Kashgar Xinjiang, China Travel Guide
Kashi Airport (KHG) serves as the main airport for Kashgar, located approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) north of the city center. Major Chinese domestic airlines, including China Southern Airlines, Tianfu Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Shandong Airlines, mainly serve Kashi Airport.
Flights to Kashgar are generally available year-round, though frequency may vary seasonally. Flight prices reach higher levels during peak travel seasons (May-June, September-October) and major Chinese public holidays (Lunar New Year, Labor Day, National Day).
May-June & Sept-Oct often see higher flight prices and increased demand.
Kashi Airport is a modern domestic airport with basic facilities, including limited dining and currency exchange.
Kashgar resides deep within the vast landmass of Central Asia and western China, far from any seas or major navigable rivers.
No access to seas, oceans, or major navigable rivers is present in Kashgar.
Sea or river transportation options are not applicable for arriving in or departing from Kashgar.
No separate exit fees or departure taxes are typically collected for air or land departures from China for foreign tourists; these costs are usually included in your ticket price. Preparation for departure from Kashgar is significant as arrival planning, making certain a smooth exit from the city and the region.
Kashi Airport provides basic amenities for departing travelers, including check-in counters, security screening areas, limited retail options, and food outlets. Kashgar Railway Station and bus stations offer waiting areas, ticket offices, restrooms, and small shops for snacks and drinks.
If your flight encounters delays or cancellations, services like AirHelp can assist passengers in receiving compensation, potentially up to €600. This applies to eligible flights departing from or arriving in the EU, or on EU-based airlines.
For finding affordable flight options, services like Dollar Flight Club alert you to cheap fares. Skyscanner offers broad comparisons across airlines and dates, making it easier to pinpoint budget-friendly travel periods.
Obtaining a Chinese visa often has complexities for first-time applicants. Services specializing in visa applications can streamline the process, verify document accuracy, and keep you informed of changes in requirements. These platforms often assist with different visa types, including tourist visas.
For longer stays or business purposes, different visa categories apply. These often involve more extensive documentation, including invitation letters from Chinese entities, proof of financial stability, and sometimes medical examinations. Consulting a specialized visa service for these types of applications is often suitable.
Online forms and scheduled appointments simplify applying for tourist visas.
Be prepared for fingerprint collection, a standard procedure for most visa applicants.
Visa fees vary by nationality and type, paid during application, with no fees on arrival.
Obtaining a local SIM card (from China Mobile or China Unicom) upon arrival can pose a challenge for foreigners. Strict real-name registration procedures often call for a local Chinese ID. Some tourists may acquire one with passport registration, but the process has complexity.
Internet censorship (the "Great Firewall" of China) blocks access to many international websites and apps, including Google services, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and WhatsApp. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a core item for accessing these blocked international sites and apps.
Foreigners generally cannot self-drive in China with an International Driving Permit. A Chinese driving license functions as a main item.
Even for Chinese citizens, driving in Xinjiang is subject to numerous checkpoints and strict regulations.
If road travel flexibility is desired, hire a car with a local driver, often through DiscoverCars.com or an organized tour.
