Xinjiang, officially known as the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is located in northwest China. It is the largest provincial-level administrative region in the country, covering approximately 1.66 million square kilometers, which accounts for about one sixth of China’s total land area. Xinjiang shares bodies with eight countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Mongolia, India, and Afghanistan, making it a crucial region for China’s access to the West.
The region is known for its diverse ethnic groups, including the Uygur, Han, Kazakh, Hui, and others who coexist harmoniously. This cultural diversity is reflected in Xinjiang’s rich traditions, languages, and religions, which include Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity.
Xinjiang’s landscape is incredibly varied, featuring vast deserts like the Taklamakan, majestic mountain ranges such as the Tianshan and Kunlun, and fertile basins like the Tarim and Junggar. The region is also rich in natural resources, including oil, natural gas, and minerals, which play a significant role in China’s economy.
Xinjiang is generally divided into three main travel destinations, each featuring its unique scenery, history, culture, and even languages.
Divided by the towering Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang’s regions—North, South, and East—offer stark contrasts not only in landscapes but also in ethnic traditions, architecture, and cultural identity.
Human & Cultural Identity:
Ethnic Groups: Dominated by Kazakh, Mongolian, and Tuva communities, North Xinjiang’s culture is rooted in nomadic traditions. The Ili Valley, historically termed “West Xinjiang,” blends influences from Central Asia and Russia.
Architecture:
Yurts (Gers): Mobile felt tents adorned with embroidered textiles, reflecting pastoral life.
Wooden Villages: Hemu, Kanas, and Baihaba feature alpine-style log cabins with steep roofs to shed snow.
Cultural Highlights:
Equestrian Culture: Horse racing, eagle hunting, and Kokpar (a Central Asian polo-like game).
Music & Crafts:Kazakh dombra melodies, Tuva throat singing, and intricate felt carpets.
Attractions:
Altay Region: Kanas(喀纳斯), Hemu(禾木),and Baihaba Villages(白哈巴）, Koktokay (可可托海) & No.3 Mineral Mine（三号矿坑）The World Ghost Town(世界魔鬼城）The Rainbow Beach(五彩滩）
Ili Region: Duku Highway(独库公路), Lavender Fields(薰衣草), Nalati Grassland(那拉提), Sayram Lake(赛里木湖)，Kazakh Folk Culture Village （喀赞其民俗村), Guozigou Bridge(果子沟).
Human & Cultural Identity:
Ethnic Groups: The majority of the population are Uyghur, with Tajiks and Kyrgyz in the Pamirs. South Xinjiang is the epicenter of Uyghur culture, which was shaped by millennia of Silk Road exchanges.
Architecture:
Islamic Vernacular: Kashgar’s Old City showcases mud-brick houses with ornate wooden balconies and hidden courtyards.
Religious Landmarks: The Id Kah Mosque (China’s largest mosque) and Kashgar’s Apak Hoja Mausoleum, blend Persian and Timurid styles.
Cultural Highlights:
Twelve Muqam: A UNESCO-listed Uyghur musical tradition of complex suites.
Bazaars: Kashgar’s Sunday Market and Yarkand’s copperware, silk, and knives workshops.
Cuisine:
Lamb kebabs, nang (flatbread), and pomegranate-based dishes.
Attractions:
Kashgar Region: Kashgar Old City (喀什老城), Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺), Kashgar Sunday Bazaar (喀什周日大巴扎), Abakh Khoja Tomb (Fragrant Concubine Tomb) (香妃墓), Karakoram Highway (喀喇昆仑公路), Taklamakan Desert (塔克拉玛干沙漠), Silk Road Ancient Routes (丝绸之路古道）.
Hotan Region: Hotan Jade Market (和田玉石市场), Hotan Museum (和田博物馆), Taklamakan Desert (塔克拉玛干沙漠), Melikawat Ancient City Ruins (热瓦克佛寺遗址).
Aksu Region:Tianshan Grand Canyon (天山神秘大峡谷), Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves (克孜尔千佛洞), Tömür Peak of Tengger Mountains (托木尔峰).
Kuqa:Kuqa Old City (库车老城), Subash Buddhist Ruins (苏巴什佛寺遗址).
Korla: Bosten Lake (博斯腾湖), Lop Nur (罗布泊).
Hotan Region: Karakul Lake (卡拉库里湖), Stone City of Taxkorgan (塔什库尔干石头城), Pamir Plateau (帕米尔高原).
Yarkand: Yarkand Khanate Mausoleum (莎车王陵), Yarkand Old City(莎车老城).
Aksu Region:Kuqa Old City (库车老城), Subash Buddhist Ruins (苏巴什佛寺遗址).
Human & Cultural Identity:
Ethnic Groups: A mix of Uyghur, Han, and Hui communities, with Turpan and Hami serving as historical melting pots.
Architecture:
Karez Systems: Turpan’s grape-drying houses and underground irrigation canals, a 2,000-year-old engineering marvel.
Buddhist Legacy: Ruins of Gaochang and Jiaohe ancient cities, remnants of mud-walled stupas and temples.
Cultural Highlights:
Grape Valley Festivals: Celebrating Turpan’s raisin production with music and dance.
Multireligious Heritage: Buddhist grottoes (Bezeklik), Islamic mosques, and Han Dynasty fortresses.
Attractions:
Jiaohe Ancient City (交河故城), Karez Well System (坎儿井), Flaming Mountains (火焰山), Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves (柏孜克里克千佛洞), Emin Minaret (苏公塔),Tuyuq Village(吐峪沟).
