Northern Xinjiang Loop Tour (1): China Southern B787 Business Class (IST–URC) & First Impressions of Urumqi
A restful China Southern B787 Business Class flight from Istanbul to Urumqi—and first impressions of Xinjiang’s new airport and big-flavor welcome meals.
Northern Xinjiang Loop Tour (1): China Southern B787 Business Class (IST–URC) & First Impressions of Urumqi
The beginning of a long journey requires a flight where you can completely relax. For this Xinjiang Ili loop tour, I chose China Southern Airlines (CZ) as my starting point, flying direct from Istanbul (IST) to Urumqi (URC) in their Boeing 787 Business Class. It turned out to be a very wise decision.
🛫 Flight Experience: Maximizing "Do Not Disturb" Mode
For this red-eye/long-haul flight, my biggest request was simply a "good night's sleep." China Southern's attention to detail in this regard was excellent. After boarding, the flight attendants proactively confirmed dining preferences, meal times, and even thoughtfully asked if a "wake-up service" was needed. To adjust to the time difference and recharge, I decisively chose to rest the entire way, skipping the outbound in-flight meal.
The 787's business class seats are spacious and comfortable, providing excellent sleep support when fully flat, allowing me to sleep soundly the whole way.
Seat Comfort: Excellent, great support when laid flat.
Service Details: Flight attendants proactively asked about meals and wake-up needs, very thoughtful.
Dining Choices: Skipped the outbound meal to rest, but the service attitude left a deep impression.
📶 In-Flight Wi-Fi: A Connected Journey
It's worth mentioning that this 787 is equipped with in-flight Wi-Fi. The actual speed was surprisingly good; not only could I easily send and receive WeChat messages, but I could also smoothly browse social media. However, a quick reminder: connecting to the in-flight Wi-Fi subjects you to the "Great Firewall" restrictions, which I guess is a way to adapt to the domestic network environment in advance (laughs).
🛬 Landing in Urumqi: A Brand New Airport and Hardcore Cuisine
Upon arriving in Urumqi, my first impression was being amazed by the airport. The entire terminal is very new and modern, with complete facilities, and the efficiency of customs clearance and baggage claim was high, completely shattering the stereotype of remote airports in the Northwest.
Since I had arrived in Xinjiang, the first "welcome meal" absolutely could not be sloppy. After settling down, I headed straight to a local restaurant. The large skewers of roast lamb were sizzling with fat, tender, and completely free of gamey taste; paired with the authentic and filling pilaf, it instantly soothed the exhaustion of the long flight. Not only that, but I also arranged for a steaming hot pot, kicking off this visual and gustatory feast in Xinjiang in the most enthusiastic way!
Next stop, we will officially hit the road, heading to Sayram Lake, known as "the last tear of the Atlantic."
