Turpan, a mysterious and ancient place, has been a cradle of rich historical and cultural treasures. Turpan Museum was established in 1965 and later relocated to the current location. This cultural gem in the hot area covers a total area of 17,571 square meters, with an exhibition area of 4,278…
Nanshan Pasture (in Xinjiang) lies immediately south of Urumqi, at the northern foot of Karawucheng Mountain, a branch of Tianshan. It’s a huge meadow where you can ride a horse, go to Kazakh yurts, and experience ethnic traditions, with nature surrounding you throughout. This Nanshan grassland in Urumqi has a rich…
Nanshan Pasture (in Xinjiang) lies immediately south of Urumqi, at the northern foot of Karawucheng Mountain, a branch of Tianshan. It’s a huge meadow where you can ride a horse, go to Kazakh yurts, and experience ethnic traditions, with nature surrounding you throughout. This Nanshan grassland in Urumqi has a rich…
Encircled by the Turpan Flaming Mountains, lies the Turpan’s Grape Valley, a mere 5-kilometer straight-line drive (11-kilometer drive) northeast of the city. About 7 kilometers long with an opening of over 1 kilometer wide, it gets narrower when you proceed inward. It is a hub for Xinjiang travel, featuring parks, sites,…
Nestled in the heart of Xinjiang’s Yili County, Nalati Grassland is an alpine meadow that captivates visitors with its pristine beauty and deep cultural heritage. From taking the shuttle bus, and then ascending the mountain, you will genuinely feel how close you are to the sky. It’s also an essential…
The size of the Taklamakan Desert is 330,000 square kilometers, which is 20% of Xinjiang’s land area and is equal to the total area of 50 cities as big as Shanghai. It is 1,000 kilometers from east to west and 400 kilometers from north to south. Inside, pyramid-shaped sand dunes stand…
Located in the Altay Mountains of northern Xinjiang and within Kanas Nature Reserve, Hemu Village is one of the three remaining habitats of the Tuva people who live a traditional nomadic lifestyle of grazing animals and hunting. Being surrounded by towering mountains and lush birch forests, the village is…
A vast grassland area located in the Ili River Valley north of the Tianshan Mountains, Ili Grasslands is composed of several sub-grasslands. Nalati, Bayinbuluke, Kalajun, Tangbula, etc. are some of the most popular ones among them. If you want to enjoy some time on the vast grassland during a…
Sayram Lake, or Sailimu Lake, is a stunning alpine lake (the highest one in Xinjiang) nestled in the high mountain basin of the western section of the Tianshan Mountains, enjoying an elevation of 2073 meters. It is believed to be the east-most destination that was influenced by the warm…
Koktokay National Geopark, or Keketuohai National Geological Park, is the first national geological park in China that primarily showcases the typical mineral deposits and mining heritage sites. It is located in Fuyun County in northeastern Xinjiang, covering an area of about 788 square kilometers. The Park comprises four major…
Xinjiang, also known as the Western Regions in ancient times, is located in the northwestern frontier of China and the heartland of Eurasia. The Regional Museum of Xinjiang is a must-visit spot during a Urumqi tour for anyone interested in exploring the region’s diverse cultural heritage. Established in 1953, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum…
Where are the Altai Mountains? Altai Mountains, or Altay Mountains is one of the most majestic mountain ranges across the Eurasian continent, spanning across territories of China, Kazakhstan, Russia, and parts of Mongolia. It is the source of several important rivers, including the Irtysh River and Ob Rover. A…
Carved into the cliffs of Mutou Valley deep, where the Flaming Mountains cast their fiery glow over the desert, the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves whisper fading stories of unnamed devotion, ethereal art, and time’s relentless passage. For thousands of years, she has fought to preserve the most blissful dreams of…
Tuyoq Valley (aka Tuyugou Valley) is a can’t-miss for your travel to Xinjiang if you want to experience the ancient Uyghur traditions and folk customs, time-honored Buddha caves, and majestic canyon scenery in one trip. Located in Gaochang District to the east of Turpan City in Xinjiang, the valley…
Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, located in Urumqi, is a bustling market covering an area of 100,000 square meters. It’s one of the must-visit places for Xinjiang tours, giving visitors a glimpse of the diversified cultural scenery of the region. Such a Xinjiang grand bazaar not only gives travelers an individual…
The Id Kah Mosque, or “Festival and Square of Joy” in Uyghur, also Aitigaer Mosque or Eidgah Mosque, is a must-visit on any Xinjiang tours, especially in Kashgar. Xinjiang’s largest mosque, it really stands out among China’s religious landmarks. What makes the Id Kah Mosque unique is not just its…
Located within the Altai Mountains of Xinjiang, Kanas Lake is one of the top attractions in Xinjiang, China, which means “beautiful and mysterious lake” in Mongolian. As the top highlight of Kanas Nature Reserve, the lake is known for its breathtaking alpine vistas and the legendary “lake monster” that is said…
Tashkurgan, which means “stone city” in the Uyghur language, got its name because of the ancient stone castle in the north of the city. Tashkurgan Town is one of the highest towns in the world, located in Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Stone…
A vital hub on the ancient Silk Road, Kashgar Old Town (aka Kashgar Ancient City) is located in Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang. For thousands of years, it had served as a melting pot for cultural exchange between Central Asia, West Asia, and South Asia. With its rich history and cultural…
Situated in the northern edge of Turpan Basin, Xinjiang, and the northern route of the ancient Silk Road, the Flaming Mountains scenic spot features fiery reddish brown sandstone landform. This place was historically the location of the ancient Gaochang Kingdom. And according to legend, it is the location of Flaming Mountains where Tang Monk and…
