entering China from western border - visa/entry problem?

[hongputaojiu]

Hi guys

I am heading to Xian from EU at Christmas to attend a short language course with a group of teachers from back home.

It just so happens that I have time to take the train, as it is something I have wanted to do, having previously taken the trans-mongolian route. I tried to get in contact with my local Chinese consulate, as they are "open" for receiving phone enquires on Wednesdays for 2hrs! But sadly they didn't answer the phone!

With the unrest in Xinjiang this year, do you think it would be a problem crossing into China into Xinjian province?

Just wondering what peoples thoughts were on this before I send off for the visa.

cheers

hongputaojiu

[abcdefg]

With the unrest in Xinjiang this year, do you think it would be a problem crossing into China into Xinjian province?

I cancelled my own Xinjiang trip earlier this summer because of the Uighur unrest. When I approached via Qinghai and northern Gansu, security was visibly heightend enough to give me pause. I decided Qinghai and Gansu were enough for me. The unofficial word I got from friends involved in the "security business" in China was that they were half way expecting a bigger blowup there (which was quietly prevented.) Summer is generally the tensest time up in Xinjiang, so it may be better now.

See what Thorn Tree Travel forum has to say. I generally find it helpful on questions like this.

[roddy]

Whatever you do, don't tell the consulate you're planning to enter via a restive border area - that's just asking to have your application rejected until you provide a full tour-company provided itinerary.

[hongputaojiu]

Thanks guys. Looks like I will have to give it more serious thought. This is a must attend program so I cant afford to be late by getting stuck at the border or whatever. But thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. cheers

[roddy]

I'd say it's still feasible, but I'd check the Thorn Tree and elsewhere for info on the crossings, and if they'd been closed at any point in the last couple of years have a Plan B which would likely involve traveling back from the border to the nearest airport and flying in to Urumqi or Beijng (or maybe even Xi'an).