The Grape Valley of Turpan: Vineyards, Raisins, and Uyghur Courtyards
Explore the Grape Valley of Turpan: shaded vine pergolas, raisin-drying homes, and Uyghur courtyards. How to get there, best season, and tips.
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Shipton’s Arch: The World’s Largest Natural Stone Arch Near Kashgar
Trek to Shipton’s Arch near Kashgar, one of the world’s tallest natural stone arches. How to get there, fitness needed, and what to expect.
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Dushanzi Grand Canyon: The Red Earth Miracle of Northern Xinjiang
Discover Dushanzi Grand Canyon, a red-earth gorge near Karamay in northern Xinjiang. How to get there, best light, and tips for photographers.
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Barkol Lake & Barkol Grassland: The Highland Oasis of Eastern Xinjiang
Visit Barkol Lake and Barkol Grassland in Hami, eastern Xinjiang: highland lakes, Kazakh yurts, and summer pastures. Getting there and tips.
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Aydingkol Lake: Standing at the Lowest Point of China Near Turpan
Visit Aydingkol Lake near Turpan, the lowest point in China at 154 meters below sea level. Salt flats, surreal landscapes, and how to get there.
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The Anjihai Red Valley (101 Danxia): Xinjiang’s Lesser-Known Color Canyon
Explore the Anjihai Red Valley on Xinjiang’s Scenic Route 101: eroded Danxia cliffs, red canyons, and quiet viewpoints. How to get there and tips.
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Urumqi Red Hill Park (Hongshan): The City’s Best Skyline and Sunset View
Climb Red Hill Park in Urumqi for the city’s best skyline, sunset views, and the iconic Hongshan pagoda. How to get there and what to see.
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Xinjiang Manta (Mantı): The Steamed Dumplings of the Silk Road
Discover Xinjiang manta — plump Uyghur steamed dumplings of lamb and onion. Where to eat them, how they are made, and what to pair them with.
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Naren (Narin): Xinjiang’s Festive Hand-Pulled Noodle Dish
Naren is Xinjiang’s celebratory hand-pulled noodle dish served at weddings and holidays. Learn its meaning, where to try it, and how it is eaten by hand.
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Beshbarmak: Xinjiang’s Kazakh Feast Eaten with the Hands
Beshbarmak is the Kazakh nomad’s banquet of boiled meat and wide noodles eaten by hand. Discover where to taste it in Xinjiang’s north and what it means.
