 hours. You will have to stop somewhere on the way like Guangzhou, Chengdu or Xi'an.

Major domestic airports in Xinjiang:

💡 Pro Tip: For Singaporean travellers short on time, consider "open-jaw" flights, flying into Urumqi and out of Kashgar (or vice versa), to save days of overland travel.

By Train

The rail network in Xinjiang has gotten really big with trains that now go to big cities on the northern and southern Silk Road routes.

By Road

Road travel is where you truly experience Xinjiang's vastness. The region has excellent highways, and self-driving or private car hire is a popular way to explore at your own pace.

Typical driving distances & times:

• Urumqi → Kanas: ~800 km, 10-12 hours
• Urumqi → Sayram Lake: ~550 km, 6-7 hours
• Urumqi → Kashgar: ~1,500 km, 18-20 hours
• Kashgar → Tashkurgan: ~290 km, 5-6 hours
• Yining → Nalati: ~250 km, 3-4 hours

⚠️ Important: You need to know that some remote areas like Tashkurgan near the Pakistan border need travel permits. So you should check the requirements for travel permits before you go on trip to these remote areas.

Xinjiang Regional Map - North vs South

One of the most important things to understand on a Xinjiang tourist map is the division between Northern and Southern Xinjiang, separated by the mighty Tianshan mountain range.

Northern Xinjiang (北疆 - Beijiang)

Known for its dramatic natural scenery, Northern Xinjiang is where you'll find snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, vast grasslands, and dense forests. It's the most popular region for first-time visitors.

Key Areas:

• Urumqi - The capital and main transport hub
• Altay Prefecture - Home to Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Rainbow Beach
• Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture - Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Bayinbuluk
• Turpan - Famous for grapes, Flaming Mountains, and ancient sites

Southern Xinjiang (南疆 - Nanjiang)

Southern Xinjiang is the cultural heart of the region, with a strong Uyghur and Central Asian influence. Here you'll find ancient Silk Road cities, bustling bazaars, desert landscapes, and historic mosques.

Key Areas:

• Kashgar - The most famous Silk Road city, with its iconic Old City and Sunday Bazaar
• Korla - Gateway to the Tarim Basin and desert highways
• Hotan - Known for jade, carpets, and traditional Uyghur culture
• Aksu & Kuqa - Ancient Buddhist grottoes and historical sites
• Tashkurgan - High-altitude town on the Karakoram Highway, near the Pakistan border

Xinjiang Tourist Map - Must-See Attractions

Northern Xinjiang Highlights

Urumqi & Surroundings

As the regional capital, Urumqi is almost always your starting point. While most travellers pass through quickly, it's worth a day or two to acclimatise and explore.

Top Sights in Urumqi:

• Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar - The largest bazaar in China, perfect for souvenirs and local food
• Xinjiang Museum - Home to the famous "Tarim mummies" and Silk Road artefacts
• Red Hill Park - Great views of the city skyline
• Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake) - About 1.5 hours from Urumqi, a stunning alpine lake set in the Tianshan Mountains

Distance from Urumqi:

• Tianchi Lake: ~110 km, 1.5 hours by car
• Turpan: ~180 km, 2-3 hours by car / 1 hour by high-speed train

Altay & Kanas Region

Located in the far north, the Altay region is Xinjiang's most famous natural beauty spot, often called "Switzerland of the East."

Key Attractions:

• Kanas Lake - The star attraction, a breathtaking turquoise alpine lake surrounded by forests and snow peaks
• Hemu Village - A picturesque wooden village, famous for its morning mist and autumn colours
• Rainbow Beach (Wucaitan) - Colourful rock formations along the Irtysh River, stunning at sunset
• Baihaba Village - China's westernmost village, near the Kazakhstan border
• Koktokay - Dramatic granite peaks and the Irtysh River Grand Canyon

Distances from Burqin (the nearest major town):

• Kanas Lake: ~150 km, 2.5-3 hours
• Hemu Village: ~170 km, 3-3.5 hours
• Rainbow Beach: ~20 km, 30 minutes

Ili & Sayram Lake Area

The Ili Valley in western Xinjiang is known as the "Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall" for its lush greenery, fruit orchards, and Kazakh nomadic culture.

Must-See Sights:

• Sayram Lake - Often called "the last tear of the Atlantic," this crystal-clear alpine lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains
• Nalati Grassland - One of China's most beautiful grasslands, perfect for horse riding and staying in yurts
• Bayinbuluk Grassland - Home to the dramatic "Nine Bends of the Kaidu River" and swan nature reserves
• Lavender Fields of Huocheng - China's lavender capital, blooming in June
• Guozigou Bridge - A spectacular highway bridge winding through mountain valleys

Distances from Yining:

• Sayram Lake: ~90 km, 1.5 hours
• Nalati Grassland: ~250 km, 3-4 hours
• Bayinbuluk: ~350 km, 5-6 hours

Southern Xinjiang Highlights

Kashgar & Around

Kashgar is the crown jewel of Southern Xinjiang — a living museum of Silk Road history with a distinctly Central Asian vibe.

Top Attractions in Kashgar:

• Kashgar Old City - A maze of narrow alleyways, traditional mud-brick houses, and artisan workshops
• Id Kah Mosque - The largest mosque in China, an iconic landmark
• Kashgar Grand Bazaar (Sunday Market) - One of the largest traditional markets in Central Asia
• Abakh Hoja Tomb - A beautiful 17th-century Islamic mausoleum
• Karakul Lake - A stunning high-altitude lake on the Karakoram Highway, about 4-5 hours from Kashgar
• Tashkurgan - A historic stone town on the Pamir Plateau, near the Pakistan border

Distances from Kashgar:

• Karakul Lake: ~190 km, 3.5-4 hours
• Tashkurgan: ~290 km, 5-6 hours
• Hotan: ~500 km, 7-8 hours

Turpan Area

Turpan is a fascinating oasis city in the east, known for its extreme heat, sweet grapes, and ancient history.

Key Sights:

• Flaming Mountains (Huoyanshan) - Red sandstone mountains that can reach 50°C in summer
• Grape Valley - A lush green valley famous for seedless grapes and raisins
• Jiaohe Ancient City - A remarkably preserved 2,000-year-old ruined city built on a river island
• Gaochang Ancient City - Another major Silk Road ruin
• Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves - Ancient Buddhist cave paintings
• Karez Well System - An ingenious ancient underground irrigation system

Distances from Turpan City:

• Flaming Mountains: ~30 km, 40 minutes
• Grape Valley: ~15 km, 30 minutes
• Jiaohe Ancient City: ~10 km, 20 minutes

Recommended Route Maps in Xinjiang

Given Xinjiang's size, most travellers focus on either Northern or Southern Xinjiang in one trip. Here are two classic itineraries mapped out for you.

Northern Xinjiang Classic Loop (7-10 Days)

This is the most popular route for first-time visitors, focusing on natural scenery.

Route: Urumqi → Turpan → Urumqi → Burqin → Kanas → Hemu → Burqin → Sayram Lake → Yining → Nalati → Urumqi

💡 Singaporean Traveller Tip: If you only have 7 days, skip Nalati and fly back from Yining to Urumqi to save time.

Southern Xinjiang Cultural Route (8-12 Days)

Perfect for travellers interested in history, culture, and desert landscapes.

Route: Urumqi → Turpan → Korla → Kuqa → Aksu → Kashgar → Tashkurgan → Kashgar → Fly out

Xinjiang Accommodation Map

1. Urumqi

• The place is close to the international airport. It is also near train stations and shopping areas.
• You can stay in budget guesthouses for around S$30 per night. You can also choose 5-star international hotels for around S$150 per night.

2. Burqin / Jiadengyu (Kanas Area)

• The place is close to the Kanas area. You can find a hotel to stay in for a low price.
• There are guesthouses that cost around S$25 per night. There are also mid-range hotels that cost between S$60 and S$100 per night.

3. Yining (Ili Area)

• The best place to stay is close to all the great sights in northern Xinjiangs western area.
• You can find a lot of -range hotels that cost between S$40 and S$80 per night.
• If you want to have time, try to stay near the Ili River, because it is lovely to take a walk in the evening and you can find a lot of local food streets.

4. Kashgar

• The place to stay is near Old City, the bazaars and where you can get transport to Tashkurgan.
• You can find Kashgar hotels that're cheap like the Uyghur guesthouses for S$20/night per night. You can stay in nicer hotels like the 4-star ones, for S$60-S$100 per night.
• It is an idea to stay inside the Old City or nearby, so you can have the real Kashgar experience.

5. Turpan

• It's great for day trips to desert sites and ancient cities. You can find a hotel to stay in for a low price.
• The budget hotels cost around S$25 per night. The mid-range hotels cost around S$50 to S$80 per night.
• Tip: When you are looking for a hotel, make sure to find one with air conditioning. The summer temperatures in Turpan can get really hot,even exceed 45°C.