The journey from Lanzhou, on the Yellow River, to Xinjiang, at the western edge of China, is one of the country's great overland routes — following the ancient Hexi Corridor that carried Silk Road caravans for two millennia.
Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu, is the traditional gateway to the Hexi Corridor and, beyond it, Xinjiang. The route runs northwest through the corridor's oasis towns — Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang — before crossing into Xinjiang toward Hami, Turpan, and Urumqi.
The high-speed rail line from Lanzhou to Urumqi (via Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Hami, and Turpan) is the modern Silk Road artery. The full journey takes about 8-12 hours on the fastest trains, with frequent departures. It's a comfortable, scenic ride through the corridor.
For a more classic experience, overnight sleeper trains connect Lanzhou with Urumqi and Kashgar. Soft-sleeper berths offer a cozy way to cross the desert, saving a hotel night while you watch the landscape change from Gobi to oasis.
Flights from Lanzhou to Urumqi take about 2.5 hours. Flying is the best option if you're short on time, but you'll miss the scenery and the chance to stop at the corridor's great sights.
The most rewarding approach is to combine both provinces: travel overland from Lanzhou, stop at Zhangye's Rainbow Mountains, Jiayuguan's fortress, and Dunhuang's Mogao Caves, then continue to Turpan and Urumqi. A 10-14 day itinerary covers it beautifully.
Book train tickets well in advance, especially in summer and holidays. Carry your passport as ID. A travel agency can arrange the full multi-stop itinerary with private cars for the scenic sections and trains for the long hauls.