Xinjiang, officially known as the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is a region inhabited by Uyghurs and other ethnic groups in the far western part of the People's Republic of China. Xinjiang encompasses the historical region of East Turkestan, also known as Chinese Turkestan or Uyghuristan. The capital of the autonomous region is Urumqi, a relatively young city compared to historically significant cities along the Silk Road such as Kashgar, Shache (Yarkant County), Gulja, or Turpan.
Xinjiang is the largest province in China and accounts for one-sixth of China's land territory. The region is predominantly inhabited by Turkic peoples, with Uyghurs being the largest group constituting about 45 percent of the population. The northern part of the region is mostly populated by Kazakhs, and there are numerous minorities in the west, including Kyrgyz, Mongols, and Tajiks. Han Chinese make up approximately 40 percent of the population.
Xinjiang has a long history, with much of the Silk Road passing through this province. Due to its diverse landscapes and population, Xinjiang is certainly one of the most interesting provinces in China. However, tourism development has only recently begun.
Urumqi is the capital of the Uyghur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang and thus the political, economic, and cultural center of the region. The city is located in the middle of the Eurasian continent, on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains, and at the southern exit of the Junggar Basin. In addition to modern attractions, Urumqi also boasts many ancient cultural monuments. Notable among them are the Hongshan Reservoir Zone, the Xinjiang Museum, and the hot springs in Shuimogou. The White Land of the Kazakhs, located south of the city, is a picturesque heath landscape. Urumqi was also an important station along the Silk Road in ancient times.
The airport is located approximately 16 kilometers from the city center and serves as a hub for China Southern Airlines. It has a total of three terminals, with a fourth terminal being new.
The airport is directly connected to downtown via a highway. Shuttle buses operate between downtown and the airport, as well as Metro Line 1 to Urumqi.
The airport in Kashgar is about 10 kilometers outside the city center. It is the second largest airport in Xinjiang province and mainly offers domestic flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Urumqi, or Chengdu.
Two bus routes run between the airport and the city hotels. There is no fixed route, so the bus driver can drop guests directly at their desired hotel.
Altay Xuedu Airport is located in the northern part of Xinjiang province. It only operates domestic flights.
