Published by ChinaMNC · Qiemo

How Foreign Founders Can Request Government Information in Xinjiang: A Practical Guide

A plain-English walkthrough of Xinjiang's official government information disclosure application process, covering who can apply, what to include, and how to submit a request in person, by post, or by email.

Accessing Government Information in Xinjiang: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

Foreign founders setting up or running a company in China often need official documents and records that are not published proactively. Under China's government information disclosure framework, individuals and organizations can request such information directly from the relevant authority. The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region government has published its own procedure for these requests, and the essentials are summarized below for founders who may need to use it.

Who Can Apply

Beyond information that government bodies publish on their own initiative, citizens, legal persons, and other organizations — referred to in the rules as "applicants" — may ask the relevant agency to release government information. A foreign founder's company, as a legal person registered in China, falls within the scope of eligible applicants.

Where to Submit and Whom to Contact

For requests directed at the General Office of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Government, the designated receiving office is that same General Office. The published contact details are:

• Address: No. 479 Zhongshan Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
• Postal code: 830002
• Telephone: 0991-2383723
• Email: [email protected]

Office hours differ by season and exclude public holidays. In summer, the office is open from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00. In winter, the hours are 10:00 to 14:00 and 15:30 to 19:30.

Completing the Application Form

Applicants must fill in the Government Information Disclosure Application Form of the General Office of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Government. The form is available in two ways: it can be collected in person from the receiving office, or downloaded from the regional government portal at www.xinjiang.gov.cn. Copies of the form are accepted as valid.

Information the Form Must Contain

The rules require applicants to state the following accurately:

• Applicant identity: the applicant's name or the organization's name, valid identification, and contact details.
• Description of the information sought: the title and document number of the government information requested, or other identifying details that would help the agency locate it. The description should be clear and detailed enough for the receiving office to determine exactly what is being requested.
• Format preferences: how the applicant wishes to receive the information, including the method and channel of delivery.
• Identification verification: applicants applying in person must present valid identity documents; those submitting by post must attach a copy of valid identification to the form; and those applying by email must provide a scanned copy or photograph of valid identification.

Three Ways to Submit a Request

The published guidance sets out three submission channels, each with its own requirements.

1. In Person

Applications can be handed in at No. 479 Zhongshan Road, Urumqi. The office accepts visitors during summer hours of 10:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 20:00, and winter hours of 10:00 to 14:00 and 15:30 to 19:30, excluding public holidays. The contact telephone number is 0991-2383723. Applicants should bring valid identification to present at the counter.

2. By Post

Applications can be mailed to No. 479 Zhongshan Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, postal code 830002. A copy of valid identification must accompany the form. The envelope should be marked with the words "Government Information Disclosure Application" so that it is routed correctly.

3. By Email

Applications can be sent electronically to [email protected]. A scanned copy or photograph of valid identification must be included. The guidance adds an important practical step: after sending the email, applicants should call 0991-2383723 to confirm receipt.

Practical Notes for Foreign Founders

Several features of this process are worth flagging for founders who are new to Chinese administrative procedures.

• Precision matters. Because the receiving office must be able to identify the requested information, vague descriptions can slow a request down. Where possible, cite the document's title, its reference number, or other distinctive details.
• Identification is required at every stage. Whether applying in person, by post, or by email, applicants must be able to show valid identification. Companies should prepare the relevant documents in advance.
• Confirm email submissions. The requirement to telephone after sending an email is a simple but easily overlooked step that helps ensure a request is logged.
• Mind the seasonal hours. Office hours change between summer and winter, and the office is closed on public holidays. Planning a visit around these schedules avoids wasted trips.
• Check the portal first. Some information is published proactively and may already be available on the regional government website, saving the need for a formal request.

Why This Matters for Company Operations

For foreign-invested enterprises, access to official records can be relevant to compliance work, due diligence, licensing, and understanding the regulatory environment in which the company operates. Knowing that a formal channel exists — and understanding how to use it correctly — gives founders a structured way to obtain information that is not otherwise public. The process is administrative rather than legal in nature: it involves submitting a properly completed form, proving identity, and specifying the desired information and delivery format.

Founders should note that the guidance described here concerns requests made to the General Office of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Government. Other departments and levels of government publish their own arrangements, and the regional portal links to departments and localities for further reference.

Key Takeaways

• Citizens, legal persons, and other organizations may request government information that is not proactively disclosed.
• Requests to the regional General Office use a designated application form, obtainable in person or from www.xinjiang.gov.cn.
• The form must include the applicant's identity and contact details, a clear description of the information, and the preferred format for receiving it.
• Valid identification is required for in-person, postal, and email applications.
• Submissions are accepted at No. 479 Zhongshan Road, Urumqi (postal code 830002), by telephone inquiry at 0991-2383723, or by email to [email protected], with a follow-up call recommended after emailing.
• Office hours are seasonal and exclude public holidays.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.