Urumqi Airport: Transport, Services and Travel Tips

A historic trading hub on the Silk Road, Urumqi has long connected the East and West. Today, Tianshan Airport (URC) serves as the main gateway to the city and is the largest airport in western China.

Whether you are stopping over or exploring western China, it helps to know your way around the airport and what services are available when you arrive.

From transport and arrival requirements to lounges, dining and getting to the city centre, Trip.com has put together a complete guide to help you make the most of your journey. ✈️

Essential information about Urumqi Airport (URC)

Tianshan Airport is the China Southern hub for the whole of Xinjiang and one of the twenty busiest airports in China, handling more than 29.18 million passengers a year. One important detail: the airport was renamed in March 2025 and was previously known as Urumqi Diwopu Airport.

It is a key gateway for exploring the region, from its bustling bazaars to the Tianshan Mountains. On the cargo side, it plays an important role in connections with Central Asia as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. For passengers, it connects Xinjiang with major cities across China and around 40 international destinations, with the network expected to expand further with the new T4. Here is a quick overview of what you need to know:

• Located around 16 km north-west of the city centre, in Xinshi District.
• One passenger terminal currently in service: T4, opened in April 2025.
• Two new Category 4F runways, capable of handling the largest aircraft, including the A380.
• The main hub for China Southern, alongside Hainan Airlines, Air China and Urumqi Air.

We'll explain more below!

One terminal now: T4

No more terminal confusion: at Urumqi, everything now operates from T4. Inspired by the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains and the Silk Road, this single terminal brings airlines and destinations together under one roof.

• Domestic flights: China Southern (and its SkyTeam partners), Air China, Hainan Airlines, Urumqi Air, and most major Chinese carriers.
• International flights: Mainly to Central Asia (Almaty, Astana, Tashkent, Bishkek and Dushanbe), as well as Russia, Baku, Istanbul, Dubai and Islamabad.

Covering around 500,000 m², with 68 fixed boarding bridges and a layout consisting of a main building and three piers, T4 is designed to handle rapid passenger growth. An international–domestic transfer corridor has also been opened to make connections smoother, a first for Xinjiang's main gateway.

Transport to and from Urumqi Airport

The airport is close to the city centre, although traffic can be heavy during peak hours. Here are the main options, from the cheapest to the most direct.

💡 A note about the metro: Line 1 does not have a station directly underneath T4, but on the side of the older terminals. From T4, first take the free Airport MTR shuttle to the interchange station, then take Line 1 into the city. The first train is around 6:30am and the last around 11:30pm. The shuttle runs continuously and is free, with no additional ticket required.

📌 Trip.com tip: If you arrive late or have heavy luggage, booking a private transfer in advance can save you from queues and language barriers, which can be particularly useful here as English is not widely spoken. Your driver will meet you outside T4, and the price is confirmed in advance.

Which transport should you choose?

• Staying in the city centre (Hongshan or the Grand Bazaar): Metro Line 1 is the simplest and cheapest option.
• Heading to the Tianshan Mountains or another city in Xinjiang: A taxi or private transfer is more convenient.
• Arriving late at night: Take a taxi or ride-hailing service, as the metro stops at around 11:30pm.
• Travelling on a budget with light luggage: The public bus is slower but offers the lowest fares.

Urumqi Airport arrivals and departures: practical tips

The golden rule: arrive early! Allow 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight, as security checks in Xinjiang can be stricter and sometimes take longer.

Before departure

• Check-in: At T4, use your airline's check-in desks or self-service kiosks. Keep your passport handy, as it may be checked several times.
• Security: Queues may be slower than at other airports in China. Keep your ID and boarding pass within easy reach.
• Boarding: The terminal is large, so allow enough time to reach your gate. The airport recommends arriving even earlier in summer and during public holidays, when passenger numbers are higher.

On arrival

• Follow the “Baggage Claim” signs to the luggage carousels in the arrivals area.
• On an international flight, go through immigration and then customs. Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare, or the red channel if you do. Declare animals, plants, or more than CNY 20,000 (US$5,000) in cash.
• The exit leads to the metro shuttle, buses, and taxis via the transport centre.

Arrival requirements in Urumqi: visa and regulations

Good news for UK travellers, although there is one important Xinjiang-specific detail to be aware of.

• 30-day visa exemption: British citizens, like most EU nationals, can enter mainland China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, with no prior application required, until 31 December 2026. A passport valid for at least 6 months is required.
• 240-hour visa-free transit: Please note that this scheme does not cover Xinjiang. Tibet and Xinjiang are excluded from the transit area. If you are travelling to Urumqi, you should therefore use the 30-day visa exemption or apply for a standard visa.

Conditions to meet

1. A passport valid for at least 6 months on the date of entry.
2. A maximum stay of 30 days per entry.
3. An eligible purpose of travel, such as tourism, business, visiting family, or transit to another city in China.

In practice, for a typical holiday from London, the 30-day visa exemption covers the trip without any application or fee.

Services and facilities at Urumqi Airport

Brand-new Terminal 4 has everything you need, although some shops and facilities are still opening.

• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, although connecting often requires a Chinese mobile number. It is worth having an eSIM as a backup.
• Lounges: The new Air China Zichen Lounge and China Southern Members' Lounge are available in the domestic departures area. Some lounges can also be accessed with partner cards such as Priority Pass. The Zichen Lounge, which opened shortly after T4, offers a comfortable setting and hot food, making it a useful place to relax before an overnight flight to eastern China.
• Dining: Try Xinjiang specialities at the airport, from lamb kebabs and laghman noodles to pilaf (polo) and naan bread. Cafés and fast-food outlets are also available.
• Duty-free and other services: Facilities include duty-free shops, ATMs, left-luggage services, and a transit hotel connected to the transport centre.

The transit hotel has several hundred rooms, including a four-star-style property and simpler accommodation, providing a convenient place to rest between flights. ATMs accepting international cards and information desks are also available.

Accessible lounges

Where to Eat at the Airport

What to do in Urumqi after landing?

Between East Asia and Central Asia, Urumqi has a unique identity shaped by Uyghur, Han, Kazakh and Hui cultures. The city is easy to explore on foot, great food is never far away, and the mountains are just an hour's drive away.

• The International Grand Bazaar: The beating heart of Urumqi, with stalls selling spices, carpets and dried fruit, plus plenty of tasty street food.
• Hongshan Park: A classic viewpoint overlooking the city and the surrounding mountains.
• Xinjiang Museum: Learn about the Silk Road and see its famous thousand-year-old mummies.
• Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake) in the Tianshan Mountains: A day trip surrounded by snow-capped peaks, around two hours by car.
• Nanshan Pastures: Meadows, yurts and horses less than an hour from the city, offering a refreshing escape into nature.
• Local cuisine: Try dapanji (chicken with potatoes), grilled lamb and Xinjiang watermelon for a real taste of the region.

Planning a trip to Urumqi? There are no direct flights from London: you'll need to travel via a Chinese hub such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an or Chengdu. Flights with China Southern, Air China or Hainan Airlines typically take around fifteen to eighteen hours. Compare London–Urumqi flights, Urumqi hotels and airport transfers on Trip.com. 🏜️

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