How to Travel from Shanghai to Urumqi: Flights, Trains...

Shanghai, an important international metropolis in southeast China, is the gateway city of China where you can feel the vigor of this fast-growing city, while Urumqi the capital of Xinjing, is usually a starting point to explore western China, Xinjiang and the Silk Road with breathtaking lakes, picturesque grasslands, and desolate desert scenery...

These two cities are 3795km away from each other. For the long distance, it is most recommended to travel to Urumqi from Shanghai by air, and it takes about 5.5 hours. There are also some normal overnight trains available to Urumqi from Shanghai but it will take about 41-42 hours. For travelers, visiting both Shanghai and Xinjiang is a good tour combination if you want to experience the urbanization and luxury vibes of China and the stunning natural beauty and wildness in the exotic Xinjiang. The article has provided you with more specific information about how to travel from Shanghai to Urumqi to help you plan a better Shanghai Xinjiang tour.

8 Days Classic Xinjiang Tour including Urumqi Turpan Kashgar Tashkurgan

Itinerary: Urumqi - Turpan - Kashgar - Tashkurgan
Highlights: Heaven lake, Bezeklik Caves, Kashgar Bazaar, Kashgar Old Town, Karakul Lake, Tashkurgan Fort, Golden Grassland, Muztagh Ata

Shanghai Urumqi Transportation Map

Shanghai to Urumqi by Flight - Top Recommended

Taking a flight is the most recommended way to travel from Shanghai to Urumqi. You can choose the direct flights from Shanghai to Urumqi and it takes about 5.5 hours to reach Urumqi from Shanghai.

Since Urumqi is a popular tourist destination during the summer and autumn peak season, please book your flight in advance. Flight schedules can be influenced by many factors. Please feel free to contact us for the most suitable flight for you according to the date of your travel plan. Also, there are two airports in Shanghai. Please figure out the right location for your departure.

Check the real-time Shanghai to Urumqi (Wulumuqi) flight schedule below with updated airline company, flight numbers, times, tickets and fares.

Shanghai to Urumqi by Train

Besides taking a flight, the other choice to Urumqi is taking a train from Shanghai. For the long distance, there is not any bullet train connecting the two cities yet, and two overnight trains Z40, Z304 depart from Shanghai Railway Station and arrive at Urumqi Railway station and the duration is about 41 to 42 hours. The price for a hard seat ticket is about CNY 385.5, and CNY 649.5 for the hard sleeper, CNY 1029.5 for a second class soft sleeper, CNY 1911.5 for a first class soft sleeper (updated on 7, June 2021).

▶ Check the Real-Time Shanghai to Urumqi Train Schedules.

11 Days In-depth Wild Silk Road Adventure Tour (Cultural Relic & Unrivalled Landscape)

Itinerary: Lanzhou / Zhangye / Jiayuguan / Dunhuang / Turpan / Urumqi / Kashgar
Highlights: Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains, Jiayuguan Pass, Mogao Caves, Mingshashan Desert, Jiaohe Ancient City, Urumqi Heavenly Lake, Kashgar Old Town, Karakul Lake

How to Plan a Shanghai Xinjiang Tour

How to Travel in Shanghai

It usually needs 2 to 3 days to travel to Shanghai. When you are in Shanghai, you can stop by the bund or take a cruise ship on the Huangpu river to appreciate the stunning Shanghai skyscrapers like Shanghai Tower, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and view the skyline and experience the modern and exotic atmosphere of the city. Then, you can take an interesting visit to the nearby Yu Garden, and savor tasteful local snacks at the adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar. Then go to Nanjing Road and Tianzifang as well as Xintiandi to do some shopping! Later, you can pay a visit to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center and Shanghai Museum which will give you an overview of the city’s ambitious plans for the future and the history of its past. Besides, you can also stop by at Jade Buddha Temple to see the largest jade Buddha in the world. After the Shanghai trip, many visitors would also spend 1 or 2 more days to travel from Shanghai to surrounding areas, to visit West Lake and learn Chinese tea culture in Hangzhou, marvel at tasteful classical gardens and witness Chinese silk productive process in Suzhou and hike on the splendid rocky Yellow mountain with exotic pine trees.

Recommended Shanghai Tours

☛ 2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour
☛ 5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour

Silhouette of Pudong Skyline Seen from the Bund

How to Travel in Xinjiang

Tourists often start a Xinjiang tour from Urumqi. With about 3 to 7 days, you can explore the highlights in Xinjiang and Urumqi, Turpan and Kashgar are usually the three most unmissable destinations. You can have one or two days visiting the top attractions in & near Urumqi city, including Tianchi Lake and Tianshan Mountain and then leave for Turpan to visit the Flaming Mountains, Grape Valley and Thousand Buddha Caves. Later, you can head to Kashgar to visit the famous Kashgar Old City, Karakul Lake, and Kashgar Bazaar. After that, you can fly back to Urumqi or explore more attractions in Hotan. Also, for those who are interested in natural scenery, you can travel more of the southern Xinjiang such as the Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, Swan Lake, Tangbula Grassland, Hemu village, Kalajun Grassland, etc. Traveling from Urumqi from/to Xining, Dunhuang, Zhangye, Jiayuguan along the ancient Silk Road is also an awesome and rewarding experience highly suggested for you.

Recommended Xinjiang Tours

☛ 5 Days Urumqi Discovery to Turpan and Heavenly Lake
☛ 9 Days Taklamkan Desert Ancient Silk Road Tour

Tianchi Lake

Travel Worry-free with China Discovery

If you just want to focus on the trip itself without worrying too much about anything else, you can consider travelling with us! We at China Discovery provide comfortable and efficient private travel service for our clients who have booked one of our tour packages. No matter when your flight/train arrives, our friendly tour guide and driver in every city will wait for you there, then escort you to your hotel or any location you want to visit with an air-conditioned and non-smoking vehicle. During the trip, everything such as a ticket, transfer, accommodation, the meal will all be taken care of and you only need to focus on what you are interested in. The tour can be tailor-made according to your plan, time, interests, and demands. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us and tell us your needs.