|
|
|
| In
the center of Eurasia, Xinjiang was known as the Western Region in
ancient times. It is 1.66 million square km in size, making up 1/6
of the country's total territory, and is the largest province in China.
The region borders Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kirghizstan, Tajikstan,
Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. For travelers, the region is one
of the most interesting in China, packed with history, archaeological
remains, ethnic variety, superb landscapes and a vibrant Central Asian
culture. |
|
 |
|
Urumqi |
 |
| It is the
regional capital of Xinjiang and also a communications hub. The city
links Moscow, Novosibirsk, Tashkent, Alma-Ata and Islamabad by international
airlines. Major scenic spots in the vicinity are the Baiyang Gully
in the Nanshan Mountain, Heavenly Lake on the snow-clad Mount Bogda
and the No.1 Glacier. |
|
Turpan |
|
| Known
as Gushi in ancient times, Turpan is a basin in the mountains of eastern
Xinjiang. The Aydingkol Lake at the bottom of the basin is 154 meters
below sea level - it's the lowest spot in China and the second lowest
depression in the world, after Dead Sea. Turpan is also the hottest
spot in China with the highest temperature of 49.6 C, hence the name
"Fiery Land". Turpan is famous for its grapes and is an
important producer of sultanas and wine. Spots of interests include
the ruins of Gaochang and Jiaohe, Bozkrik Thousand-Buddha Cave, Grape
Valley and Karez underground irrigation system. |
|
 |
|
Kashgar |
|
| Kashgar,
or Kashi, was the capital of the state of Shule 2,000 years ago. It
retains an intoxicating air of the exotic, mainly due to its fascinating
ethnic mix of Ughurs who comprise the majority of the population,
Tajiks, Kyrgyz, Uzbeks and a growing number of Han Chinese. As an
important post on the Silk Road, Kashgar has a quite developed culture
since ancient times, especially noted for its carving patterns, art
crafts and folk singing and dancing. It has kept the Ughur folk customs
with a rich national flavor. Major spots of interest include the ID
Kah Mosque, Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine and the Big Bazaar. |
|
