Kashgar Old City (喀什古城) is Xinjiang’s best-preserved ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This complete travel guide includes history, attractions, food, accommodation, and practical tips.
Hotan (和田) is famous for jade, but there’s more to this southern Xinjiang city — silk workshops, carpet makers, and some of the best bread in the region. Here’s how to spend 1-2 days in Hotan.
Bosten Lake (博斯腾湖) is China’s largest inland freshwater lake, but it rarely appears on typical Xinjiang itineraries. Here’s why it’s worth the detour and how to get there from Urumqi.
Panlong Ancient Road (盘龙古道) in the Pamir Plateau is a winding mountain road with over 600 curves. Learn how to get there, when to visit, and why it’s worth the detour from Tashkurgan.
Yining (Ghulja) and the Ili Valley in Western Xinjiang offer lush grasslands, Kazakh culture, and mountain scenery that rivals Switzerland. Here’s how to get there and what to see.
Bezeklik Caves near Turpan house some of the best-preserved Uyghur Buddhist frescoes in Xinjiang. Learn how to get there, ticket info, and how it compares to Kizil Caves.
Jiaohe Ruins near Turpan are the best-preserved ancient city ruins on the Silk Road. Learn how to get there, what to expect, and why it’s worth visiting even in summer heat.
The Flaming Mountains (Huoyan Shan) near Turpan are one of Xinjiang’s most recognizable landmarks. Learn why they’re red, when to visit, and how to combine them with nearby Jiaohe Ruins.
Why the Kizil Caves Matter
Most foreign travelers who make it to Xinjiang head straight for Kashgar’s Old City or the alpine mirror of Kanas Lake
At 2,073 metres (6,801 ft) in the Bortala–Ili corridor, Sayram Lake (赛里木湖) is Xinjiang‘s largest alpine lake — and it doesn’t behave like any lowl…