Xinjiang chartered travel: 0991-8585456 1813962-2229 (same as WeChat)
The Ultimate Xinjiang Travel Guide: Recommended Attractions
1. Turpan
Turpan is located in the central part of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, meaning "a place of abundance and richness". It is famous for its fruits, especially grapes. Various high-quality grapes are grown in the scenic Grape Valley. Turpan’s natural landscapes are magical and unique, featuring the famous Flaming Mountains, the magnificent Tuyu Valley, the vast and spectacular Kumtag Desert, the world’s second-lowest point, Aiding Lake, the mysterious Toksun Yadan scenic area, and more, all created by nature’s own ingenuity. Turpan has a long history and was once a place where Eastern and Western cultures and religions intertwined and fused. Within its borders are historical and cultural sites such as Jiaohe Ancient City and Gaochang Ancient City.
2. Tianshan Tianchi Lake
Located halfway up the mountain at the foot of Mount Bogda in Fukang County, Xinjiang, it is 110 kilometers east of Urumqi and stands at an altitude of 1980 meters. It is a natural alpine lake. The lake surface resembles a half-moon shape, stretching 3400 meters in length and approximately 1500 meters at its widest point, covering an area of 4.9 square kilometers with a maximum depth of about 105 meters. The lake water is clear and as crystal-clear as jade. It is surrounded by mountains, lush green grass, and colorful wildflowers. It has the reputation of being the "Bright Pearl of Tianshan Mountain". Tall and straight, verdant spruce and cedar trees cover the entire mountain range, blocking out the sun and sky.
3. Kanas
Kanas is located in northern Xinjiang, within the territory of Burqin County, and is a famous scenic area. The famous Kanas Natural Scenic Area is located within the territory of Burqin County, 150 kilometers away from the county seat, with a total area of 5,588 square kilometers. It is a comprehensive scenic area integrating glaciers, lakes, forests, grasslands, pastures, rivers, ethnic customs, and rare animals and plants. When you arrive in Kanas, you can enjoy the scenery there to your heart’s content. The main attractions include Kanas Lake, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay, Shennu Lake, Shuanghu Lake, Friendship Peak, Qianhu Lake, Birch Forest, ethnic villages, the thousand-mile deadwood dike, the miracle of the color-changing lake, sea of clouds and Buddha’s light, etc.
4. Kashgar
Kashgar, full name “Kashgar”, is bordered by the Taklamakan Desert to the east, the Karakoram Mountains to the south, neighboring the Ali Prefecture of Tibet, and the Pamir Plateau to the west. Kashgar is known as the “Pearl of the Silk Road”. Kashgar has spectacular scenery, including the Pamir Plateau, known as the roof of the world, the winding Yarkant River, the perennially gleaming Muztagh Ata Glacier, the world’s second highest peak, K2, the high-altitude lake Karakul Lake, and the Taklamakan Desert. Kashgar has many cultural relics and historic sites.
III. Food Recommendations
When talking about Xinjiang cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is usually Dapanji. Although so-called “Xinjiang Dapanji” can be found everywhere now, the truly delicious Dapanji can only be found in Xinjiang. The most authentic Dapanji in Xinjiang is made with local free-range roosters, potatoes, green peppers, and red mountain peppers. It has a fresh and spicy taste and is very satisfying to eat.
Dapanji (large plate chicken) can be found everywhere in Xinjiang. However, the price is not cheap. Depending on the type and portion of chicken, the price ranges from 40 to 120 yuan per serving.
The reason why Xinjiang grilled meat tastes good is firstly because the meat is fresh, secondly because the spices are authentic, and thirdly because the cooking method is particular. When threading the meat, fat and lean are interspersed so that the delicious meat juice from the fat can seep into the lean meat during grilling. So if you usually love grilled skewers, don’t miss this opportunity to taste authentic grilled mutton skewers.
Grilled mutton skewers can be seen everywhere in Xinjiang, but you need to search for yourself to find a good grilling stand. If you are diligent enough, you can find inexpensive and delicious grilled meat. The price of grilled meat varies in different regions, usually ranging from 3 to 10 yuan per skewer.
Xinjiang people can go a day without vegetables, but not without nang. This baked flour bread, somewhat similar to sesame seed cakes, is the most everyday food for Xinjiang people.
There are many varieties of nang, with different shapes, sizes, and flavors. Some are crispy, while others are soft, and all are fragrant and tasty. If fresh mutton is added to the flour, it becomes meat nang.
Due to its low water content, nang can be stored for a long period of time. Plus, it is inexpensive and easy to carry, making it an ideal dry ration for travel. If you need to drive for a long time on a road with few people, you might as well prepare some.
Xinjiang chartered travel: 0991-8585456 1813962-2229 (same as WeChat)