Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has solidified its position as the nation’s foremost hub for Eurasian connectivity, achieving unprecedented cross-border rail traffic volumes throughout 2025. Regional authorities confirmed on January 17, 2026, that Xinjiang’s strategic ports handled the highest rail freight volume across all Chinese provinces, marking a significant milestone in China’s transnational infrastructure development.
The region has simultaneously emerged as the dominant aviation corridor to Central Asia, with flights connecting regional capital Urumqi to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan comprising 35.1% of China’s total passenger flights to these nations. This dual achievement in both rail and air connectivity demonstrates Xinjiang’s evolving role as a critical nexus in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
With 19 operational ports, Xinjiang implemented comprehensive measures to accommodate diverse logistical requirements. At Urumqi’s international port, the introduction of specialized cargo zones and expedited clearance protocols for priority shipments catalyzed a remarkable 170.6% year-on-year surge in international cargo flights, according to Liu Peng, an official with the Xinjiang Immigration Inspection General Station.
The region welcomed over 58 million international travelers in 2025, drawn by cross-border commerce, tourism opportunities, and border-area cultural exchanges. To accommodate this substantial influx, immigration service centers established at major ports including Horgos and Urumqi now provide integrated services encompassing policy consultation, emergency medical assistance, and currency exchange facilities.
Through strategic investments in ‘smart port’ infrastructure and continued institutional reforms, Xinjiang is enhancing its capacity as China’s primary conduit to Central Asia and beyond, effectively bridging economic networks across Eurasia with increasing operational efficiency.