Sadly this website, like many others, has been blocked in China since 2009 under what is affectionately referred to as “The Great Firewall” (i.e. censorship).

Some websites, Like Facebook, Twitter and even Instagram in China, are blocked because the government want to retain control of how ideas (or rather, dissent) is shared online.

Other websites, like the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal, are blocked because they are labeled “western media”.

I have no idea why FarWestChina was blocked – other than the fact that I’m talking about Xinjiang, one of the most sensitive regions in the country. And there’s nothing I can do to unblock the site.

Trust me, I’ve tried everything short of knocking on a government official’s door.

The only way I’ve been able to work online from in China is through what is known as a VPN, or a Virtual Private Network.

Because I have over 8 years 10 years 15 years of first-hand experience with over 30 different VPN services, I get more than a few emails every month from people asking me what I recommend as the best VPN for China in 2026.

For the purpose of this article, I’ve given you three ways to hear my thoughts:

• Check out the comparison chart;
• Read my person reviews for each VPN;

I’m not trying to hard-sell anybody here…more than anything I just want to provide some helpful information for those people who need to get a new VPN. A few of the links here and in the video are affiliate links which means that at no additional cost to you I will be compensated if you purchase the service.

Comparing the Best China VPNs in 2026

	*Recommended VPN*	Other Excellent Virtual Private Networks
	ExpressVPN	NordVPN	VyprVPN	PureVPN
	Visit or read review	Visit or read review	Visit or read review	Visit or read review
	Rating
Rating:
	Established:
Established:	2009	2012	2009	2007
	Torrent?
Torrent?	✔	✔	✔	✔
	Phone App?
Phone App?	✔	✔	✔	✔
	Simultaneous Connections?
Simultaneous:	5	6	5	5
	Servers
Servers	1500+	4000+	700+	750+
	Money Back Guarantee?
Guarantee	✔*	✔*	✔*	✔*
	Learn More
	ExpressVPN Try	NordVPN Try	VyprVPN Try	PureVPN Try

*Each VPN listed here offers a standard 30-day money back guarantee.

As I already mentioned in the video above, there are literally hundreds of virtual private networks to choose from on the market and there are quite a few good ones that didn’t make this list.

So with so many to choose from, how am I setting the criteria to list out the “best VPNs”?

Best VPN for China Reviews

For each of these VPNs, they reach a standard I set that includes:

• They are at least 5 years old. This means they have a history of working and serving the China market.
• They’re reliable: All VPNs have had trouble in China, but not all of them work to resolve the issues quickly.
• They offer hundreds of servers across the globe. I like having choices from multiple countries.
• They offer money-back guarantees. Not every VPN works perfectly, so in those cases where it doesn’t work well, I want you to be able to get your money back.

Here is a more comprehensive look at each of the recommended VPNs that meet this criteria.

ExpressVPN in China (Editor’s Choice + 3 Free months)

ExpressVPN is my go-to VPN for China in 2026. I’m a huge fan of their overall design (which was redesigned again this year) – the website, desktop app and mobile app are all beautiful, quick to install and easy to use.

I always recommend ExpressVPN to anybody I know who doesn’t consider themselves tech-savvy for a couple of reasons.

1. It’s super easy to set up!
2. Their software is some of the best in the industry.
3. They offer a no-hassle, 30-day money back guarantee.

For those who desire simplicity and ease, ExpressVPN has been a solid option here for the past few years. You can check out their pricing here:

Try ExpressVPN for China

Use the link above to get 3 months of free service when you purchase an annual subscription!

NordVPN in China (w/ 68% Discount)

NordVPN has been a surprise addition to my VPN arsenal over past few years.

They’ve purposefully entered the China market and are aggressively tackling the blocking issues that plague all the best VPNs.

There are a number of reasons I’ve come to like the NordVPN software and service.

1. The software is well-designed, both on computers & mobile devices.
2. They allow 6 simultaneous connections (most VPNs give 3-5)
3. They also offer a no-nonsense, 30-day money back guarantee.

In many cases, I often tell people to purchase both ExpressVPN and NordVPN (I have both) to figure out which one works best in your specific location.

They’re very competitively priced and run specials throughout the year. I always keep this link up-to-date so click here to learn about the latest deal:

Try NordVPN for China

Using the link above, you can get a multi-year discount with significant savings.

VyprVPN in China (up to 80% Discount)

I was turned on to VyprVPN about six years ago and have been incredibly impressed with the transparency of the company (just compare their about page with any other VPN).

Here’s what I love about VyprVPN:

• Proprietary “Chameleon” connection protocol for added security
• Transparency and honesty
• Simple-to-use software
• A 30-day money back guarantee

VyprVPN has been around since 2009 but their parent company, GoldenFrog, has been around for even longer than that providing online services.

I’ve spoken at length with some of their representatives and really like their focus on the China market, which is comforting considering how much the Chinese internet landscape changes.

If all of this sound good to you, they have given me a special link that will allow you to give them a try for 30 days risk-free and then get up to 80% off their 2-year service plan.

Try VyprVPN in China

Use the link above to get up to 80% off the VyprVPN service!

PureVPN for China Travelers

PureVPN is another popular option here. They boast over 1 million users world-wide and their market share seems to be growing at a rapid pace.

While I wasn’t a big fan of their software at first, thankfully they have since updated the design and it functions much better.

Their speeds are excellent and I found them to be the best in terms of streaming – at least for me out here in Xinjiang.

What you might find useful is their “Server Selection Tool” where you tell the software what you want to do (download, stream US content, stream UK content, etc) and it will tell you which servers best suit you needs.

Considering the price – which is often one of the lowest around – PureVPN is an excellent VPN option for the price conscious buyer.

Try PureVPN for China

12VPN in China (10% Discount Code)

I’ve been a 12VPN customer since 2013 and in many ways it’s been my go-to VPN on my phone.

Why? It’s simple and it just works…every time.

The software isn’t flashy and they don’t have a dedicated iPhone or Android app but setup for both was an easy download of one file that took me all of 5 minutes.

One of the things I’ve truly appreciated about 12VPN is their commitment to communication. I get periodic emails informing me of changes in the VPN and changes in the Great Firewall.

For example, two years ago one of the submarine cables that connects Asia with North America was severed. Out of the 10 VPNs I had running at the time, 12VPN was the only one that let me know what was happening and why I should expect slower speeds on the Los Angeles servers.

In addition to VPN services, 12VPN is also one of the few companies that offers SmartDNS as part of their package (ExpressVPN does as well). I won’t go into details about what SmartDNS is (read about Smart DNS here), but suffice to say I use it to watch Netflix on my Apple TV in China and it is so much faster than connecting on a VPN.

Use 12VPN for China

Use my 12VPN Discount Code. Just enter FWC10 to get 10% off your order.

VPNs to Avoid (in my opinion)

Here’s the thing about the relationship between China and VPNs – every year the government is making changes that affect the landscape of VPN use within the country.

If the VPN you choose doesn’t devote resources to adapt to these changes, that spells trouble for you.

This rules out most small VPN services such as Buffered or all the free services such as Hotspot Shield. Neither seem to have the manpower or resources to play the constant game of cat and mouse with Chinese internet censors. I’ve had a difficult time connecting to their servers from within China.

Finally, despite its popularity, I personally don’t recommend Astrill VPN.

My biggest problem was their customer support but the deal breaker was that they require users to provide their phone number for authentication.

For me, that kind of connection between my VPN and my phone number is a big no-no.

Which is the Best VPN for China?

Obviously there are plenty of VPN services which have been left out of this list, but I stand by the fact that if you’re coming to Asia, these are the best VPNs for China 2025.

• ExpressVPN
• NordVPN
• VyprVPN
• PureVPN

My best advice for those planning to come to China anytime this year is to download and install multiple VPNs that offer a 30-day money back guarantee (and the above recommended services all do).

Once you arrive in China, you can see which one works best for your specific situation and then get a refund on the rest.

I wish you the best staying connected!

The post Best VPN for China 2026 (that still works despite the ban) appeared first on Xinjiang: Far West China.

Traveling by train in China, especially in Xinjiang, has been one of the most rewarding travel experiences during my time here.

Traveling around Xinjiang by train is not only cheap from the Urumqi train station, it’s also a great way to see the beautiful scenery the province has to offer. It can be daunting for first-time travelers, though, and many major travel guides are now out-of-date.

In this Urumqi train travel guide, we’re going to cover:

• The multiple train stations in Urumqi (and which to use)
• How to buy train tickets in Urumqi
• Understanding trains in China
• Navigating the Urumqi train station
• International trains from Urumqi
• Pro tips and tricks for taking a train in Xinjiang

You can use the navigation links above to learn more, or you can continue to scroll down to read the full guide.

Are you traveling to Xinjiang?

You’ll find this and all kinds of helpful travel and transit information in the FarWestChina Xinjiang travel guide.

It’s the most up-to-date travel guide on the region with beautiful maps and personal recommendations.

Check it out!

*Note* Some of the links within this article are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I might be compensated should you choose to use the services recommended.

Which Urumqi Train Station?

For the past five decades, millions of travelers have entered and exited Urumqi through one, primary train station.

Recently, however, Xinjiang was thrust into the 21st century with the introduction of high speed trains. This led to the building of a newer Urumqi train station.

At this point, there are two train stations in Urumqi, Xinjiang that I’d like to introduce you to below.

Urumqi South Station | 乌鲁木齐南站

Previously the 乌鲁木齐南站/Wūlǔmùqínánzhàn was the only passenger train station in Urumqi. Now, it is simply referred to as the “South Station” due to its location on the southwest corner of the city.

The building looks dated and the security there is tight, but all of the standard trains and a few of the high speed trains depart from here.

What to Expect: Because of the 3-4 checkpoints, I usually budget at least 30 minutes to get through security on a normal day. During the holidays it’s much, much longer.

You’ll find the train ticket hall is on the left side of the main building, which requires you to go through only one security checkpoint. The ticket hall is open from 5:30am to 12:30am (Beijing time). Tickets can be purchased there, but I recommend you pre-purchase your tickets online.

Book China Train Tickets

The main building is broken out into three floors with waiting halls on each side. If you feel confused, there is an info desk to ask directions immediately after you enter the station doors.

If you are looking to stock up on food and drinks before you depart, there are a number of mini-marts all around the train station that are open throughout the day as well as a few smaller (and more expensive) stores once you get inside.

Transportation to/from Urumqi South Station: Unlike the Urumqi airport, which is far to the northwest of town, Urumqi’s South Station is located not far from the city center in the southwest corner.

Despite a good location, travelers still often complain of difficulty leaving the station. To make it simple, there are three primary means of transportation away from the train station:

• Taxi: Directly in front of the station exit there is a taxi lane where you can find transportation.
• Shuttle: Near the taxi lane there is usually a shuttle bus parked that heads to the airport. The shuttle costs 10 RMB per person but should not be relied upon if you’re rushing to catch a flight.
• Public Bus: Taking the bus is by far the most common way to enter the city – that is, if you’re willing to brave the system. As you exit the station you can head to the right (south), where all of the Urumqi BRT buses start, or to the left (north) where the city buses begin.

Getting to the train station is fairly straightforward. Taxis are usually your fastest option while BRT 1 is a close second. On the bus signs, look for “火车南站” as the final stop.

Urumqi High Speed Station | 乌鲁木齐高铁站

As the names suggest, the Urumqi high speed train station 乌鲁木齐高铁站/Wūlǔmùqígāotiězhàn services all high-speed trains (marked by a “D” on your ticket).

This beautiful looking station, which was first opened in 2016, is located in the development district northwest of Urumqi.

What to Expect: Whereas the south station looks old and rundown, the high-speed train station is spacious and futuristic. If you’ve been to other Chinese train stations across the country, this design will feel familiar.

Ticket halls are located on the first floor of the structure with window number 5 designated as the “bilingual window” (good luck getting English-speaking help, though!). You’ll have to go through a bit of security to access the ticket hall

Book High Speed China Trains

There is another set of security checks to enter the 2nd floor waiting hall, which are divided into section “A” and section “B” to the left and right.

Before you enter those two sections, you’ll see a number of fast food restaurants serving food on the raised level and seating scattered throughout (before you get through the second level of security).

ATMs are available should you need cash as well as hot water dispensers for drinkable water.

There are plenty of digital signs that switch between Mandarin, Uyghur and English, so you shouldn’t have a difficult time figuring out which platform is yours.

The easiest way to find your gate is to look on the upper-right hand corner of your ticket.

Transportation to/from Urumqi High Speed Station: The advantage of building this new station from the ground up is that city planners had a chance to ease the congestion that plagues the South Station.

• Taxi: Upon exiting the station, you’ll turn left to find the taxi line. You’ll get mobbed the moment you exit by private drivers, but it’s much cheaper to use the taxi if you’re willing to wait.
• Bus: A number of buses stop at the Urumqi High Speed train station, including the BRT-5. This will by far be the cheapest transportation option into the city.

Eventually, there will be a subway station that stops at this station, but that will be a number of years before it opens. For now, taxis, buses and private transportation are you only option.

How to Buy Urumqi Train Tickets

One of the most frequent questions I receive about train travel in Xinjiang is how to buy train tickets. It’s not always a simple process unfortunately, but it’s definitely good to know your options.

• Book Train Travel Online: Back in 2011 China opened up the option to buy tickets online (https://www.12306.cn). There’s a catch, however. In order to do this you must 1) be able to read Chinese and 2) possess a Chinese credit or debit card. You’re out of luck if you don’t meet that criteria. If you’re adventurous, here’s a tutorial for buying China train tickets online.
• Buy at the Train Station: The cheapest way for foreigners to buy their tickets is at the ticket hall in either of the Urumqi train stations. It is possible to purchase China train tickets up to 30 days in advance, so keep that in mind. Before you stand in line, I always recommend you check availability of your desired ticket so you don’t waste your time.

• Buy Through Your Hotel/Hostel: If you’re staying in a Urumqi hotel or hostel, they will usually offer a service to purchase tickets for you. There is a fee involved (budget around 50RMB extra) but if you’re short on time it’s worth it.
• Buy Through a Travel Agency: For those who want to purchase their tickets before arriving in Urumqi, this is going to be your best option. You will probably pay a small fee, but it takes all the hassle out of purchasing train tickets (plus they can deliver the tickets directly to your hotel). I have personally used and recommend ChinaHighlights.com.

Bear in mind that China’s “real name” ticketing system requires you to show your passport or valid ID both when you purchase the ticket and when you board a train.

Understanding Trains in China

Xinjiang trains are no different than any other China train, but if you’ve never taken a train here you’ll find it to be quite a unique experience.

Almost every standard train (with a few exceptions) is divided into three sections, listed from the cheapest to most expensive:

1. Hard seat (硬座);
2. Hard sleeper (硬卧);
3. Soft sleeper (软卧);

Below are some pictures of the three primary classes you’ll find in a standard (i.e. “slow”) train in Xinjiang.

Soft Sleeper: 4 beds in a room with a lockable door

Hard Sleeper: 6 beds with no door.  Much more crowded but not unpleasant.

Hard Seat: Like the name says, these are no Lazy Boy recliners.  Imagine sitting for hours on end in your dining room chair.

High-speed trains are divided into two sections: first class and second class. Throughout China you’ll find high speed trains with even higher classes (i.e. “business class”), but those haven’t made their way to Xinjiang yet.

Below are pictures of the two classes of seats that you’ll find in the typical high-speed train in Xinjiang.

For more detailed information, check out this comprehensive look at trains in China.

Train Stations in Xinjiang

When traveling by train to/from Urumqi, Xinjiang, there are three directions you can head using the regular service lines: south toward Kashgar/Hotan, west toward Ili/Kazakhstan and east toward the rest of China.

Instead of listing all of the possible destinations throughout China, I will focus on Xinjiang’s primary cities of interest.

• Kashgar: 135/262 RMB (hard seat/hard sleeper), 20-23 hours
• Turpan: 23/69 RMB (hard seat/hard sleeper), 1.5 hours
• Ili (Yili or Yining): 86/152 RMB (hard seat/hard sleeper), 10 hours
• Hotan: 165/318 RMB (hard seat/hard sleeper), 31 hours leaving only once per day at 11:10am
• Kuqa: 102/178 RMB (hard seat/hard sleeper), 11 hours
• Beitun (Altay): 98/171 RMB (hard seat/hard sleeper), 12 hours leaving only once per day at 8:23pm
• Hami: 78/139 RMB (hard seat/hard sleeper), 5 hours

As mentioned earlier, I recommend using a service like China Highlights to purchase your train tickets in advance.

Trains from Urumqi to Kazakhstan

There are two trains per week that service Urumqi to Almaty and Urumqi to Astana.

The first leaves Urumqi for Almaty on Monday and Saturday at 11:58pm (K9795) and one that leaves for Astana every Thursday night at midnight (K9797) from the Urumqi South Station.

Tickets for both trains should run approximately 900-1100 RMB for a journey that takes around 30 hours, give or take a few hours depending on customs at the Alashankou port.

The tricky part about getting on these trains is buying the tickets. The only counter that sells tickets is in the lobby of the Ya’ou Hotel to the right (north) of the Urumqi South Train Station. You will need to pass through one level of security just to enter the hotel and the ticket counter is closed on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday.

Unfortunately, you can’t hire a proxy service to buy these tickets for you. You must show up to the ticket counter in person with your passport in order to make a ticket purchase.

Urumqi Train Tips & Hacks!

After almost a decade of traveling across Xinjiang, China on more trains than I can count, here are a few simple tricks I’ve learned along the way.

First, if you’re taking any train longer than 8 hours (which is most all of them here in Xinjiang), for your own sanity you really ought to avoid the hard seats.

It’s just not fun.

Here are a couple other quick tips to consider for taking a train in Xinjiang:

• The Urumqi train stations are about a 20-25 minute taxi ride from the center of town.  If you’re leaving during peak traffic hours, you’ll need to adjust accordingly.
• Urumqi is the primary point of departure, although there are a couple trains that begin in Kuitun.

Conclusion | Urumqi Train Travel

I highly recommend you jump on a train in Urumqi to explore the rest of Xinjiang. Not only do you avoid most of the security checkpoints you’ll run into on the highways, you’ll also get to chat with locals, see the scenery and enjoy the comfort of a train.

I hope that this guide helped you understand better how to take a experience Urumqi train travel.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below and make sure to download a copy of the FarWestChina Xinjiang travel guide which goes into even more transportation details for Urumqi.

Have a safe trip!

The post Urumqi Train Travel 2026 Guide 乌鲁木齐站 appeared first on Xinjiang: Far West China.

Since my arrival to China in 2006, I’ve applied for a Chinese work visa, a tourist visa, a student visa and a business visa. I’ve done my fair share of China visa applications!

In the past, I’ve done the process by myself and I’ve also paid to use a 3rd party company. It’s scary to send off your passport to an unknown company, I know! That’s why it’s important to find reliable services based on the experience and recommendation of others.

My Recommendation:

Personally, I use and recommend a trusted China visa service like Passport Visa Express. They’ve processed the China visa for me and many of my family members over the years. You can get 10% off using the code TCC10 from our partner website Travel China Cheaper.

Apply for a China Visa

*Note: Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no extra charge to you, I might be compensated if you decide to use some of the services described. I don’t recommend anything I haven’t used and if you scroll below you’ll find that I’ve even negotiated an exclusive discount for you. Thanks for your support!

How to Submit a Chinese Visa Application as a US Citizen

It used to be that the Chinese consulate in the United States would allow for visa applications by mail, but that is no longer the case. In fact, once China re-opened visa applications in early 2023, they implemented a new appointment system that creates a new bottleneck to the process.

Even the smallest error in your application can mean that you need to start the whole process over again, and there was a staggeringly high rate of rejections.

For that reason, your China visa application must be submitted in person – either by you or a proxy.

To make matters a bit confusing, however, you can only submit your China visa application to the consulate which serves your particular state in the US. For example, if you live in Utah, China requires you to submit to the Washington DC consulate even though the Los Angeles or San Francisco consulate may be closer.

See this color-coded map to determine which consulate you’re supposed to submit your China visa application based on your state residence:

*Note that the Chinese consulate in Houston was closed in July 2020. All areas under it’s jurisdiction should communicate with the Chinese consulate in Washington DC.

As you look at this map, I’d like for you to consider two reasons why I recommend using Passport Visas Express as the best China visa service instead of doing it yourself:

1. Pick up and Drop off in Person: Dropping off your China visa application and picking up your newly issued China visa must be in-person, and the time it takes to finish the process isn’t guaranteed. For this reason, even though I’m from Dallas (4 hours drive from Houston), it would require me to spend two whole days driving…and I can’t know for sure in advance which day I’m going to pick it up!
2. Mistakes Happen: Let’s say you drop off your passport with application and the consulate calls you to say that you forgot to fill in one box or sign one piece of paper. You would have to drive all the way back to the consulate to pick it up and make the necessary changes. You may think to yourself, “Nah, I can fill out the form correctly”. I get it. I was the same way until my application was rejected and I had to do the whole process over again. It sucked.

Unless you live right next door to a Chinese consulate, I’ve learned the hard way that the fee for using a service like Passport Visas Express can save you tons of time and money in the long run.

Learn from my mistake: I’ve had my China visa rejected before because of a small typo. It was ridiculous and it was a headache to fix. It was at that point that I swore I would never do the application process again by myself!

Other China Consulate Services

What you may not realize is that you might be using the China consulate in the US for more than a simple China visa.

Perhaps you need a new passport since China requires at least 6 months of validity to issue you a new visa. It’s not too hard to do this yourself at your local authorized passport center (usually a post office), but it can also be handled by a passport and visa service company.

If you’re applying to be a student or for a work visa, China also requires that you submit authenticated documents proving your education, marriage or even your citizenship.

The process of getting a document authenticated includes getting:

• A Letter from the Secretary of State from the state where the document was issued. For example, if you need your diploma authenticated and you went to Texas A&M University, you would need a letter from the Texas Secretary of State declaring that the diploma is real. (and no, I didn’t go to Texas A&M, thank you very much!)
• A Seal from the Chinese Embassy which certifies that the letter from the Secretary of State is authentic. In my experience, this seal is a sticker affixed to the back of the letter from the Secretary of State. It’s important that you do not remove the stapled letter from the original document. Chinese officials won’t accept the authenticated document if the staple has been tampered with.

Trust me when I say that the process is a headache. It’s another reason that I recommend using a service like Passport Visas Express – they can also handle getting your documents authenticated.

Get 10% off using promo code TCC10 from our partner website!

Best China Visa Service for US Citizens in 2026

If it’s not plainly obvious right now, my suggestion is that you consider using a trusted visa service to help you along as you apply for your China visa. Not only will they help make sure that your application doesn’t have any errors, they will also arrange for drop off and pickup from the Chinese embassy if you don’t live near one.

There are numerous services available for US Citizens to use to get a visa to China, but I’ve personally used Passport Visa Express many times over the past decade and I’ve always been happy. Thankfully, they’ve agreed to offer a 10% discount if you use the code TCC10 when you check out!

BONUS: Get 10% off when you use code TCC10

When it comes to the best China visa service for US citizens, that is what I recommend. Applying for a Chinese visa is never cheap, but spending a little extra to get some help is always worthwhile.

The post Best China Visa Service for US Travelers in 2026 appeared first on Xinjiang: Far West China.

It’s bad enough that China has periodically censored the FarWestChina website. It’s not reliably open, but thankfully many of you are accessing the site from outside of China.

Add to that the important social media piece of the puzzle and you can see why I get frustrated.

I’ve spent over over 15 years building the various websites that I run. I started with minimal expenses but over time the growth has justified spending in strategic places (for a better breakdown of my expenses, see my guide on the essential tools I pay for as a travel blogger).

One such place I invest is with a good VPN for China as well as the tools that allow me to manage my Facebook pages and groups in China.

Note: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no extra charge to you, I may be compensated if you choose to use one of the services listed. I only recommend what I personally use and I appreciate your support!

China Does NOT Love Facebook

In case your head has been stuck in the sand for the past decade, you should know that China has been blocking Facebook for quite some time.

As in, more than a decade.

China tends not to like foreign social platforms it can’t control and would rather push its citizens toward home-grown apps that the government can easily monitor (i.e. WeChat).

This means that if your business or social life requires you have access to Facebook in China in 2026, you’ll need to figure out a workaround.

For me – as with most expats – this comes in the form of a Virtual Private Network, or “VPN” for short. I’ve been using both ExpressVPN and NordVPN to access blocked content in China for years now (note: these are affiliate links).

To offer a concise explanation, these VPNs create a secure connection with a server outside of China (you can choose which country the server is in) and then gives you the freedom to access the internet as if you were in that country.

So if you connect with a server in the United States, for example, you can stream Netflix from within China as well as flip through Facebook.

Scheduling Posts from within China

Of course, since I’m using Facebook for my business, it’s not just important that I can access Facebook in China; it’s also important that I can schedule Facebook posts from within China.

Everybody does it differently, but for me, I rarely log in to post on my Facebook pages and the groups that I run. For example, I have a Facebook group specifically for those travelers to the Xinjiang region.

In this case, let’s say I have a great photo of a camel that I want to post on that Facebook group.

I’ll log into one of my online tools I mention below and schedule it to be posted on Monday on Facebook, Tuesday on Instagram and Wednesday/Friday for Twitter.

I use a number of different tools to accomplish this. Here are a couple:

• Hootsuite: This freemium online software allows me to schedule posts to a number of different social media platforms. Although I often connect to ExpressVPN while using Hootsuite, I’m able to get all my scheduling done at once and then let momentum and the Facebook algorithm work for me. I also utilize the ability to give team members access to the account so my team can collaborate on a single dashboard (although that requires the paid version).
• Recurpost: I’ve started making use of tools like Recurpost this past year (another similar tool is called Meet Edgar, but it’s waaay too expensive) that allow me to build up a bank of content from my archives that is set to post at scheduled times each day/week.
• Buffer: This is a tool I’ve used less and less now that I’ve migrated to Hootsuite, but it’s still extremely valuable. Buffer allows me to post to Facebook in China during set periods each day and I just fill the “bucket” of content to be fed into the process.

The beauty of each of these tools is that they usually don’t require a VPN to log in and use.

Usually.

Final Thoughts | Facebook in China 2026

It’s already a hassle to keep up with social media every day – trust me, I know this first hand. It’s even more stressful in China when you add the need to circumvent censorship.

Ugh.

Whether you use something like ExpressVPN or NordVPN to access Facebook in China and every other major social media site, or if you decide to use an online tool to help schedule and post your content for you, rest assured it is possible to maintain your Facebook page in China.

The post How to Use Facebook in China in 2026 appeared first on Xinjiang: Far West China.

This means that in order for you to use Gmail in China this year, there are a few extra steps you’ll need to take. Allow me to explain my process.

It doesn’t matter whether you access Gmail on your phone, computer or tablet – in China, you can’t open the webpage or even download your mail from the Google servers using your favorite email client (i.e. Apple Mail, Microsoft Outlook, etc.).

As an expat who has been living and doing business in China for more than 10 years, this censorship is an annoying but persistent part of my life.

I’ve tried using other email services while in China but frankly…

…they all suck.

There’s a reason that Gmail is the top email service provider. Here are answers to the most common questions about Gmail in China and my process for accessing the service despite censorship.

Note: This article contains affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may be compensated if you choose to use some of the services listed.

Is Gmail Blocked in China in 2026?

Yes, Gmail is blocked in China.

And it’s not just Gmail; China blocks all Google apps including, YouTube, Blogger, Google Sheets, Google Docs, etc. Anything that is owned and hosted by Google is currently inaccessible in China.

The problems all started in early 2010, when China and Google got in a big fight about censorship. I won’t go into the whole story but it basically boils down to this:

China wanted Google to self-censor its search results…

…Google said “no”.

Google was forced to exit China and all their services were consequently blocked.

How to Access Gmail in China

So if Gmail is blocked in China, how do I access it every day? (and I do access it every, single day!)

The way that I use Gmail in China is the same as almost every expat who has lived in the country over the past decade:

I use a Virtual Private Network, also known as a “VPN”.

At the risk of getting too technical, a VPN is basically a direct, encrypted connection with another computer server. By connecting to a server outside of China and then using that server to access the internet, you’re able to bypass China’s internet censorship.

China has cracked down on the use of VPNs over the years but has never labeled it as “illegal”.

They’re trying to discourage the use of VPNs by Chinese people but they honestly don’t care that we foreigners use one (at least they’ve never punished anyone for using a VPN!)

Personally, I use ExpressVPN to access Gmail in China and it works something like this:

• I purchase and download ExpressVPN on my computer, tablet and/or phone (I use it on all my family’s devices).
• Anytime I’m in China and need to access the internet freely, I ‘turn on’ the VPN (i.e. connect to a VPN server).
• As long as the VPN is connected, I can access Gmail and any other website I need.

Tips for Using a VPN in China

If you decide to use a VPN such as ExpressVPN while traveling around China (and I recommend that you seriously consider it), here are a few tips that I’ve picked up over the years of living in and traveling around China:

• Install the VPN Before You Arrive in China. It should come as no surprise that China blocks access to most VPN websites, making it very difficult to download and setup a VPN once you arrive in China. If possible, I suggest you purchase, download and setup your VPN in your home country before you leave.
• Don’t Be Surprised if your VPN Acts Up. As I mentioned earlier, China loves to make VPN connections difficult. Sometimes I can’t connect to the server I want, so I just have to try a different server connection. Usually, this happens during sensitive anniversaries (i.e. June 4th) or while Congress is in session.
• Get a Backup VPN if Necessary. For me, accessing the internet without censorship is vital to my business. For this reason, I have active subscriptions to two different VPN services: one that I use regularly and two that I use as backups. Every expat is different, but for me, my primary VPN is ExpressVPN and I have setup NordVPN as a very good backup. The reason I recommend these two is that they both offer 30-day money back guarantees for travelers.
• Don’t Get Freaked Out. I get emails from travelers on a weekly basis that ask me if using a VPN in a hotel, or at a coffee shop or staying connected all the time will get them in trouble. Don’t get freaked out. I’ve never heard of any foreign expat getting in trouble for connecting to a VPN and the beauty is, the encrypted connection means they don’t know what you’re doing while you’re connected.

Final Thoughts on Gmail in China

The VPN solution to the Gmail in China problem is a no-brainer in 2026.

If your company doesn’t already provide you with a VPN, it’s cheap and easy to purchase a personal VPN like ExpressVPN and use that to bypass censorship.

And if you don’t like ExpressVPN for some reason, there are plenty of other VPNs that work in China to choose from.

The truth is that email isn’t as common in China as it is in the western world. Chinese people prefer to do business over messaging apps like WeChat and they really don’t care that Gmail is blocked.

For us expats, however, it’s often an essential part of communication.

If that’s you, I hope this short tutorial on how to use Gmail in China has been helpful. :)

The post How I Use Gmail in China in 2026 (despite it being blocked) appeared first on Xinjiang: Far West China.

It’s a legitimate question, particularly since most of what you’ve probably read in the news or heard from friends seems to indicate that you’re putting your life in danger by making a journey to Xinjiang. But is that really the case? Is all of this overblown?

Below, I’m going to walk you through a brief history of what has given this region such a bad reputation, tell you what you can do to keep yourself safe.

Finally, I want to let you hear from other travelers who either live here or who have traveled here.

My hope is that by the end, you’ll be better informed about the situation in Xinjiang and confident in planning your trip to my favorite corner of the world. It IS safe to travel to Xinjiang…and here is how you know.

Are you planning to travel to Xinjiang?

You should grab a copy of my FarWestChina Xinjiang Travel Guide, the most comprehensive, up-to-date guide on the entire Xinjiang region. I’m so sure you’ll find it useful that I’ll even offer you a money-back guarantee if it doesn’t meet your expectations!

Why Does Xinjiang Get Such Bad Press?

When I first arrived in Xinjiang during the summer of 2006, the question of safety and security wasn’t even an issue. Little incidents had occurred here and there but the region didn’t carry the same reputation that it does now.

So what happened that initiated such a change?

My wife and I never felt directly threatened or unsafe

It first started in August of 2008, just five days before the Beijing Olympics were set to start, with an attack on police officers in Kashgar. Security around the region started to intensify but the situation really took a turn for the worse in 2009 with the riots in Urumqi. In both incidents, it’s still not entirely clear exactly what happened or how many people were hurt.

A month after the Urumqi incident, I wrote a short article detailing the changes that were happening around me thanks to heightened security. The trust divide between the Uyghur and Han had widened to the point that many of my Han Chinese friends were scared to travel to southern Xinjiang or even to the Uyghur neighborhoods nearby.

Lately, you’ve probably been reading stories about Xinjiang’s re-education camps. It’s a horrific tragedy for the Uyghur people and I condemn their existence as wrong, but again – it hasn’t posed any threats to foreign tourists. So far, the worst that has happened is questioning at a police checkpoint.

Over the past decade I have not read or heard of one report where a tourist has been directly or indirectly harmed in any incident around Xinjiang.

Is it Safe to Travel to Xinjiang?

So now that you understand better why this question is even asked, take a moment to watch this video to hear my response to the question of safety and security in Xinjiang.

So is it safe to travel here?

The short answer: Yes.

Obviously you need to use common sense like you would anywhere else in the world, but there’s no reason to be looking over your shoulder in every city you visit. The Uyghur people are some of the most friendly you’ll ever come across.

The same goes for solo travelers (even the solo women) and those ethnic Chinese tourists. The best tool at your disposal is a simple smile – it has a disarming effect with most everybody you meet.

WARNING: Having said that, I do want you to understand that what is happening to the Uyghur people is horrific. The result of this cultural genocide is annoying police checkpoints and restrictions on movement. Many travelers have noted that this heightened security put a damper on their travels and if you’re not expecting it, it could ruin it.

So why do I still promote travel to Xinjiang if it seems to support all the Chinese government is doing?

The simple reason is because I believe that the more people who personally witness what is happening and develop a personal connection to the Uyghur people, the better.

See it.

Fall in love with the people.

Share what China is doing with others.

Tips to Staying Safe in Xinjiang

Because of all the changes that have happened in Xinjiang, there are a number of things you’ll notice are different when traveling here as opposed to the rest of China. Thankfully, you still don’t need a special permit to enter Xinjiang like you do Tibet, but take note of these tips before you make your journey.

• Ignore the Military & Security Forces: A big difference you’ll notice in Xinjiang is the heavy presence of military and security forces. For those most part, this won’t have much affect on your trip…as long as you ignore them. Pointing a camera and taking a picture is a surefire way to get your camera confiscated or your memory card wiped.
• Expect a lot of Security Checks Everywhere: Whether you’re entering an airport or a mall, there’s a good chance you’ll have to walk through a metal detector and/or open your bag for a check. You’ll have a hard time getting that new Uyghur knife souvenir you bought through many of these checks, though, so make sure you keep those in your hotel.
• Always Have Your Passport: I’ve known some people who leave their passport in the hotel safe while they’re traveling but in Xinjiang, you should have it with you at all times. In fact, I recommend keeping a physical copy of your passport and your China visa in a separate bag just in case you lose your original. While traveling – especially in southern Xinjiang – you might come across a number of security checkpoints where they will require you to show your passport ID and visa.

• Arrive Early for Transportation: Because of all the new security measures, it’s a good idea to arrive even earlier for your flight/train. As an example, before you even enter the Urumqi International Airport, everybody has to scan their bags and go through a pat-down…not to mention the thorough security check before you enter the gate area. Same goes for the train station, so give yourself some extra time so you’re not running to catch your flight or train.
• Expect Delays and Possible Restrictions: Again, due to all the heightened security, it’s normal for travelers to get delayed for any number of reasons. I also get people who ask me whether such-and-such village is accessible to foreign tourists. My answer is always the same: it should be…but that doesn’t mean it will be. It’s all dependent on the mood or strictness of the security guard or local official that you meet.

In whatever circumstance you find yourself, the best way to stay safe in Xinjiang is to use common sense and to be flexible.

Traveler Feedback on Safety in Xinjiang

When it comes to safety in Xinjiang, you don’t have to take my word for it. I’ve received feedback from a number of travelers, including solo female travelers and those with families, who have been through Xinjiang. Here is what they have to say:

Chris Walker-Bush
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt as welcome in China as I did while visiting Xinjiang. The farther west I went, the friendlier people became and the more excited to share their culture with me they became. My fondest memories of China were from my time in the far west.”

Ezma
“I spent 4 weeks in this area in August 2014. My two children ages 6 and 8 loved every minute. A trip to the heavenly mountain, night markets for kebabs, fishing trips and lots of playing with local children. As a woman with two young children we felt very safe.”

Eric Johnson
“We (two families of six Americans) spent a week hoofing it across Xinjiang from its northeast corner to a mountainous pass into Kyrgyzstan which required special permission to cross. We used train, plane, and rental car (sometimes with driver, sometimes self-drive). From vineyards to glaciers, scenery was gorgeous, culture interesting, people everywhere welcoming. We never felt threatened in the least.

Maxime Dossin
“Xinjiang is definitely safe for foreigners. I travelled by bicycle in 2013 from Mongolia to Central Asia and had problems only with police, as it was during June-July, when it was complicated in Turfan and Hotan. Policemen erased pictures on my camera, put me in a bus between Balguntay and Yining…but the Uyghurs and Hans were lovely.”

Rod Poirier
“I spent a  couple of weeks traveling alone from Urumqi through to Kashgar and on to Kyrgyzstan. While out in the region I neither experienced problems nor felt unsafe at any time. Best experience was the Kashgar market.”

Final Thoughts on Safety in Xinjiang

Keep in mind: you will be stopped by police as you travel. You will likely be asked to show your passport hundreds of times while you’re walking around. You will get annoyed by the security state that is Xinjiang.

But…

…it’s safe.

There are certain places you can go in the world where you are taking a sizable risk to physical safety in order to visit. Xinjiang is not one of those places.

Before you buy your tickets, check with your State Department to find out if there are any China travel advisories (not a bad idea no matter where you travel). If there aren’t, then hopefully we’ve been able to convince you here that you are perfectly safe to travel to Xinjiang!

Be safe and if you want more information on travel around Xinjiang, don’t forget to purchase a copy of the FarWestChina Xinjiang travel guide!

The post Is Xinjiang Safe for Travelers in 2026? appeared first on Xinjiang: Far West China.

Ever since 2006, I’ve been living and traveling all over the Xinjiang region. I’ve taken every mode of transportation you can think of, including dune buggies and camels ;)

Getting from Urumqi to Kashgar or returning from Kashgar to Urumqi isn’t difficult from a logistics standpoint, but it can be frustrating trying to find accurate, up-to-date information.

Let’s break down the four modes of transportation you can take and then go into detail about why you should or shouldn’t use them.

• Planes: How to Fly between Urumqi and Kashgar
• Trains: How to Train between Urumqi and Kashgar
• Buses: How to Take a Bus from Urumqi to Kashgar
• Private Car: How to Drive from Urumqi to Kashgar

Keep in mind that all of this information – and so much more – can be found in the FarWestChina Xinjiang travel guide.

This guide sums up my decade of experience in Xinjiang and I know it will be helpful to you.

I’m so confident you’ll love it that I’ll personally refund you your money if you don’t.

Flying | Urumqi – Kashgar

As you can imagine, flying between Urumqi and Kashgar is going to be your fastest mode of transportation. I’ve flown this route numerous times and it offers spectacular views of both the Tianshan Mountains and the Taklamakan Desert.

There are numerous flights both ways between Kashgar and Urumqi and it takes right at 2 hours to complete the journey.

How to Fly Between Urumqi and Kashgar

In Xinjiang’s capital city, the Urumqi Diwopu International Airport is located on the northern end of the city, about 30 minutes by taxi from the city center.

There are city buses that service the airport and a subway that is still under construction, but a taxi remains your best way to get to/from the airport. Expect to pay 40-50 RMB depending on where you’re headed.

In Kashgar, the international airport is located on the northeast corner of town. There’s a city bus that stops just outside the gate to the airport that I’ve used a few times, but again, a taxi is just far too convenient. Expect to pay about 50-100 RMB (it’s a rip-off!) and you’ll probably be forced to share the taxi.

To get the best pricing on flight tickets, I recommend you check out the Trip.com flight page for Urumqi-Kashgar flights. In these types of search engines, don’t be confused if they refer to Urumqi as “Wulumuqi” or Kashgar as “Kashi”…that’s just the Chinese transliteration of the city names. Round-trip tickets should cost between US$100-$200 depending on the season.

You won’t need any special permit other than your Chinese visa, and I would recommend arriving at the Urumqi airport at least 1.5 hours in advance and the Kashgar airport a little more than 1 hour.

Pros vs Cons of Flying

• Pros: The obvious pro to flying this route is speed. If you’re limited on time, you should fly.
• Cons: Flying doesn’t give you the chance to stop at cities along the way and limits your views to mountains. It’s also the most expensive mode of transportation on this route.

Back to Top

Trains | Urumqi – Kashgar

If you have the time, I highly recommend you consider taking the train between Urumqi and Kashgar during your travels around Xinjiang. Not only do trains offer a better cultural experience, it’s also a great way to see the southern Xinjiang countryside (or “desert-side”?).

While high-speed trains are being built at an unbelievable pace in China – and there’s even a high-speed train in Xinjiang – the Urumqi-Kashgar route is still only serviced by the standard trains. There are usually about 7 trains per day between Urumqi and Kashgar for a route that takes from 18-22 hours depending on the train you choose.

How to Take a Train from Urumqi to Kashgar

Urumqi now has two train stations and it is possible to use both of them for trains that go to/from Kashgar (although not all of them). The old train station is on the southwest corner of town while the new station is in the development district west of town.

There are plenty of buses that reach both, although again, I prefer the convenience of a taxi. Expect to pay 20-30 RMB to get into town.

For more details, check out my guide to Urumqi trains and train stations.

Kashgar’s train station is located on the east side of town. It’s not a large station, which makes it easy to navigate. There are city buses and taxis that can bring you into town. Expect to pay about 25 RMB for a taxi.

Trains between Urumqi and Kashgar have three types of tickets: hard seats, hard sleepers, and soft sleepers. Since Urumqi to Kashgar is an 18+ hour journey, I recommend you take either a hard sleeper or soft sleeper.

Tickets can be bought at the train station, but unless you feel comfortable speaking Chinese, I recommend you use a service like China Highlights (search using the box on the right) which can purchase train tickets for you and have them delivered to your hotel either in Urumqi or Kashgar.

Pros & Cons of Taking a Train

• Pros: Taking a train is cheaper than flying and it’s relaxing. Not only does it give you a chance to mingle with local people, it also offers some beautiful desert and mountain scenery along the way.
• Cons: Tickets are harder (but not impossible) to purchase. The Urumqi to Kashgar trains are also old trains that may not be as comfortable as what you expect.

For more detailed information on trains in China, check out the Travel China Cheaper Ultimate Train Guide.

Back to Top

Buses | Urumqi – Kashgar

I’ve only taken the bus between Urumqi and Kashgar two times, but each time was quite memorable! As recently as 15 years ago, the bus was the primary connection between these two Xinjiang cities, but now it ranks far behind planes and trains.

I wouldn’t say that Xinjiang buses are extremely comfortable, but it’s not a bad ride. If you can get a sleeper bus, that would at least allow you to lay down during the journey.

There are hourly buses that depart from Urumqi to Kashgar and Kashgar to Urumqi and the journey lasts anywhere from 24-30 hours depending on traffic and security checkpoints.

How to Take a Bus Between Urumqi & Kashgar

To get to the proper bus station in Urumqi (there are multiple bus stations, so this is important), you’ll want to head to the south edge of town to what is referred to as the “South Station” (南郊客运站 or Nánjiāo kèyùnzhàn).

It’s a busy place with lots of buses, so it won’t be hard to know that you’ve arrived at the right place.

In Kashgar, the appropriate bus station is on the east side of town next to the train station (there are two bus stations in Kashgar). It’s a simple bus or taxi ride from the center of town.

While it is possible to purchase China bus tickets online, in my experience it’s just as easy to purchase the tickets the day you plan to depart. In fact, I usually arrive at a China bus station an hour prior to my desired departure and purchase a ticket. Only once has it ever been sold out.

Pros & Cons of Bus Travel

• Pros: Buses can be a last-minute decision and have hourly departures. More than likely, all of your seat mates will be Uyghur. Buses are also very cheap.
• Cons: Unlike trains and planes, buses and cars are subject to security checkpoints. And trust me when I say that there are many checkpoints between Urumqi and Kashgar. Stops at these checkpoints could take 10 minutes or they could take 2 hours. You never know.

Back to Top

Private Car | Urumqi – Kashgar

Finally, there is the option to hire a private car to drive you from Urumqi to Kashgar or from Kashgar back to Urumqi. You could rent your own car to drive yourself, but the roads are confusing and you must have a China driver’s license, so I don’t recommend it.

The beauty of a private car is that you can leave and stop whenever you want. There is no set schedule. If you’re in a hurry, the drive can be made in about 18 hours.

The author and his son in a rented car in Urumqi.

How to Rent a Car in Xinjiang

Renting a private car usually means arranging something with a travel agency before you arrive in Urumqi or Kashgar.

Technically, you could go searching for a car at either the Urumqi bus station or the Kashgar bus station, but you’ll be crammed in with four other travelers who likely don’t smell very nice.

Taxis won’t take you this distance and with tightening restrictions, the average Zhou won’t have a car that is permitted to drive this route. You’ll need to work with somebody whose sole job is to drive between Urumqi and Kashgar.

Pros & Cons of Private Cars

• Pros: You can stop whenever you want to check out a small village or eat at a nice hole-in-the-wall.
• Cons: Private cars are subject to intense inspection at security checkpoints along the highway. It’s also the most expensive way to travel.

Back to Top

Conclusion | Traveling from Urumqi to Kashgar

There are many different ways to travel from Urumqi to Kashgar, and the one you choose will likely be based on the amount of time and money you have. Planes and trains are the fastest, but buses and cars will offer the ability to see more of the southern Xinjiang countryside. Utilizing buses, or renting cars, often is less expensive than their counterparts. If you insist on utilizing the most efficient modes of transportation, but you lack the funds, there are loan options available to you at decently affordable rates. Otherwise you better start saving up now!

Keep in mind that with all of the security in Xinjiang, you’re going to run into security checkpoints at the airport, train station, bus station and all along the road. These choke points will be worse than anywhere else you’ve traveled in China.

In the end, you can hopefully enjoy not just the destination but also the journey you take between Kashgar and Urumqi.

Remember: I highly recommend you grab a full copy of the FarWestChina Xinjiang travel guide that will help you plan your entire trip across the province. Enjoy!

The post How to Travel Urumqi to Kashgar in 2026 appeared first on Xinjiang: Far West China.

UPDATED 2026: The global pandemic changed a lot about travel to China, but even now, a permit isn’t required to enter Xinjiang.

The questions get asked in a number of different ways, but it really boils down to one of these three:

• Do I need a special China visa to enter Xinjiang?
• Do I need a special permit to enter Xinjiang?
• Should I put “Xinjiang” on my visa application itinerary?

Use the navigation links above to jump to a specific section. Also, watch the short video below for my answer or continue scrolling to read more.

Make sure you download the FarWestChina Travel Guide!

Do I Need a Special Visa for Xinjiang?

As of the beginning of 2026…no, you don’t need a “special visa” to enter Xinjiang.

As long as you have a passport and a valid Chinese visa, you will not be asked for any further documentation when you enter Xinjiang.

It doesn’t matter if you arrive at an international border, a train station or an airport, there is no special visa that is required to enter China’s Xinjiang region.

If you haven’t yet applied for your China visa, I recommend Passport Visa Express.  I’ve used them multiple times to get different types of Chinese visas (tourist, student, business). Each time I listed Xinjiang on the application or itinerary and I have never been denied.

This link even includes a promo code for 10% off visa services via our partner website Travel China Cheaper. This can also be found in the highly rated FarWestChina Xinjiang Travel Guide book. I highly suggest you grab a copy before traveling to Xinjiang!

Do I Need a Permit to Visit Xinjiang?

This question is a bit more complicated.

The short answer is “no,” you don’t need a special permit for Xinjiang. In fact, there are very few places where a travel permit is required in China. We as foreign tourists are technically allowed to move freely about Xinjiang at our leisure.

Technically.

The reality on the ground is slightly different. Here are a few examples:

• Military Installations: Xinjiang is home to a high number of military personnel, training camps and military bases. There are some places, such as near international borders or not far from Bayinbulak Grasslands, where military bases exist. While there is no permit that will grant you access to these bases, you will find that these areas will either be off-limits to travelers or nearby highways will be highly guarded.
• Sensitive Highways: There are some highways, such as the Chinese Karakoram Highway or even highway G-216 through the Tianshan that sometimes require a travel agency escort or permit letter. If you’re going to be making such remote, off-the-beaten-path trips, you’ll probably want to consult with a travel agency. The permits usually aren’t expensive and can be approved in 24-48 hrs.
• Tons of Security Checkpoints: As you travel around Xinjiang, you’ll run into an annoying number of security checkpoints. They’ll ask you for your passport and visa, but you won’t be asked for a specific permit. That said, you can expect a number of questions about why you’re there, where you’re going, what you’re doing, etc.
• Homestays and Camping: I’ve written before about doing a homestay in Xinjiang, but unfortunately a lot of that is going away. While you don’t need a permit to travel in Xinjiang, you will need to stay the night at a registered hotel. This means camping and homestays are technically off limits (unless you’re very under the radar!)

So to sum up: there is no general “permit” for Xinjiang, but that doesn’t mean you can go and stay wherever you want.

Be careful how off-the-beaten path you get. And it never hurts to connect with a local travel agency to see what’s possible and what’s closed.

Should I Put Xinjiang on my Visa Application Itinerary?

The final question I get often has to do with whether or not you should put Xinjiang on your visa application itinerary.

I used to scoff at this question, but more and more I’m seeing that it’s a legitimate concern.

I’ve known a number of people who have had their visa application denied. It could have been a number of different reasons why (they never tell you the reason), but they all suspect it’s because they listed “Xinjiang” on their planned itinerary.

Personally, I’ve always listed Xinjiang and I’ve never been denied.

That said, it’s up to you what you decide to do. I will say this: there are no officials or police in Xinjiang who will grab your visa and ask whether or not Xinjiang was listed on your itinerary. Once you get your China visa, nobody cares.

Nowadays, I tend to steer people toward not listing Xinjiang. Frankly, it’s a huge liability. However, do what feels most comfortable to you.

Conclusion | Permits and Visas for China

As you can see, up to this point, travelers still have relatively free access to Xinjiang.

There are places that will require a permit and others that will be difficult/impossible to enter, but these change so quickly and so often that it’s pointless to try to list them here. Ask a local travel agency or connect with a good China visa service company.

Finally, if you’re planning a trip to Xinjiang in the near future, I highly recommend you grab a copy of my Xinjiang Travel Guide. It’s the most comprehensive, up-to-date guide available. I’m so confident you’ll find it useful, I guarantee your money back (no questions asked) if you don’t like it.

The post Do I Need a Special Visa or Permit for Xinjiang in 2026? appeared first on Xinjiang: Far West China.

If we’re not already connected, you should check out all my Xinjiang photos on the FarWestChina Instagram feed. I have hundreds of great photos and videos that I’ve posted from within China.

Every so often I get a comment from somebody that asks: is it possible to post to Instagram in China in 2026?

So to everybody who has that same question, let me share with you some quick thoughts.

Note: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may be compensated if you choose to use one of the services listed here.

Accessing Instagram in China 2026 | Expat Guide

Perhaps you’ve heard of China’s “Great Firewall”?

It’s an affectionate term that we expats in China have given to the annoying censorship that happens in the country.

In 2009, following the horrific July riots here in Xinjiang, websites like Facebook, Google and Twitter were blocked.

A few years later in September 2014 Instagram was blocked during the height of the Hong Kong protests. It now joins a long list of other websites and apps that are blocked in China.

As you’re aware, Instagram requires a mobile phone connected to the internet in order to post photos to the platform. Unfortunately, if you were to open the Instagram app in China it would never load.

Eventually the app will serve you the message:

“Not Connected to Internet”.

For this reason, using Instagram in China requires a solution that specifically allows your phone to get past this government censorship.

Solution: A “VPN” Connection

When you’re on your desktop or laptop computer, there are simple proxy workarounds or free VPNs that can work (although free VPNs aren’t all they’re cracked up to be).

These free solutions unfortunately don’t work well on your mobile phone where you spend most of your time on Instagram.

Like it or not, this is where you’re going to need to fork over a few dollars to purchase a subscription to a VPN or “Virtual Private Network”.

Most people use a VPN to secure their internet connection but it’s also an effective tool to circumvent internet censorship.

Personally, I have 2 different VPNs installed on my phone. The reason for this is because in China, there are times when one doesn’t work while another does.

My go-to VPNs for my phone are ExpressVPN and NordVPN – I recommend them because they work well and they both offer a generous 30-day money back guarantee.

ExpressVPN – Best Overall

One of the most popular VPNs on the market has also been one of the most reliable over the years in China. Plenty of servers and the new Lightway protocol give you more chances to find a connection that works.

They offer a 30 day money back guarantee and you can get 3 months free using this link!

Try ExpressVPN

NordVPN – Best App

NordVPN offers one of the easiest-to-use apps for both iOS and Android devices. I love the map they have to choose servers and the NordLynx protocol that takes advantage of new advances in encryption and security.

NordVPN is perfect for the non- “tech savvy” user and it also has a 30 day money-back guarantee.

Try NordVPN

It’s a pretty simple connection process. After I’ve created an account and downloaded the VPN app on my phone, I just click “connect”.

Within seconds I am able to start viewing and posting on Instagram!

Tips for Using Instagram in China

Having lived in China for over 10 years, I’ve had my fair share of frustrations with the internet.

Based on my experience, here are a few tips for you to keep in mind as you download a VPN and use Instagram in China.

1. Download a VPN before You Arrive in China: I know many people who wait until they arrive in China to start thinking about censorship, but by then it’s too late. China doesn’t just censor the internet, they make it intentionally hard to access VPN websites. Do yourself a favor and download ExpressVPN before you leave for China.
2. Use a 3rd Party App: I’ve used a service called Hootsuite (click this link for a 30 day free trial) that allows me to upload my photos from my computer and schedule them to be posted on Instagram. It doesn’t always work without a VPN, but it can be an interesting workaround.
3. Be Patient: Using Instagram in China is always going to be slower and more frustrating than doing so in your home country. That’s just part of the game. Be patient and let the VPN work its magic.

Final Thoughts on Instagram in China

Whether you’re looking to access Instagram in China in 2026, or if you just want to get past China’s censorship to visit Facebook, Twitter, Gmail or one of the hundreds of other blocked websites, you’re going to be looking for the best VPN for China.

Oh, and once you do get set up, if you start to post some photos of Xinjiang on Instagram, make sure to tag #farwestchina!

I’d love to see your photos and connect with you. :)

The post How to Use Instagram in China in 2026 appeared first on Xinjiang: Far West China.

UPDATE 2026: This article was originally written in 2015 and a lot has changed since then (politics, Covid, etc.). Xinjiang officials have successfully kicked out most foreigners living in the region in an effort to keep them from seeing all the gross human rights violations they’re committing.

Because of this, getting a teaching job in Xinjiang, China has become almost impossible for the time being. I’m going to keep this article active for reference, but if you’re truly interested in a teaching job I recommend you look elsewhere in China (or other parts of Asia which pay a lot better).

Two weeks ago I received an urgent text from a good friend here in Uruqmi. “Please call me” he said. Come to find out one of his old college friends now works at a primary school an hour outside of Urumqi and they are desperate to find a foreign English teacher.

A month ago I received a message via WeChat with a similar request, this time from another foreigner here in the Xinjiang capital of Urumqi whose friend had asked him to help find available foreigners.

Last week I met with a representative from a school in downtown Urumqi that begged me to refer some friends to teach for them.

The funny thing is that despite all of these job openings it is actually quite difficult for people outside the province to find a job in Xinjiang.

The prevailing wisdom a few years ago was to just travel out here on a China tourist visa for US citizens, find a good school and then get hired. Not only does that take a lot of guts, it’s also a risk of both your finances and the kind of school you find. And it often doesn’t work anymore.

So how do you find a good teaching job in Xinjiang?

In this article I want to describe to you the process of finding a good job here with the help of Jan Abbey, an anthropologist and (now-former) teacher here in the province.

How to Teach English in Xinjiang, China

Let’s start with a few basic questions about teaching English in Xinjiang, answered by both myself and Jan.

How did you find your teaching job here in Xinjiang?

Jan: My current job came through a relationship that I’ve had through QQ with the principal at the Karamay High School. He initiated my current job offer. I believe XJ jobs are more often found this way rather than through recruiters.

Josh: My prior teaching job came through a relationship a friend back in Louisiana had with a principal at the school here in Xinjiang. It wasn’t an advertised position but it turned out to be 3 years of fun teaching!

Conclusion: Most jobs in Xinjiang come through relationships with people or outside organization who already have a presence in Xinjiang. Rarely are good jobs found on an internet job board.

What pay should be expected for a teacher in Xinjiang?

Jan: XJ pay is very low compared to the east. 4000 RMB is not bad pay. This is one of the reasons XJ schools can’t find enough teachers. (Editor’s note: Jan teaches in a smaller city where salaries aren’t as high as in Urumqi, the capital)

Josh: My pay starting back in 2006 was 4,500 RMB, but that was on top of a furnished apartment that was provided for my wife and I and paid flights. At the time it was enough to live on because the cost of living was so low, but I don’t think that would be the case today.

Conclusion: Nowadays it’s not uncommon for schools to offer salaries upwards of 7,000-8,000 RMB per month for full-time work in order to attract more interest. Each school is different, but some offer housing stipends, bonuses, travel incentives, etc. Pay can also be dependent upon education (bachelors degree? TEFL certification?).

What advice would you give to someone who wants to teach English in Xinjiang?

Jan: For god’s sake, be a serious teacher! It’s an important job, you will have a big effect on many student’s lives. They really want to learn English, not listen to you play the guitar everyday or just play games (rant over!). Han students are easy to teach, though hard to engage, minority students are hard to teach but easy to engage. Most western teachers gravitate toward the more outgoing minorities but if you are a real teacher, you must treat all the students the same. The Han students are well aware of this distinction and are very resentful of it.

Josh: Be an active negotiator. Schools may say that they “require” a certification or that you be from a certain country, but the fact is that here in Xinjiang these schools realize that they can’t be too selective. Don’t accept lower pay just because you don’t have 2 years of experience. Negotiate.

Conclusion: Teaching English in Xinjiang is in some ways different than the rest of China, but there are some ways in which it is the same. Like the rest of China, not all schools in Xinjiang make great working environments. Taking a random job is a risk without somebody to vouch for the quality of school.

I Want a Job…What Should I Do?

It is the goal of this website to promote a better understanding of Xinjiang to the rest of the world and I’ve been thinking to myself: what better way than to help people move out here and live?

After almost 10 years of building relationships here in Urumqi and throughout the province, I feel like I’m finally at a place where I could help somebody find a job that is interested to move out here to Xinjiang.

• What’s in it for me, a potential teacher? For you, you get up-to-date job openings as well as personal help from me. I can help you choose the best city, location and school for your needs. In addition, you get the comfort of knowing that each school has been vetted as a legitimate school with the ability to provide a work visa.
• What’s in it for you, Josh? For me, I’ll be helping out some friends in the education department or building guanxi with others. Some schools offer me a “finders fee” while others do not.

So if you’re interested in teaching here in Xinjiang – and that could just mean that you’re interested sometime over the next year or two – then there are a few things you’re going to want to do.

#1 Add Your Name to the Xinjiang Jobs Alerts List

I’ve established this list for the sole purpose of alerting people of new job openings – it doesn’t matter if you already live here in Xinjiang, in China or anywhere else in the world. The only emails that will be sent will be related to new jobs and will not be more frequent that once every couple weeks.

Add your email – and unsubscribe at any time – to make sure you get the latest list of job openings!

Xinjiang Job Alert LIst

UPDATE 2026: I have removed sign up for this job alert list because no jobs are being offered. Sorry for the inconvenience!

For more help finding a teaching job in China, check out these 5 steps to finding a good English teaching job in China from our sister site TravelChinaCheaper.

#2 Get Your TEFL Certification

While not absolutely necessary in order to teach in China (at least here in Xinjiang), having a TEFL certification not only better prepares you to teach, it also means you’ll get a higher monthly salary (up to 1,000 RMB more each month).

Think about it this way: let’s say you pay about $250 to get a TEFL certification. Over the course of a 1-year contract you will make an additional US$1,750 in salary. Unless you’re in some sort of rush, taking the course is a no-brainer.

 #3 Start Researching What You Want

By my own estimation, there are at least 9 different cities in Xinjiang that allow foreign teachers to be issued work visas. Start thinking about where you would want to go, what sacrifices you’re willing to make and what your ultimate goal is (i.e. travel, making money, etc.).

Teaching English isn’t for everybody (it’s not for me!) but it is certainly one of the best ways to get a full experience of Xinjiang and all it has to offer.

Final Thoughts | Teaching in Xinjiang

Although I’m glad to not be teaching English anymore, I truly enjoyed my time doing so in Xinjiang. It’s a unique place that may not pay as much in salary, but offers significant other benefits.

Remember, at this moment it’s extremely difficult to find a job because China is slowly closing the Xinjiang border, but hopefully that will change in the future. When/if it does, I’ll update this article.

Is there anybody reading this who has taught English in Xinjiang and could add some other helpful tips?

The post How to Teach English in Xinjiang, China (Updated 2026) appeared first on Xinjiang: Far West China.