Baketu Border Port in Tacheng, Xinjiang

Baketu Border Port (巴克图口岸), located 12 kilometers southwest of Tacheng (塔城) City in Xinjiang (新疆), is a key land border crossing between China and Kazakhstan. As one of the closest border points to Urumqi (乌鲁木齐), it is situated 621 kilometers from the city. The port corresponds to Kazakhstan’s Bakhty (巴克特口岸), and has been a strategic trade route for over 261 years, with a rich history of commercial exchange. The geographical coordinates are 82°48′ E and 46°41′ N, and the elevation ranges from 460 to 480 meters.

A History of Commerce and Trade

The trade history at Baketu Border Port (巴克图口岸) dates back to the late 18th century. Official commercial trade was formalized in 1851 under the Qing Dynasty’s “Treaty of Trade Between China and Russia in Ili and Talbagatai” (中俄伊犁塔尔巴哈台通商章程). Over the years, the port has experienced multiple openings and closures. It became an officially approved primary port in 1994 and was further developed as one of Xinjiang’s major border trade hubs.

Since its reopening in 1990 for temporary trade, the port has continuously evolved. It officially opened to foreign trade in 1992, becoming one of the first Xinjiang ports to allow access to third countries by 1995.

Key Features and Development

Strategic Location and Importance

Baketu Border Port (巴克图口岸) is a crucial gateway between China and Kazakhstan, connecting the Central Asian region to China’s western areas. It serves as a vital trade hub, facilitating the movement of goods and people. In 2025, the port recorded over 25,000 passengers and 28,000 vehicles crossing annually, marking a growth of 167.82% and 16.63% year-on-year, respectively.

As part of the “Belt and Road” initiative, the port’s strategic role in regional trade has been enhanced. The introduction of the “7 days, 12 hours” clearance system has made the port more efficient, with customs procedures for passenger vehicles now taking as little as 90 seconds.

Efficient Customs and Trade Procedures

The port operates a “7 days, 12 hours” customs clearance mechanism, which extends to 24 hours during peak times. This has significantly shortened truck clearance times to as little as 20 minutes. In 2025, the introduction of the “Road Port + Local Direct Access” model reduced cargo clearance times from 3 hours to under 10 minutes.

Since 2022, Baketu has also benefited from the establishment of the China-Kazakhstan Border People’s Trade Zone (中哈边民互市贸易区), which facilitates the export of up to 150 vehicles daily, with customs procedures for fruits and vegetables completed within 30 minutes. In 2024, the border trade volume of this zone exceeded 1 billion RMB, promoting the growth of local processing industries.

Practical Information for Visitors

Location

Baketu Border Port (巴克图口岸) is located at the intersection of Baketu Road (巴克图路) and Zong Er Road (纵二路) in Tacheng (塔城), Xinjiang (新疆), approximately 160 meters west of the crossroads.

How to Get There

• By Car: The port is accessible via the G30 Keta Expressway (克塔高速), approximately 621 kilometers from Urumqi (乌鲁木齐).

• By Bus: From Tacheng (塔城), take the red double-decker bus from the Cultural Square (文化广场), departing every hour.

Admission

Visitors must apply for a border pass in advance, which is free of charge.

Nearby Attractions

• Baketu Border Port (巴克图口岸) Scenic Area: Includes the national gateway, border marker, and other historical sites. Open 24 hours a day with an overall rating of 4.4.

• Silk Road Cultural Goods City: A marketplace for goods from Kazakhstan and Russia, located within the port area.

• Alah Lake Scenic Area (阿拉湖景区): 100 kilometers from the port, a popular cross-border travel destination.

Climate and Environment

Baketu Border Port (巴克图口岸) is situated in a flat, expansive area with lush grasslands, making it ideal for trade and agriculture. The average annual temperature ranges from 5.4°C to 6.5°C, with summer temperatures peaking at 38.3°C and a frost-free period of 114 days. Winters are mild, with significant daily temperature fluctuations, while summers are cool at night.

History and Cultural Context

Tacheng (塔城) has a deep cultural connection with Kazakhstan (哈萨克斯坦) and its neighboring countries. Over centuries, these communities have maintained close ties through intermarriage and frequent interactions. This harmonious environment has fostered a positive atmosphere for border trade.

The port’s development accelerated in the late 20th century, and today it plays a pivotal role in the economic and cultural exchange between China and Central Asia.

Future Prospects

Baketu Border Port (巴克图口岸) continues to thrive, with its role as a key hub in the “Belt and Road” initiative becoming even more prominent. In the coming years, the port is expected to facilitate further economic integration and cultural exchange between China, Kazakhstan, and beyond.

The port is set to become a center for international trade and tourism, contributing to the region’s prosperity and global connectivity.

Local Heritage and Influence

67-year-old Uyghur elder Adili Abdureshman (阿地里·阿不都热合曼), known as a “port expert” (口岸通), has dedicated his life to documenting the port’s transformation. He has traveled to Kazakhstan and Central Asia over a hundred times and has written extensively about the development of Baketu. His work helps to preserve the historical significance of this vital trade route.

Baketu Border Port (巴克图口岸) stands as a significant commercial, tourism, and cultural gateway in Xinjiang (新疆), playing a central role in China’s relations with Kazakhstan and Central Asia. With its rich history and promising future, Baketu continues to be a critical link in the Belt and Road initiative, contributing to the growth of trade, tourism, and regional cooperation.