Wild Xinjiang: Exploring the Natural Beauty of China’s Western Frontier
Hello everyone to today’s content: now the content information. Travel Xinjiang to Admire the Stunning Nature of China’s Far West. Join us in exploring Xinjiang, the far west region of China, where a multitude of natural and cultural wonders awaits. Xinjiang is located in the northwest of China. Situated in the inland Asia-Europe region, it is the largest province in China, covering an area of 1.66 million square kilometers with many attractions and boasting unique natural landscapes, including major mountain ranges, glaciers, oases, grasslands, and world-famous forests. From the sacred Tian Shan Mountain to the vast grasslands of Narati and Bayanbulak, from the majestic Taklamakan Desert to the expansive Sayram Lake. Things to Know About Traveling to Xinjiang Traveling to Xinjiang, you can explore the historical relics of the Silk Road and the colorful folk culture of various ethnic minorities. Xinjiang is known as the "Land of Beauties," attached to the legendary Silk Road and its beautiful natural scenery, often referred to as "Heaven on Earth." This region has produced many of the world’s most beautiful women. Officially known as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, if you are a fan of Chinese movies, you may have heard of the term "Western Regions." The Silk Road played an important role in promoting the exchange of material and spiritual civilization between the East and the West. The segments of the Silk Road passing through Xinjiang constitute a treasure trove of relics known worldwide, including border routes, ancient cities and castles, Buddhist caves and temples, express relay stations, ancient tombs, and war signal stations—shining like a string of glittering pearls on the ancient road. Additionally, the local cuisine in Xinjiang is unique, with a Central Asian and Turkish influence. In Xinjiang, there is a mysterious mountain, the Tian Shan, which divides this autonomous region into two parts—the northern part and the southern part. The styles and characteristics of northern and southern Xinjiang are different! Northern Xinjiang is renowned for its natural scenery, and its famous cities and areas include Urumqi, Turpan, Ili, Altay, Tacheng, and Bortala, along with unique songs and dances. Southern Xinjiang boasts distinctive history and culture, including Kashgar, Khotan, Aksu, Bayingol, Kizilsu, and Kirgiz, as well as the Kunlun Mountains and the Tarim Basin. When you visit southern Xinjiang, you will see the perfect combination of desert and Gobi desert, coupled with diverse agricultural civilizations and experience the rhythm of Uyghur Muqam. The vast territory and rich resources are the most beautiful portraits of Xinjiang. Meanwhile, this region is also home to numerous ethnic minority groups such as the Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and Tajiks. Xinjiang boasts breathtaking landscapes, including the Gobi Desert, snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests, grasslands, and rural villages. The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, with a population of 22 million people, is the largest and farthest province where the Muslim majority resides. It is home to various ethnic groups including Uyghur, Han, Kazakh, Tibetan, Hui, Tajik, Kyrgyz, Mongol, Russian, and Xibe. Xinjiang is home to 47 ethnic minorities, making up 60% of the total population. Among these 47 ethnic minorities, 13 are indigenous, including the Uyghurs, the predominant ethnic group living here. The Uyghurs have their own language and religious beliefs which is Islam. Their traditional attire consists of long gowns called ‘Qiapan.’ They also wear beautifully embroidered small hats called ‘Duopa.’ The most famous traditional festivals of the Uyghur people are the Rozah and Corban festivals. Rozah is the fasting festival of Islam, while Corban is the New Year according to the Islamic calendar. Additionally, the Uyghur people are known for their singing and dancing skills. Sainaimu is one of the most popular dances and their ’12 Muqam’ is famously regarded as the ‘treasure of Eastern music.’ Best time to travel to Xinjiang? Based on some geographical features of the Xinjiang region in China and the experiences of many trips to Xinjiang, April to November is the best time to visit Xinjiang. The region can be summarized by its four seasons as follows: Spring (March to May): With increased rainfall and temperature. In spring, the flowers and meadows attract a lot of attention, making southern Xinjiang the ideal choice during this time. Lavender fields, rapeseed flowers, apricot, and peach blossoms compete to showcase their beauty. Summer (June to August): This is the season of ripe, fragrant melons. Although traveling to Xinjiang in the summer can be hot and dry, the mountainous areas are relatively cool, making them great summer retreats. Additionally, this is the golden season for sand therapy in Turpan and experiencing the grassland culture in Ili. Autumn (September to November): The hot summer gradually fades, and the cool breezes of autumn bring clear skies and fresh air. During this time, you can enjoy the harvest season and the allure of various fruits and delicacies. It is the best time for Xinjiang food lovers. Winter (December to February of the following year): The winter ice and snow give Xinjiang its unique charm. It is also the season with the least wind but plenty of foggy patches. If divided by region, from August to October is the most beautiful time to travel to southern Xinjiang. The autumn climate is invigorating with picturesque scenery. Trekking in Northern Xinjiang offers diverse beauty in different seasons. The best time to visit Northern Xinjiang is from May to September. During this time, you can witness the stunning natural landscapes including forests, lakes, and grasslands, resembling a colorful oil painting. Also, this is the season for fresh fruits and melons, and you won’t be able to escape their refreshing aroma as you experience it. Xinjiang Tourist Attractions . Xinjiang tourism is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, primarily in Northern Xinjiang. Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake) – the pearl of the Tianshan Mountains. Originating from melted snow, the mountains surrounding the crystal-clear lake, with the reflection of the distant Bogda Peak, create a heavenly scene resembling a celestial paradise. The view of Heavenly Lake is like a jade gem wrapped by mountains and forests. Ili – The Beauty of Nature. There’s an old saying that you only truly realize the vastness of China after visiting Xinjiang, and you only see the beauty of Xinjiang after visiting Ili. Ili’s scenery with its clear four seasons will surely enchant you! Narati Grassland, Kalajun Prairie, Huocheng Lavender Farm, and the Xiata Valley in the magnificent Tianshan Mountains all contribute to this captivating landscape. Gobi Desert – In Xinjiang, the Gobi Desert offers the most impressive scenery along the transnational driving route into the desert, providing a chance to admire the enchanting beauty in those winding roads! Kanas Nature Reserve is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Xinjiang. It’s listed as one of the best destinations for nature tourism in China with its picturesque landscapes. This area is home to Siberian pine, spruce, fir, birch, snow leopards, stone martens, silver foxes, and Altai frogs. Besides, the unique lifestyle of the local Tuwa people is very intriguing. It is said that the Tuwa people are descendants of the old, weak, sick, and disabled soldiers left behind by Genghis Khan when he led his troops westward. Sayram Lake is an enchanting destination in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains. From May to October every year, the blue waters of the lake seem to touch the sky from afar. The meadows are a captivating scene with lush green trees, swaying grass, and wildflowers reflecting on the lake’s crystal-clear water. It’s wonderful to spend a night in an RV by the lake and cycle around it. Karakul Lake and White Sand Lake along the Karakoram Highway. Nestled between two giants: Muztagh Ata, "the father of ice mountains," and Kongur, known for its numerous avalanches, this is a rare highland lake in the world. By the lake, there are tents and restaurants for visitors to rest overnight. On a clear day, you can get a beautiful view of Muztagh Ata and the snow-capped peaks, herds of livestock, and meadows all clearly reflected in the water. You can also visit the local Kizil people and experience their nomadic life. Urumqi (formerly Tihwa or Dihua) is the capital of the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. The city’s name originates from ancient Mongolian and translates to "beautiful pasture." It is perhaps one of the youngest cities in Xinjiang, with a population reaching nearly 1,500,000 people, 50% of whom are Chinese. Urumqi is located in northwest China, in the eponymous valley. On one side, the city is surrounded by the Tien Shan Mountains, while on the other, it lies next to the famous Wind Valley, stretching along the Turpan depression. The suburbs of the city are famous for their relief landscapes. The uniqueness of Urumqi also lies in its maximum remoteness from the sea. Kashgar is located in the southwest of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, between the Taklamakan Desert, the Karakoram Mountains, and the Pamir Mountains. Although the capital of Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region is Urumqi, all Uighurs consider Kashgar the center of East Turkestan. This city has maintained the traditional lifestyle, customs, and culture of the Uighur people for thousands of years. It is not without reason that the local community still says, "the best things in Xinjiang come from Kashgar." With its vast land and natural beauty, Xinjiang tourism offers numerous places to visit and experience. Cuisine and Food of Xinjiang . As the largest autonomous region in China, Xinjiang boasts various ethnic groups and is renowned for its Central Asian delicacies. Its cities are predominantly inhabited by the Uyghur minority, as well as other Islamic groups such as the Hui and Dongxiang people, meaning that the food is primarily halal and noticeably lacks pork compared to other regions in China. In many ways, Xinjiang’s cuisine differs from the rest of the country and is distinctly un-Chinese. Grilled lamb, aromatic spices, and sugary sweet desserts take center stage when it comes to the region’s signature dishes. Many cities in Xinjiang were once oasis towns along the Silk Road, and they have felt the deepest influence of other ethnic groups, with unique features in their cuisine that incorporate techniques and flavors from Tibetans, Mongolians, Persians, Turks, and many other nationalities. All these have come together to form a beautiful mosaic of Chinese, Central Asian, and Middle Eastern cultures. The liberal use of spices such as cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, garlic, and saffron makes Xinjiang’s food and cuisine distinct from other styles across China. Below are some of the most popular foods you can try when traveling to Xinjiang. "Naan" in Uygur means "toasted bread," and it is a very popular dish among the locals, similar to the common bread in Europe. Most locals must have naan for their daily meals, especially the Uyghur people. The Uyghurs created this dish 2000 years ago, and it has since developed into more than 50 types of naan on the market today. Pitir manta is the Uyghur dumpling, a top-notch Uygur dish. Thinly rolled dough wraps minced lamb with onions, a bit of cumin, and is steamed until done. Hand-pulled Noodles: Everyone here likes to eat noodles, as wheat grows well in the Northwest, so people in the Northwest like to cook noodles. Hand-pulled noodles are a type of noodle made in Xinjiang by the Hui ethnicity. The "Hui" actually migrated from Shanxi Province or Ningxia to Xinjiang in the last century, bringing their culinary culture to Xinjiang. Hand-pulled noodles are always mixed with vegetables and eggs. The flavor of the hand-pulled noodles depends on different types of raw vegetables. Grilled Lamb: In the Uyghur language, grilled lamb is called "Tunuer kabob," which means "pit-roasted lamb," and it is one of the ancient Uyghur dishes dating back thousands of years when the Uyghurs were a nomadic people. Uyghur people roast an entire lamb after applying a special marinade. Xinjiang Pilaf: As a traditional dish of the Uyghur people known as "polo," it is essentially rice boiled with carrots, onions, meat, and oil with added salt. Typically, the meat used is lamb, and people eat "polo" with their hands. Depending on the different flavors, chefs may add dried apricots and raisins to make the "polo" sweet. "Polo" is very nutritious, and the local people of Xinjiang always enjoy eating "polo." Xinjiang is a distinct region of China, renowned for its stunning and diverse natural landscapes. Here are some common remarks from international tourists about the natural beauty in Xinjiang: Pristine and minimally affected by human activity: Many tourists are captivated by the untouched, natural landscapes of the mountainous areas, deserts, and lakes in Xinjiang. These places are often less influenced by urban development and retain their original charm. Magnificent Tian Shan Mountains: The Tian Shan Mountains are one of the standout features in Xinjiang. With snow-capped peaks year-round, lush green meadows, and deep valleys, many tourists are overwhelmed by the beauty of this area. Vast Taklamakan Desert: Known as one of the largest and most inhospitable deserts in the world, the Taklamakan Desert leaves a strong impression with its expansive golden sands. Many tourists enjoy the experience of exploring and admiring the beauty of this desert. Kanas Lake: This is a freshwater lake located in northern Xinjiang, famous for its turquoise waters and picturesque scenery. Many tourists find Kanas Lake to be heavenly, especially in the fall when the foliage changes color. Diverse and rich culture: In addition to its natural beauty, Xinjiang is also home to many ethnic minorities, such as the Uyghur, Kazakh, and others. The culture, customs, and cuisine of these ethnic groups are major attractions for tourists. Lavender fields: Many people are surprised to know that Xinjiang also has beautiful lavender fields that can rival those in France. International tourists often highly appreciate and cherish the abundant natural beauty and diverse landscapes of Xinjiang. Each season offers different experiences and impressions, making Xinjiang an irresistible attraction.
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Wild Xinjiang: Exploring the Natural Beauty of China’s Western Frontier