
Major Highways & Driving Tips in Ailan Mubage, Xinjiang, China
1. Kashgar-Hotan Highway
Paved road connecting Kashgar and Hotan, offering scenic views of the Taklamakan Desert.
- Scenic Drive: Allows travelers to enjoy the unique landscape of the desert.
- Road Condition: Well-maintained highway makes for a smooth driving experience.
- Rest Stops: Regular rest stops available along the route for refreshments and breaks.
2. Kumtag Highway
Highway connecting Kashgar to Kumtag via Karakul Lake, offering breathtaking mountain views.
- Mountain Scenery: Provides travelers with stunning views of the Tian Shan Mountains.
- High-Altitude Road: Road may be affected by high altitude conditions and weather.
- Accommodations: Limited accommodations available along the route, plan accordingly.
3. Aksu Highway
Highway connecting Aksu and Kashgar, passing through lush farmlands and oilfields.
- Farmland Views: Offers travelers a glimpse into the agricultural heart of Xinjiang.
- Oilfield Sights: Allows travelers to observe the region's significant oil production.
- Truck Traffic: High volume of truck traffic due to industrial and agricultural activity.
4. Kashgar-Torugart Pass Highway
Crosses the Tianshan Mountains into Kyrgyzstan via Torugart Pass.
- Border Crossing: Allows travelers to enter or exit China through a stunning mountain pass.
- High Altitude: Road may be affected by high altitude conditions and weather.
- Customs Procedures: Require travelers to complete customs and immigration formalities.
5. Kashgar-Yecheng Highway
Connects Kashgar with Yecheng via the Tarim Basin and Lop Nor.
- Desert Landscape: Allows travelers to experience the vastness of the Taklamakan Desert.
- Saline Lake: Passes through Lop Nor, a large salt lake in the Tarim Basin.
- Road Condition: Well-maintained highway makes for a smooth driving experience.
6. Kashgar-Ili Railway
Rail line connecting Kashgar to Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture.
- Scenic Train Ride: Offers travelers a scenic journey through the Xinjiang countryside.
- Train Schedule: Check train schedules as services may be limited or infrequent.
- Passport Control: May require travelers to pass through customs and immigration control.
7. Hotan-Korla Highway
Paved road connecting Hotan and Korla via the Karakum Desert.
- Desert Drive: Allows travelers to experience the unique landscape of the desert.
- Road Condition: Well-maintained highway makes for a smooth driving experience.
- Historical Sites: Passes by ancient cities like Gaochang and Karakorum, offering opportunities to explore history.
8. Kashgar-Artux Highway
Highway connecting Kashgar with Artux via the Tianshan Mountains.
- Mountain Scenery: Provides travelers with stunning views of the Tian Shan Mountains.
- High-Altitude Road: Road may be affected by high altitude conditions and weather.
- Accommodations: Limited accommodations available along the route, plan accordingly.
9. Kashgar-Hami Highway
Highway connecting Kashgar with Hami via the Hexi Corridor.
- Historical Route: Travels along a historic Silk Road route.
- Road Condition: Well-maintained highway makes for a smooth driving experience.
- Cultural Sites: Passes by cultural sites like the Mogao Caves and Ancient City of Gaochang.
10. Kashgar-Urumqi Expressway
Expressway connecting Kashgar with Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang.
- Expressway Speed: Allows for faster travel compared to local highways.
- Road Condition: Well-maintained expressway makes for a smooth driving experience.
- Urban Experience: Offers travelers the chance to explore Xinjiang's bustling capital city.
11. Hotan-Korla Airport
Airport serving Hotan and Korla, offering convenient air travel options.
- Flight Schedules: Check flight schedules as services may be limited or infrequent.
- Airport Facilities: Ensure you have necessary travel documents and plan for airport security checks.
- Local Transportation: Arrange for transportation from the airport to your destination in Hotan or Korla.
12. Kashgar Airport
Airport serving Kashgar, offering convenient air travel options.
- Flight Schedules: Check flight schedules as services may be limited or infrequent.
- Airport Facilities: Ensure you have necessary travel documents and plan for airport security checks.
- Local Transportation: Arrange for transportation from the airport to your destination in Kashgar.
13. Kashgar-Artux Bus
Bus service connecting Kashgar with Artux.
- Schedule and Tickets: Check bus schedules and purchase tickets in advance.
- Comfort and Amenities: Ensure the bus is comfortable and offers necessary amenities for a long journey.
- Road Condition: Highway may be affected by road conditions, especially during inclement weather.
14. Hotan-Korla Bus
Bus service connecting Hotan with Korla.
- Schedule and Tickets: Check bus schedules and purchase tickets in advance.
- Comfort and Amenities: Ensure the bus is comfortable and offers necessary amenities for a long journey.
- Road Condition: Highway may be affected by road conditions, especially during inclement weather.
15. Kashgar-Urumqi Train
Train service connecting Kashgar with Urumqi.
- Schedule and Tickets: Check train schedules and purchase tickets in advance.
- Comfort and Amenities: Ensure the train is comfortable and offers necessary amenities for a long journey.
- Train Station Access: Plan for transportation to and from Kashgar and Urumqi train stations.