Discover your limits.
XINJIANG, CHINA
POINTS OF INTEREST
Tian Shan Mountains
The Tian Shan Mountains, sometimes referred to as the Heavenly Mountains, are part of a massive mountain system that stems through 4 different countries! You can explore the mountains with a tour guide, or all on your own.
Photo credit to: http://news.xinhuanet.com/
People's Park
Lonely Planet describes the People's Park in Urumqi as a "green oasis". Many people also refer to it as a great place for people watching. If you stroll through the People's Park you will often see people practicing Tai Chi, singing opera, dancing, playing games, teaching classes, and much more!
Photo credit to: http://www.survivetravel.com/
Glacier No. 1
Xinjiang's No. 1 Glacier can be found in Urumqi and is the largest glacier in Xinjiang. The glacier is over 2 1/2 km long and was formed over 4 million years ago. When you're finished visiting the glacier there is plenty of activities and attractions in the surrounding region.
Photo credit to: http://www.survivetravel.com/
Ancient City Of Wulabo
What once stood as a prosperous and well-populated city now lies in ruins as a popular tourist attraction. While it is one of the smaller ancient villages in Xinjiang, it still makes for a great day of adventure.
Photo credit to: http://www.xinjiangtravelclub.com/
The Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar, held in Urumqi, is said to be one of the largest Bazaars in the World. The Bazaar is the perfect place to find great souveniers, handicrafts, and other treasures. Not interested in buying anything? Take a stroll and enjoy a local meal or watch some local talent.
Photo credit to: http://www.alamy.com/
Heavenly Lake
Heavenly Lake is a scenic area that definitely lives up to it's name. With sparkling blue waters in the foreground and towering mountains as a backdrop, it's hard to define Heavenly Lake as anything other than "picture perfect". You can explore the Lake on your own, or hire a tour operator to show you around.
Photo credit to: http://www.visitourchina.com/
The Silk Road
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Silk road was once a thriving trade route. The route begins in Xi'an and then splits into three different routes (a Southern, Central, and Northern Route). There are over 33 different historical sites along the route including the city wall, the Terracotta warriors, the ancient city of Jiaohe, the Thousand Buddha caves, and much more!
Photo credit to: http://www.r4e.org
Learn about Xinjiang's History
You can learn all about the history and culture of Xinjiang at the Autonomous museum where entrance is free. While the museum offers a variety of different displays, the main attraction is the collection of well preserved mummies that were found in the area. Once you've seen the mummies, you can also learn about the culture and customs of the Xinjiang people.
Photo credit to: http://www.farwestchina.com/
Search for Nessie
Local legend has it that Nessie can be found at the Kanas Lake Nature Reserve. The area also offers a stunning natural ecosystem made up of rivers, lakes, glaciers, forests, and grasslands.
Entrance fees may apply
Photo credit to: http://1photo1day.com/
Bayanbulak Grassland
One of the largest Grasslands in China, The Bayanbulak Grassland is another scenic area with beautiful grasslands and scenic mountain views. Visitors can often find grazing sheep and swimming swans all around.
Note: Entrance fees may apply
Photo credit to: http://www.beijinghikers.com
Flaming Mountains
The Flaming Mountains are located in the Tian Shan Mountain range and derived their name from their bright red appearance. Science claims that the mountains were formed by movement of techtonic plates, while local legend explains that the mountains derived their red color from the blood of a slain dragon that once laid claim to the land.
Note: Entrance fees may apply
Photo credit to: http://www.ancient-origins.net
Gaochang Ruins
By now you have probably noticed that Xinjiang is full of ancient ruins! Here's another site to add to the list - the Gaochang ruins. Gaochang was once the biggest city in Turpan, and can now be visited as a destination to learn about ancient civilizations.
Note: Entrance fees may apply
Photo credit to: http://www.absolutechinatours.com
More ancient ruins - the Ruins of Jiaohe
Entrance fees may apply
Photo credit to: http://www.chinatouronline.com/
Old Town Kashgar - A historical town with over 2000 years of history.
Photo credit to: http://www.filmapia.com
Three Immortals Buddhist Caves
Located in Kashgar, the Three Immortals Buddhist caves are some of the oldest in Western China and can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. Unfortunately it's difficult to get up close to the caves without climbing equipment, but either way, they are still facinating to admire from a distance.
Entrance fees may apply
Photo credit to : http://www.cits.net/
Karakoram Highway
The Karakoram highway is a long stretch that connects Western China with Pakistan. It is home to soaring peaks and large glaciers, and is a trip for extreme adventurers.
Photo credit to: http://www.travelpk.org
Mud Volcanoes
Mud Volcanoes ooze mud and seep gas. There have been over 36 mud volcanoes discovered in the Xinjiang region. The smallest is as tiny as a bean, and the largest is over 1.6 m in diameter. The volcanos also range in activity level with the most active erupting more than once per second.
Photo credit to: http://www.trekearth.com/
Multicolored Stone Bay
Multicolored Stone Bay is a unique landform comprised of multi-colored rocks. Aside from the odd sight, the Bay is also rich in deposits such as oil, gold, zinc, and addtiional minerals.
Entrance fees may apply
Photo credit to: http://www.topchinatravel.com/
Taklamakan Desert
The Taklamakan Desert is the largest desert in all of China. The name means "You can get in but you can never get out" and the desert is often referred to as the "Sea of Death". You can visit the desert on your own, or travel with a tour guide.
Photo credit to: http://www.uighurtour.com/
Korla Yadan Spectacle
The Korla Yadan Spectacle is a "steep mound" that is created with strong winds and loose earth. Various mounds in different shapes can be found throughout the landscape.
Photo credit to: https://www.travelchinaguide.com/
Red Butterfly Valley
There are three famous butterfly valleys in the Province of Xinjiang, the Red Butterfly Valley being a popular one. June is the best time to visit the valley during which time over 10, 000 butterflies flock to the Valley. There are over 20 different species of butterfly to be spotted.
Entrance fees may apply
Photo credit to: http://www.chinahighlights.com/
