On March 15, 2025, the Tacheng–Almaty international passenger bus service was officially launched.

At 4 p.m. that afternoon, the Tacheng Passenger Station was bustling with people. The first bus from Tacheng, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, to Almaty, Kazakhstan, was ready to depart. Passengers, carrying their luggage and wearing smiles of anticipation on their faces, were excited about the journey. For them, this was not just an ordinary trip, but a brand-new experience across national borders.

Photo shows a bus operating on the Tacheng-Almaty international passenger line.

"Previously, traveling to Almaty required several transfers. Now, with the direct bus service, it’s much more convenient!" said passenger Ayiboli Nuerjiang excitedly.

Ayiboli, a resident of Tacheng, frequently travels between Tacheng and Almaty for foreign trade. "The launch of the international passenger bus service not only saves time but also reduces travel costs, bringing us convenience," he said.

Photo shows passengers handle transit procedures at Bhaktu Port, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The bus service is operated by Xinjiang Xingta Transport (Group) Co., Ltd. The route starts in Tacheng, passes through the Bhaktu Port, enters the Kazakh town of Bakti, and finally arrives in Almaty.

Ma Jun, deputy general manager of Xinjiang Xingta Transport (Group) Co., Ltd., said that the Tacheng–Almaty international passenger bus service covers a total distance of about 900 kilometers and takes approximately 13 hours for a one-way trip. Initially, two bus trips are planned per week, with the frequency set to increase gradually based on passenger demand. In terms of ticket prices, the one-way fare is discounted to 330 yuan per person, further easing the travel burden for passengers. It is hoped that the newly launched bus service will provide passengers with a pleasant travel experience.

Located in the northwest of Xinjiang, Tacheng is an important border city in China that shares a border with Kazakhstan. Almaty, on the other hand, is the economic and cultural center of Kazakhstan and a major transportation hub in Central Asia. The launch of the Tacheng–Almaty international passenger bus service not only offers convenient transportation for residents of both places but also builds a new bridge for economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchanges between China and Kazakhstan.

Shi Xueyuan, deputy secretary of leading Party members group and director of the International Road Transport Administration of Bhaktu Port, said, "The operation of the Tacheng-Almaty international passenger bus service is another testament to the vibrant development of cooperation between China and Kazakhstan. To create a first-class travel experience, we have deployed luxury tourist buses to provide a comfortable and safe travel environment, reflecting our commitment to service quality. At the same time, we will optimize customs procedures, improve customs efficiency, and work with all parties to perfect services, turning the bus service into a ‘high-speed corridor’ for exchanges between the two places and providing passengers with a high-quality travel experience."

(The Media Convergence of Tacheng Prefecture, Reporters: Jamıla Galkan and Binaiker Aihen)