Travel regulations for foreigners in Xinjiang

Xinjiang, the Far West of China is an incredibly beautiful land. Yet it is not a famous tourist destination, but rather an off the beaten path area. Although the tourist invasion is slowly increasing, by visiting it is too far from places like Paris, London, Venice, Taj Mahal, New York, and even the Great Wall of China. There are many reasons for that, and one of them is the travel regulations in Xinjiang, or at least what the foreigners have heard or imagine about it. And indeed, it is not as simple to travel there as in the other provinces of China. But it doesn’t mean that it is impossible or extremely complicated. Let’s learn more about it.

Update note — May 2026: This article was originally based partly on our personal experience in Xinjiang in 2019. I have updated the key sections to reflect the current route and permit situation as accurately as possible in May 2026. The general pattern remains the same: most of Xinjiang is visitable for foreigners, but border areas, sensitive roads and some remote regions may require permits, organized arrangements or local approval. Always check current rules before traveling.

Travel experience in Xinjiang

Xinjiang has attracted me for many years, as soon as I learned about what this land has to offer. I wanted to cross it from west to east, on some of the Silk Road routes. I also wanted to explore it in details. But I have heard that it is not so simple and there are a lot of restrictions. I didn’t know is it safe, or is it easy to be caught by the police for something that I could be unaware, or just to be not allowed to travel here or there.

Checking in the airport

The first time I visited Xinjiang was when we back to China from Kyrgyzstan by plane. We landed in the capital Urumqi at noon, and we had several hours to our train to Changsha in the eastern part of China. Initially, we wanted to use these hours to walk around Urumqi and visit at least 1-2 tourist sites.

So, when we arrived in Urumqi Airport, we had more than an hour to go out, because I had to pass through at least two checks in and registration points. Finally, we went out of the airport and took a taxi to the railway station, because we wanted to leave our luggage there while walking around the city. But again, before arriving there, we were stopped by the police for another checking- again at least for 15 mins. And to enter the railway station itself, passing through a few more checkings, took us another 30 mins. So finally we just gave up and decided to rest inside.

Checking in the railway station

Then, one year later (July’2019) we were in Xinjiang again. This time we built our own itinerary, aiming at some of the most important and popular places there. Our first stop was Turpan, where we arrived by train, at Turpan North Railway Station.

At the exit, two local Uyghur policemen stopped us, and one of them told me to follow him to the nearby police station. He took our passports and gave them to a third Uyghur policeman who entered in his room and we had to wait outside. After 15 mins waiting he appeared again and tried to ask some questions- the reason why we come to Turpan, where will we sleep, when will we leave and where will we go next. These few questions took another 15 mins, because he couldn’t speak English, and his Chinese was very poor too. Anyway, they all were very polite and smiling, and finally, let us go.

More checkings

Later, during our trip in Xinjiang, we had such checking whenever we enter a city and get on or off a train. There were checkings on all highways and lesser roads, so when we traveled by car, we had to stop in every checking and wait for the policemen to input all our passport information. Which was every time slowly, because it was always difficult for them to read something different than Chinese or Uyghur language.

Travel in the „normal” Xinjiang

So, what we knew is that most of Xinjiang, maybe around 80% of its area was under strong control, stronger than in the other parts of China. But that was all. Everything else was free for travel, and no matter how do you travel- by plane, by train, by bus, by car or by horse, just have to show your passport in a checking point and be patient. It is good to tell them your clear plan- when will you sleep, when will you leave, what is your next destination. But even if you can’t, that’s no problem, just it is possible to wait a long time.

When we passed through one of the checking points, a policeman there was very helpful, and he explained to us that there is a way to shorten our waiting in the other checking points. Just have to go to Urumqi and obtain something like a travel certificate. Then, when we show it in every checking point, we can wait only a few mins, instead of 15-20 mins. We were not in a hurry, so we didn’t try it.

However, there are some areas in Xinjiang which are not such easy to travel…

Special areas in Xinjiang

Fortunately, these areas are much smaller than the „free” travel area of Xinjiang. But at the same time, unfortunately, these areas are established in some of the most beautiful and breathtaking places of the province, which means: you can’t just go and enjoy this beauty freely!

Border areas of Xinjiang

Shortly, this is the strip of territory along Xinjiang’s international borders. In general, these areas have a special, strengthened regime of visiting and traveling.

But it is not the same everywhere. Some border areas are more restricted than others, especially those near sensitive frontiers such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, India / Aksai Chin and the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Recent 2026 sources also mention increased digitalization of China’s Border Management Area Permit process. This may make some applications more standardized, but it does not remove the need for permits or local approval in sensitive border areas.

The practical rule remains the same: never assume that a border area in Xinjiang is open just because it appears reachable on the map.

Karakoram Highway in China

One of the most beautiful areas in Xinjiang — the Chinese section of the Karakoram Highway toward Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan — is located in such a border-sensitive zone.

Foreign travelers still need special permission to visit Tashkurgan, Karakul Lake and the Chinese Karakoram Highway area. In many cases, this is arranged through a local travel agency, but current sources also mention permit application through local Public Security Bureau channels. The practical rule is simple: do not treat this route as a normal open road. Check the latest permit procedure before planning the trip.

The travel center in Kashgar

In 2019, after asking many people in Turpan and Kashgar — policemen, hotel staff, travel agents and local people — we were told again and again that I, as a foreigner, could not travel independently from Kashgar to Tashkurgan. The practical answer was: go to the travel center in Kashgar and arrange the trip through a local travel company.

So, we went to the travel center in Kashgar. Several local travel companies had offices there, and they could arrange the required permit and transport to Tashkurgan and the Chinese Karakoram Highway area. At that time, we were told that the application should normally be made at least 3 days before the trip.

In practice, some company representatives could arrange it faster. This is how we traveled to Tashkurgan: we applied for the trip and the next day we were already on the bus on the Karakoram Highway. Their service was satisfying, but the price for foreigners was much higher than for Chinese travelers. Chinese tourists paid around 550 CNY per person, while I paid 1300 CNY as a foreigner. Our children, who had foreign passports, paid half price.

This was our real experience in 2019. Today, the exact procedure may vary. Some travelers may still use local agencies, while some current sources mention local PSB permit application for border areas. In any case, the Tashkurgan / Karakoram Highway area remains permit-sensitive and should be arranged in advance. Do not treat it as a normal open road.

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Our trip to Tashkurgan

Then, following the travel group in our minibus, we made our 2-days trip to Tashkurgan. There are 3 checkpoints from Kashgar to Tashkurgan. The first is still in the lowland, the second is in the middle of the gorge of Gaizi River, and the third is just several kilometers before Tashkurgan. And the most serious check was at the second one (and our guide especially told us to not take photos there). But, since we were following the travel company, everything was normal, just like any other normal checking in the rest of Xinjiang.

Book a trip on the Karakoram Highway!

Other beautiful places, located in the border area are Shipton’s Arch near Kashgar, Xiate Ancient Trail, Sayram Lake, and Kanas Lake. The situation about the Shipton’s Arch is the same. A foreign couple tried to reach it independently but were stopped and let them back to Kashgar.

Book a trip to the Shipton's Arch!

As far as I heard, currently, in 2019, foreigners still can go freely to Sayram Lake and Kanas Lake. But not to Xiate Ancient Trail- even for Chinese, it is closed to hike independently, but only by a licensed company. They say that it is due to „safety precautions” because they claim that the trail is dangerous. But in fact, it is not more dangerous than the other famous trails in Tianshan, in the interior of Xinjiang.

Crossing the border to or from Xinjiang in China

Xinjiang has land borders with several countries, but not every border post is open to foreign travelers, private vehicles or passenger traffic. Some ports are for freight, some are local or bilateral crossings, some are seasonal, and some may close without much notice.

The information below reflects the general route logic, but exact opening status must always be checked before travel. Xinjiang is also one of the key controlled gateways in a wider overland crossing of Eurasia. For the broader route context — including Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan–India, Tibet, Myanmar, Siberia and Chukotka — see Crossing Eurasia Overland: Difficult Segments and Route Barriers.

To Mongolia

The main practical crossing between Xinjiang and Mongolia is Bulgan–Takashiken, connecting western Mongolia with the Altay / northern Xinjiang side of China.

It is open to international travelers and is one of the more remote ways to enter or leave Xinjiang. But it is not a major tourist corridor. It is also used for trade and freight, and travelers should expect long distances, limited transport options, language barriers, and the need to check opening days and current procedures before arrival.

Other China–Mongolia border posts may exist, but not all are open to third-country travelers or passenger traffic. For practical travel planning, Bulgan–Takashiken is the main one to research first.

To Russia

Xinjiang touches Russia only along a short, remote section in the Altay Mountains. There is no practical international border crossing there for travelers.

So, although China and Russia meet geographically in this corner, you cannot use Xinjiang as a direct overland gateway into Russia. To reach Russia from Xinjiang, the route normally has to go through Kazakhstan, Mongolia, or another country first.

To Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is one of the more important and practical overland directions from Xinjiang.

The best-known crossing is Khorgos / Horgos, a major China–Kazakhstan gateway and one of the flagship border points on the modern Silk Road / Belt and Road corridor. It is heavily developed, with road, trade, dry-port and cross-border cooperation infrastructure.

There are other China–Kazakhstan crossings too, including Alashankou / Dostyk and smaller ports such as Bakhty–Tacheng and Qaljat / Dulata, depending on current status and traveler type. Some are better for rail or freight, some are more useful for road travel, and exact rules can change.

For most overland travelers, Kazakhstan is usually one of the more realistic ways to enter or leave Xinjiang, but border choice, vehicle documents, visa rules and operating hours still need current confirmation.

To Kyrgyzstan

There are now three main crossings or developing corridors between Xinjiang and Kyrgyzstan: Irkeshtam, Torugart and Bedel.

Irkeshtam is generally the more practical and commonly used crossing for foreign travelers between Osh / Sary-Tash and Kashgar. It is still a high-altitude international border, and the current opening status, documents, transport and Chinese entry rules must be checked before travel, but it is usually considered the easier of the established crossings.

Torugart is more scenic and legendary, but also more controlled and logistically complicated. It has reportedly become more convenient in recent years, but it still usually requires advance arrangement, current border confirmation and sometimes agency / transport coordination on the Chinese side. It should not be treated as a completely spontaneous crossing.

Bedel Pass / Bedel checkpoint is the newer third crossing between Kyrgyzstan and China. It was opened in September 2024 under a simplified / temporary regime and is planned to develop into a full international road corridor, with more complete infrastructure expected around 2027. For now, travelers should treat Bedel as a developing route, not as a normal, well-established independent overland crossing. Always check whether it is open to foreign travelers, private vehicles and passenger traffic before planning around it.

To Tajikistan

The only official land crossing between Xinjiang and Tajikistan is Qolma / Kulma Pass, also known on the Chinese side as Karasu Port.

This is a high Pamir crossing between Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan region and Tashkurgan County in Xinjiang. It is one of the highest international border crossings in the world, at more than 4,300 m, and it has become a real option for foreign travelers in recent years.

Still, Qolma should not be treated as a casual crossing. It is remote, high-altitude, weather-dependent, and connected with border-zone rules on both sides. Travelers need to check current opening status, visa requirements, GBAO / Tajikistan permits if relevant, transport options and Chinese entry procedures before attempting it.

To Afghanistan

Xinjiang borders Afghanistan only through the extremely remote Wakhan / Wakhjir area.

There is no normal international border crossing for travelers between Afghanistan and China. Wakhjir Pass is the only potential geographic connection, but as of recent sources it has no official border crossing point and is not open to foreigners.

There have been discussions and reports about possible road development toward this frontier, but for practical overland travel it should still be considered closed. It is not a usable Crossing Eurasia route at present.

To Pakistan

There is only one official land crossing between Xinjiang and Pakistan: Khunjerab Pass on the Karakoram Highway.

It is a real international border gate, but still a sensitive high-altitude frontier connected with Xinjiang controls, Pakistan entry rules, vehicle paperwork, weather conditions and port schedules.

The situation has changed since our 2019 trip. Starting from December 2024, China and Pakistan announced year-round operation of the Khunjerab / Sost border crossing, replacing the older seasonal pattern that usually ran from April to November. However, “year-round operation” does not mean that travelers can treat it as a completely spontaneous crossing. Before attempting it, always confirm current border status, opening days, documents, visa rules, vehicle requirements and weather conditions.

To India

There is no normal Xinjiang–India border crossing for travelers.

This part of the frontier is connected with Aksai Chin, Ladakh and the wider India–China border dispute. It is a military-sensitive high-altitude borderland, not a practical overland crossing.

So, although Xinjiang and India meet on the map, travelers should not treat this as a route option. Movement toward this edge of Xinjiang belongs to the category of restricted frontier areas, not normal international travel.

Final note on Xinjiang borders

To reach many of these crossings, travelers first have to pass through Xinjiang’s border areas. Different crossings have different levels of restriction, and the rules can change quickly.

We met travelers who entered Xinjiang from Kazakhstan by train through Khorgos without a problem. But that does not mean every Xinjiang border is equally simple. Some are straightforward, some are slow, some require permits or arrangements, and some are not open to foreign travelers at all.

Always check the current status before building a route around any Xinjiang border crossing.

Difficult border crossings

But some border crossings are really difficult. I mentioned Torugart between Kyrgyzstan and China. In 2018 we tried to cross it from Kyrgyzstan. But we were told that first, we had to obtain a permit in Kyrgyzstan side (which was easy). Then we had to contact a travel company (we found Silk Road Tours) in China, which can arrange another travel permit for Xinjiang side, and an expensive private car with a driver to wait for us on the border. It was too complicated so we gave up.

However, many foreigners have tried to cross it and were stopped and sent back. And as I know, now the situation is quite similar to Khunjerab between Pakistan and China. Until recently, it was possible to just reach the border and make a photo at this notorious mountain pass. Now you can’t unless you are preparing to cross it (with all the necessary documents and other travel details).

Besides, most of the border crossing are often closed, especially in winter. Their working time is highly limited, and the closures often happen without warning. Here you can see the map of all border crossings of Xinjiang. 

Special autonomous areas

Yes, there is an area in the interior of Xinjiang, far from the border, which is not as the other „normal” areas. This is Hejing (和静), a Mongol Autonomous County, known as the „most bordered county in the world”. And some of the most spectacular destinations in Xinjiang are located within it- Bayan Buluk on Du Ku Highway, Tekes, and a part of Wusun Ancient Trail.

I have a Chinese driving license, so I can drive a car in China (including Xinjiang). After our trip on Du Ku Highway, I have read an article in a website which says that foreigners, even with a driving license can’t drive there freely, but must obtain a travel permit for the area.

Our experience on Du Ku Highway

At that time I didn’t know it and we traveled on the whole Du Ku Highway, from Kuqa to Dushanzi without any problem. Nobody stopped us. In fact, there is only one checking point near Narati Grassland. The policemen saw me, the driving foreigner, and didn’t even stop me for registration, just said to everybody to pass quickly, to avoid traffic jam.

No independent foreigners in the tourist sites

Yes, there was another problem in this area. We arrived in Bayan Buluk and wanted to visit the Bayan Buluk Grassland and Swan Lake. The people at the entrance told us that we have to go to the travel center and buy tickets from there. So we found this travel center, in the other part of Bayan Buluk town, and I entered inside for tickets.

But a policeman there told me that this area is not opened for foreigners. The only way to visit Bayan Buluk Grassland is to go to the travel center in Urumqi and obtain a travel permit there. Not only that, but he said that we must leave the town within 30 mins, otherwise he has to call the other policemen and to ask me a lot of questions. He apologized that it was not him who created these regulations, but we all haven’t a choice and have to obey.

So, we went outside of Bayan Buluk town, just a km outside. There we found a nice grassland with horses, sheep, and cows, and enjoyed the stunning landscape for almost 2 hours. No checkpoints around, nobody came to check me, we were completely free.

No hotels for independent foreigners

Before we traveled on Du Ku Highway, we were looking for a hotel in Bayan Buluk. There wasn’t any hotel there which could accept foreigners. We felt strange about it, and when we met the policeman, we understood why. Anyway, since the road was temporarily damaged by a small landslide, we spent the night in the car, waiting for the dawn to proceed.

So, to conclude from our 2019 experience: foreigners could travel along the Du Ku Highway and pass through Bayan Bulak / Bayinbuluke, but independent access to some tourist sites and accommodation was restricted. We were not allowed to visit Bayan Bulak Grassland / Swan Lake independently, and local hotels did not accept us as foreign guests.

Current rules may have changed, and some travelers may find different local arrangements today. But Bayan Bulak / Bayinbuluke and parts of Hejing County should still be treated as permit-sensitive or locally restricted areas until confirmed otherwise.

Also, do not assume that sleeping in a car, tent or local yurt is a safe workaround if foreigners are not allowed to stay overnight in the area. We personally spent the night in the car in 2019 because of road conditions, but this should not be treated as a recommended strategy.

Other travel limits in the „normal” part of Xinjiang

We faced such limits when we drove a car from Kashgar to Maigaiti N39 area of Taklamakan Desert. Basically, this area is free. There are 2-3 checking points, but they are just normal. Initially, our goal was not Maigaiti, but Karsu- another place at the edge of Taklamakan Desert near Kargilik (Yecheng).

But when we arrived at the last checking point before Karsu, the policemen politely explained that just that day there was a „special activity” in Kargilik, so foreigners are not allowed to proceed further. If I really want to visit Karsu, I was welcomed to come again several days later. But now I had to leave, and they advised us to visit Maigaiti N39, which was free to travel.

So we visited Maigaiti N39 instead. The road passes through a nice and beautifully decorated town, and we wanted to take some photos of the houses. Then, at that moment, a policewoman called us and warned us to NOT make any photos in the area, but only in the desert. There was another small checking point and the local Uyghur policemen didn’t register me, but also told us to not take photos.

Forbidden areas in Xinjiang

There are such areas too. You will not see them marked on any map, but they exist. Usually, these are military areas or secret areas of other kinds. Initially, we planned to visit an ancient village at the edge of Taklamakan Desert, called Luoburen (or Luobu Man), not far from Korla. But when I mentioned it to the Chinese girls of our Kashgar hostel’s personnel, they told me to forget to go there. It is completely forbidden for foreigners. They said that they indeed were there, but only by a travel company, and were not allowed to take any photos.

As I know, there are other forbidden areas in Xinjiang, mainly in the border areas, or near Lop Nur area. And since it is difficult to find any information which are these places and where you can reach to their entrance and be stopped by the local police. They will not arrest you, but just politely will tell you that it is closed and you have to back. That’s not a serious problem, unless you may lose precious time and waste money to reach the place.

The area at the border with the Tibetan Autonomous Region

It is another difficult area. You can see southern Silk Road highway from Kashgar through Hotan, Qiemo, and Ruoqiang to Xining. This road is opened for foreigners. But only several kilometers south of the road, and south of these cities, foreigners are not allowed to travel free. Although the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) is not another country, but a part of China, this area has even more strengthened regulations than the other border areas.

This area is, in fact, the wildest part of Xinjiang. Only one road crosses it, in direction to Lhasa in Tibet- this is the „heavenly road” G219, starting from Kargilik (Yecheng). There are only a few other roads which enter in the area, but not go too far and end in the mountain wilderness before even approach closely to Tibet.

If foreigners want to travel there, it could be possible only by a travel company, obtaining the necessary travel permit. But since these places are not a popular tourist destination like Tashkurgan, it would be much more difficult to find such a travel company. And it would be much more expensive. And that’s not all…

Special natural areas

There are also some special natural areas, which require more travel permits, and some hired personnel with you.

High mountain peaks

Every mountaineer and most mountain hikers know that. It is not only in Xinjiang, but everywhere in the world- the high mountain peaks are expensive. There is a mountain climbing tax which you must pay if you want to climb it. The higher is the peak, the price is more expensive and can reach even tens of thousands of dollars.

Muztagh Ata (7509 m) is well known as the easiest 7000-er, as it doesn’t require mountaineering skills and gear. You can just walk to the top, being aware only of the high altitude sickness and the harsh weather conditions. But again, apart from the fact that it is located within the border area of Tashkurgan, you must also obtain a climbing permit (which fortunately is not too expensive).

Natural reserves

Most of the area right beside the border with the Tibetan Autonomous Region is not only restricted for foreigners like a „border area”, but also is a part of a natural reserve zone. So it also requires a special (and extremely difficult to obtain) permit, which is also very expensive.

If you want to climb Ulugh Muztagh, be ready for at least 3 travel permits. The first one is the border permit. The second- the natural reserve permit. And the third- the climbing permit. In total it may cost you more than 10 000 USD (as far as I know) if you can get all these permits at all. Then, you have to pay also for mandatory guides with you- for their salary and all other daily expenses. And since this peak is extremely difficult to reach, you can imagine what are you going to prepare for…

Aksai Chin

Aksai Chin is a remote, high-altitude disputed area between China and India. It is not a normal travel destination. For foreign travelers, access is extremely sensitive and generally possible only as part of an approved Xinjiang–Tibet route, such as a permitted G219 crossing toward Lhasa.

The “heavenly road” G219 from Kargilik / Yecheng toward Lhasa crosses this wider frontier region. Even on an approved route, travelers should treat the area beside the road as restricted. This is not a place for independent detours, camping, hiking or exploration outside the permitted itinerary.

Unclear and changeable at any time

Yes, that’s what I found when I traveled in Xinjiang. Normally, we foreigners would not be happy with these restrictions, and it is obvious. But at least we would like to know clear, in advance- where can we go freely, where we can go only under certain restrictions, permits, and other requirements, and where we can’t go at all.

Unfortunately, you can’t find any website or any other source of information, presenting all these regulations clearly. There is no such full information even in Chinese. Not only that, but most of the policemen, even the officials don’t know everything!

“Maybe” and “I think”

When we were in Xinjiang, we asked everywhere, every day various people- the personnel in the hostels, the policemen, drivers, even travel companies, questions like „Can we go there? Can we rent a car? Can we visit this or that place?”. And the answers were usually: „I think you can.” or „Maybe you can’t”. But „I think” and „maybe” doesn’t work for me, I still can’t plan a clear travel itinerary, based only on such proposals.

Even the officials not always know

Only when we went to the travel center in Kashgar, we were told for 100% certainty that foreigners can visit Tashkurgan ONLY by a travel company. And even there not everybody knew it!

Yes, I tried to apply for a travel permit independently, waited 10 mins on a queue and when arrived at the counter, the man said: „ok, give me your passport.” I was happy that seemed like I can obtain a travel permit to Tashkurgan and can travel there independently. He took my passport, started to input the data on his computer and when he found difficult to input some English words, he asked his colleague. He was almost ready with the permit. And then his colleague stopped him and said: „but he is a foreigner, you can’t give him a travel permit, he must apply for a travel company!” Yes, two officials working in this travel department, and even not all of them knew the regulations!

More ideas and proposals

I also talked with a guy from a travel company, asking him about various travel routes outside of the „normal” part of Xinjiang. I asked him about traveling from Xinjiang to Lhasa on route G219. And he told me something very strange. He said: „You can’t go there independently by self-driving. You can’t even go there by rental car with a local driver. But you can go there…by bike, by horse or on foot only! Because cars have to be registered, while bikes and horses- no.” And he was really serious.

He also said that if you just pass through this area transit, while traveling from Kyrgyzstan to Nepal via Xinjiang and Tibet, by foreign car, it is possible too! Of course, I strongly doubt what he told me, anyway, still kept it in my mind. Because I already knew that it is hard to find someone who knows the regulations 100%.

And not only that, but these regulations can be changed without notice at any time, unfortunately, toward more strengthening! Maybe this is the reason (or at least one of the reasons) why many people which is supposed to know the regulations, actually, don’t know.

Why?

Yes, why we foreigners can’t just travel freely and enjoy the stunning nature everywhere without limits? Just like in Western Europe or America? What wrong are we doing? We are just travelers, we would not harm anyone. We just want to explore this beautiful land, then leave without being involved in anything inside.

I had such questions when I was in Kashgar and wanted to make a trip to Tashkurgan. And maybe many foreigners have the same questions too. So I tried to ask the local Chinese- „why, for what reason?” If it has been free for us to visit Tashkurgan, why they changed it and created this new regulation for us?

And it was very difficult, almost impossible to get a clear answer. In China, especially in sensitive regions, many local people and even officials prefer not to discuss political or administrative reasons openly. Often, the practical answer is simply: “This is the rule.”

Just accept it

So, why we foreigners can’t travel freely to Tashkurgan? „You just can’t, that’s it.” Is the normal answer. If I insist asking, they keep answering: „Just accept it, it is useless to ask.” In fact, they also don’t know, and don’t care „why”.

Anyway, after many attempts to get some answer, finally one of the policemen said something like this: „It is for your safety. Because foreigners walking free around Tashkurgan don’t know where is the border exactly. There were accidents in which foreigners have been caught on the border because they were lost.” I don’t know whether it is the real reason, but anyway, I couldn’t get more explanations from anybody.

What if…

Do not try to bypass checkpoints or enter restricted areas secretly.

In Xinjiang, this can be treated very seriously. Even if your intention is only travel, hiking or photography, entering a restricted zone without permission can create major legal problems.

If a checkpoint, police officer, hotel, travel center or local authority tells you that a place is closed to foreigners, treat it as closed. Do not try to “go around” the rule by using side roads, walking through the mountains, camping secretly, or entering without registration.

It is similar to crossing an international border outside an official checkpoint. Even if you mean no harm, the authorities may treat it as a security violation.

Understand the regulations

Yes, we are „not doing anything wrong”. But it is like you drive a car and cross on the red light „very carefully”, and pass successfully without an accident. Not only in China but everywhere in the world, although „you didn’t do anything wrong and didn’t harm anyone”, you will still be punished.

Because these regulations are designed for precaution. You may not do anything wrong, and many other foreigners too. But as it is well known, Xinjiang is a place with some tensions. I would not comment on who is right and who is wrong, because nobody is 100% white or black in Xinjiang. If 9 foreigners don’t do anything wrong, the 10th may do, trying to involve in these tensions. And if you can go freely in the restricted areas, why the 10th one can’t?

So, the best we can do is just to accept the reality in Xinjiang as a basic foundation of our trip. Then having them in mind, we still can enjoy all that this incredibly beautiful place can reveal!

Let’s get some more impressions of Xinjiang!

Check out some travel books about Xinjiang!

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Krasen and Ying Ying

Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually.

So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration.

And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality.

Enjoy!

Krasen and Ying Ying

Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually. So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration. And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality. Enjoy!