Moscow to Urumqi
Photo: Colegota, CC BY-SA 2.5 es via Wikimedia Commons
The usual overland route from Europe into China is the Trans-Siberian Railway, crossing Russia to Lake Baikal then continuing either via Mongolia or Dongbei (the former Manchuria) to Beijing. However, a less-travelled itinerary runs from Moscow in Russia to Urumqi in China via Kazakhstan. Thanks to China's rail boom, this now forms part of the fastest land route from Europe to east Asia.
PrepareThis is not a trip where you can wing it. You need to sort three things in advance: the language (at least three), visas (at least two), and trains.
GoThe route from Moscow to Ürümqi, without any side-trips or stop-overs, involves a direct train to Astana or change of trains to Almaty, then a final train onward to Ürümqi. Pros & cons:
Go nextSince you've gone to all the bother of getting a Chinese visa and getting in to Ürümqi, you probably want to explore more of the country.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Moscow to Urumqi" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Colegota, CC BY-SA 2.5 es via Wikimedia Commons