How to get to Kuqa

If you are planning to travel to Kuqa to witness the heritage of the Great Silk Road, it is worth exploring the transport options of this region in advance. Located in the west of China, this ancient oasis city is accessible to tourists thanks to well-developed connections: you can arrive here by plane, train, or intercity bus. By learning how to reach your destination, you can choose the optimal route and comfortably begin your acquaintance with its unique attractions.

Travelling by plane is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Kuqa. The city is served by its own airport (KCA), which accepts regular flights and connects this oasis with major transit hubs. The air harbour is located close to the city limits, so the journey to the centre after landing will not be tiring.

If direct tickets are unavailable or the timing does not suit you, travellers often choose to fly to neighbouring cities followed by a transfer. The nearest airports are in Aksu and Korla, from where you can reach your destination by car or train in just a few hours. You can also consider a route through Yining, which will allow you to complement your trip with views of other parts of the region.

Rail travel is an excellent option for those planning a trip to Kuqa. The city has its own railway station, located approximately 5–7 kilometres from the centre. This makes travelling by train a convenient and accessible alternative to other modes of transport, allowing you to arrive practically at your destination.

You can get here via direct services from major regional hubs such as Urumqi, Kashgar, or Korla. Travelling by rail through China offers the opportunity to enjoy the unique landscapes and atmosphere of Xinjiang. Upon arrival at the station, you can easily reach your hotel or major attractions by taxi or local bus.

Intercity buses are a popular and budget-friendly way to get to Kuqa, especially if you are travelling from neighbouring oases. The trip from Aksu takes about 3–4 hours, during which the vehicle covers approximately 260 kilometres along a modern highway. Similar time and distance separate the location from Korla, located to the east, making these routes the least tiring for tourists.

If you are departing from more remote corners of the region, for example, from the city of Yining, you should prepare for a significant journey. The distance in this case exceeds 700 kilometres, and the road can take from 10 to 12 hours, allowing you to watch the changing landscapes from the window. It is better to purchase tickets for such trips in advance at the bus station, and the transport itself is usually equipped with everything necessary for long journeys.

Travelling by car will allow you to get to Kuqa at your own pace, enjoying the rugged beauty of the region and making stops at the most interesting places. The fastest route runs from the city of Aksu: the distance of 258 km can be covered in approximately 3 hours. The journey from Korla will take about 4 hours, covering a distance of 300 km. The roads here are generally of high quality, making the trip comfortable and untiring even for drivers with limited experience driving in Asia.

Lovers of long road trips should consider the road from Yining. Unlike the standard bus route, travelling by car allows you to drive via the picturesque Duku Highway (G217), crossing the Tian Shan mountains. This shortens the path to 557 km, but due to the complex terrain, driving will take about 9 hours. This is a great opportunity to see the shift in natural zones, however, it is worth planning your budget in advance: if you take a taxi, drivers usually ask for a fixed sum for intercity transfers, which should be firmly agreed upon before boarding.

A trip to Kuqa is an immersion into the atmosphere of the ancient Silk Road and a unique culture. To ensure your trip is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant impressions, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations that will help you in planning and staying in this colourful oasis.

1. Clothing and Climate. The region is characterized by a sharp continental climate with significant temperature fluctuations. Even if it is hot during the day, evenings and nights can be cool, so the principle of layering clothes works best here. Be sure to bring comfortable closed shoes for walking through canyons, a head covering, and sunglasses — the sun here is very active all year round.
2. Transport within the city. It is convenient to move around the city itself by taxi, the prices for which are quite reasonable. However, the main natural attractions are located at a significant distance from the centre. For trips to the Grand Canyon or the Subashi ruins, it is best to hire a car with a driver for the whole day or agree with a taxi driver on a fixed price for waiting and return.
3. Finances and Payment. The official currency is the Yuan. Unlike major metropolises in China, international cards are rarely accepted in remote regions. It is strongly recommended to have a supply of cash, especially in small denominations. The ideal option is to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay payment systems on your smartphone in advance, as QR codes are the main payment method here, even in small shops.
4. Health and First Aid. The air in the region is very dry and dusty. Drink more bottled water to avoid dehydration and use moisturising creams. People with sensitive respiratory tracts may find a mask useful during trips through desert areas. Assemble a basic first aid kit with familiar medicines, as finding analogues of foreign drugs on-site can be difficult.
5. Language Barrier. English is practically not used in the city. The main languages of communication are Chinese (Mandarin) and Uyghur. Before the trip, be sure to download an offline translator with photo translation and voice input functions. This is vital for reading menus in restaurants and communicating with drivers.
6. Local Etiquette. Kuqa is a city with strong traditions. Show respect for the local culture: dress modestly when visiting religious sites and old quarters. Traditional restaurants typically serve Halal food, so one should not ask for pork dishes or bring alcohol unless explicitly permitted by the establishment's rules.
7. What to Avoid. Strictly refrain from photographing police stations, checkpoints, and people in uniform — this can lead to serious trouble and a check of your phone. Also, try not to plan important matters for the period from 14:00 to 16:00 Beijing time: although the time is officially unified, the region effectively lives by "solar" time with a two-hour delay, and this is often the time for a lunch break.
8. Gastronomic Tip. Do not miss the chance to try the famous Kuqa flatbreads (nan). They are famous for their huge size — often larger than a car wheel — and delicate taste. This is not just food, but a true symbol of the city, sold fresh straight from the tandoor on the streets.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid everyday inconveniences and focus on the main thing — the incredible beauty of the landscapes and the historical heritage of this land. Be open to new things, and this ancient city will certainly respond with hospitality.