Xinjiang is a vast region, and traveling from Urumqi to Kashgar, Yining, or Altay often takes several hours or even a whole day by car. When planning a trip to Xinjiang, the departure city and arrival airport directly impact travel efficiency. To minimize transfers and backtracking, prioritize flights that fly directly from major Chinese cities to Xinjiang.
This list compiles major direct flights from major Chinese cities to Xinjiang and their arrival cities. Actual flight schedules are subject to change and can be found on the airline's ticketing page.
Direct flights to major cities in Urumqi
Urumqi Tianshan International Airport is Xinjiang's largest aviation hub and the gateway to Xinjiang with the most flight options and stability. The table below lists representative cities with relatively frequent flights, not all cities served by air.
| Departure City | Xinjiang destination | Overview of the 2026 Summer/Autumn Flight Season |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Urumqi | More than 10 classes per day |
| Shanghai | Urumqi | More than 10 classes per day |
| Guangzhou | Urumqi | More than 10 classes per day |
| Chengdu | Urumqi | More than 10 classes per day |
| Xi'an | Urumqi | More than 10 classes per day |
| Zhengzhou | Urumqi | More than 10 classes per day |
| Lanzhou | Urumqi | More than 10 classes per day |
| Hangzhou | Urumqi | This represents an increase of 2 flights per day compared to the summer/autumn flight season of 2025. |
| Shenzhen | Urumqi | This represents an increase of 2 flights per day compared to the summer/autumn season of 2025; China Southern Airlines operates approximately 5 flights per day. |
The Civil Aviation Administration of Xinjiang announced the 2026 summer and autumn flight schedule.Data shows that the average daily number of flights between Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Zhengzhou, and Lanzhou and Urumqi all exceed 10, while Hangzhou and Shenzhen have each seen an increase of 2 flights per day compared to the previous summer/autumn season. The Shenzhen Municipal Transportation Bureau also announced...China Southern Airlines will maintain an average of 5 flights per day between Shenzhen and Urumqi..
If your travel focus is on Urumqi, Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains, or Turpan, or if you need to transfer to a flight within Xinjiang, flying to Urumqi is usually the most convenient option.New Xinjiang branch airport routes to be opened in 2026
If your destination is in other cities in southern or northern Xinjiang, flying directly to the local airport can shorten ground travel time. New routes to and from Xinjiang announced for the 2026 summer/autumn flight season include:
| Departure City | Xinjiang destination | Suitable tourist areas |
|---|---|---|
| Hangzhou | Kashgar | Southern Xinjiang and the Pamir Plateau |
| Qingdao | Korla | Korla and Bosten Lake; however, a long journey is still required to reach Bayinbuluke. |
| Zhengzhou | Altay | Kanas, Hemu |
| Beijing | Hami | Hami, Eastern Tianshan |
| Chongqing | Turpan | Turpan, Shanshan |
| Beijing | Tacheng | Tacheng Region |
| Yantai | Hotan | Hotan, Southern Xinjiang |
| Xiamen | Shihezi | Shihezi, Northern Xinjiang |
These routes are included in the Xinjiang Small and Medium-sized Airports New Opening Plan announced by the Civil Aviation Administration of Xinjiang. The flight schedule does not guarantee daily flights; actual departure dates, weekly flight frequencies, and cancellations are subject to change on the airline's ticketing page.
How do I choose my arrival airport?
Choosing to arrive in Urumqi, Kashgar, or Altay can reduce the need for backtracking on cross-regional trips within Xinjiang.
When exploring Northern Xinjiang, Urumqi or Altay are good choices. If Kanas or Hemu are your main destinations, a direct flight to Altay can save you time compared to the long bus rides from Urumqi.
For exploring southern Xinjiang, Kashgar is the most convenient option, suitable for visiting the Kashgar Old City, Tashkurgan, and the Pamir Plateau.
If both southern and northern Xinjiang are planned simultaneously, a route of "entering from Urumqi and exiting from Kashgar" or the opposite direction can be adopted to reduce backtracking.How do I confirm whether a ticket will stop over during the booking process?
When purchasing tickets, you should open the flight itinerary details to confirm whether there are any stopover cities listed between the departure city and the destination. Flights with the same flight number may also land en route; these are still considered stopover flights. The safest approach is to use [unclear - possibly a different method].China Civil Aviation Administration Domestic Flight Search PageAlternatively, check the airline's official website for each flight based on the departure date.Reference source
- Civil Aviation Administration of Xinjiang: Xinjiang's aviation market will show a new look in the summer and autumn flight season of 2026.
- Civil Aviation Administration of China: The summer and autumn flight schedule will be implemented nationwide starting today.
- Shenzhen Municipal Transportation Bureau: Summer/Autumn Flight Season Approaching, Several New Routes Added to Shenzhen
Related FAQs
Which major cities have the most frequent flights to Urumqi?
Which airport should I choose when traveling to Northern or Southern Xinjiang?
Does the same flight number mean there will be no stops along the way?
