The Great Railway Journey West
Plan My Trip →The train journey from Beijing to Xinjiang is one of China's great rail adventures — crossing the North China Plain, the Gobi, and the vast deserts to reach the far west. Here's your guide.
The rail route from Beijing to Urumqi (and beyond) covers over 3,000 kilometers across northern China — a journey of more than 30 hours on the fastest trains. It's a trip through ever-changing landscapes.
Regular high-speed and conventional trains serve the route. Sleeper berths are standard for overnight travel, with soft sleepers offering the most comfort. The Lanzhou-Xinjiang high-speed line has shortened the trip dramatically.
The classic route passes through Hohhot, Yinchuan, Lanzhou, and into Xinjiang via the Hexi Corridor — the ancient Silk Road path. The landscapes — from farmland to desert — are the reward.
Traveling this route by train follows the historic Silk Road. For many travelers, the train is the preferred way to experience the westward journey that defined trade and culture for millennia.
Book sleeper tickets well in advance — especially in summer and for holidays. Consider flying one way and taking the train the other for a balanced itinerary.
Pack food and water for the long journey, though dining cars serve meals. Passengers need a valid ID (and for foreigners, the passport) to board. The views across the Gobi are unforgettable at sunrise and sunset.