The Tarim Ring Road: A Self-Drive Loop Around the Taklamakan Desert
Drive the Tarim Basin ring road around the Taklamakan Desert: an oasis-to-oasis self-drive loop linking Hotan, Kashgar, Aksu, and Korla.
-
-
The Sayram Lake Loop: Self-Driving the Alpine Ring Road and Guozigou Bridge
A self-drive loop around Sayram Lake and over the Guozigou Bridge in Ili: the most scenic alpine drive in northern Xinjiang, with tips and stops.
-
Driving to World Devil City: The Karamay to Urho Ghost City Self-Drive Route
Self-drive from Karamay to World Devil City near Urho: a wind-carved Yadan landscape route with tips on timing, tickets, and the best photo stops.
-
The Hotan to Kashgar Self-Drive: Crossing the Southern Tarim Oasis Belt
Drive the southern Tarim oasis belt from Hotan to Kashgar: Silk Road towns, desert edges, and practical self-drive tips for this classic Xinjiang leg.
-
Jiaohe Ancient City: The World’s Largest Earthen Ruins Near Turpan
Walk the 2,000-year-old streets of Jiaohe Ancient City, the largest earthen ruins on earth, carved from a Turpan clay plateau. A complete visitor guide.
-
Tianshan Grand Canyon (Urumqi): Hiking the Red Rock Formations
Just 50 km from Urumqi, the Tianshan Grand Canyon offers red rock gorges, alpine meadows, and easy hikes. A practical day-trip guide.
-
Xinjiang Laghman Noodles: A Regional Guide to Hand-Pulled Belt Noodles
Laghman is Xinjiang’s hand-pulled belt-noodle stir-fry. Learn the regional styles, what goes in the bowl, and where to eat the best laghman.
-
Xinjiang Samsa & Roast Buns: The Tandoor Baker’s Guide
Samsa are Xinjiang’s flaky tandoor-baked buns. Learn the dough, the fillings, and where to find the best roast buns from Urumqi to Kashgar.
-
Xinjiang in November: The Quiet Shoulder Season Few Travelers Know
November is Xinjiang’s overlooked shoulder month: empty roads, autumn lingering south, and low prices. A practical guide to traveling Xinjiang in November.
-
Silk Road Train Travel in Xinjiang: Riding the Rail Across the Region
Xinjiang’s rail network connects Urumqi, Kashgar, Hotan, and the north. A practical guide to train travel in Xinjiang for independent visitors.
