Must See Places in Xinjiang: From Ancient Sites to Natural Wonders

Introduction

Xinjiang is an autonomous region in China, located in the far northwest of the country. It is a vast region of deserts, mountains, and grasslands, and it has a very diverse cultural and historical heritage. It has been home to many different ethnic groups throughout its history, and is currently home to over 12 million people, making it one of the most populated regions in China. It is also one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, as it has a wealth of incredible sights and experiences to offer. From ancient sites to natural wonders, here are some of the must-see places in Xinjiang.

Kashgar’s Old Town

Kashgar is an ancient city in Xinjiang, and its old town is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. The old town is a maze of narrow, winding streets, and it is filled with traditional mud-brick houses and mosques. It is a great place to explore, and it’s full of interesting shops and restaurants. There are also several historic sites, including the Id Kah Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and the Tomb of Abakh Hoja.

Karakoram Highway

The Karakoram Highway is one of the world’s most spectacular roads, stretching from Kashgar to Islamabad, Pakistan. It is a winding mountain road, with stunning views of the Karakoram mountain range. It is one of the highest roads in the world, and it is an incredible experience to drive along it. There are plenty of places to stop along the way, including glaciers, hot springs, and alpine lakes.

Heavenly Lake

Heavenly Lake is a stunning alpine lake located in the Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang. It is a popular tourist destination, and it is known for its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is a great place for hiking, camping, and photography, and it is also home to a variety of wildlife, including wild horses and yaks.

Turpan

Turpan is an oasis city in Xinjiang, located in the Turpan Basin. It is known for its scorching temperatures, and its picturesque scenery. It is home to a number of ancient sites, including the ruins of the ancient city of Jiaohe, and the ancient Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. It is also home to a number of interesting museums, including the Turpan Museum and the Xinjiang Regional Museum.

Urumqi

Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang, and it is one of the fastest-growing cities in China. It is a modern city, with a vibrant nightlife, and plenty of shopping and dining options. It is also home to a number of interesting sights, including the Grand Bazaar, the Xinjiang Regional Museum, and the Urumqi International Grand Bazaar.

Heavenly Mountains

The Heavenly Mountains are a stunning mountain range located in southern Xinjiang. The range is home to a variety of different landscapes, including deep valleys, high peaks, and snow-capped mountains. It is a great place for hiking, camping, and photography, and there are plenty of stunning views to be enjoyed.

Kanas Lake

Kanas Lake is a stunning alpine lake located in the Altay Mountains of Xinjiang. It is known for its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is a great place for camping and photography, and it is home to a variety of wildlife, including wild horses, yaks, and marmots.

Taklamakan Desert

The Taklamakan Desert is one of the world’s largest deserts, stretching over 500 miles across northern Xinjiang. It is a vast landscape of sand dunes, salt flats, and barren mountains. It is an incredible experience to explore the desert, and there are a number of oases and ancient sites to be discovered.

Kumtag Desert

The Kumtag Desert is located in southern Xinjiang, and it is one of the most beautiful deserts in the world. It is a great place for camping and photography, and it is home to a number of interesting sights, including the Singing Sands, the Silk Road ruins, and the ancient walled city of Gaochang.

Tianshan Grand Canyon

The Tianshan Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Xinjiang. The canyon is a stunning landscape of jagged peaks and deep valleys, and it is a great place for hiking and climbing. There are also a number of interesting cave formations to be explored, and it is a great place for photography.

Kashgar Sunday Market

The Kashgar Sunday Market is one of the largest markets in the world, and it is a great place to experience the culture and atmosphere of Xinjiang. It is a bustling market, filled with colorful stalls, selling a variety of traditional items, from spices and fabrics to carpets and jewelry. It is a great place to explore, and it is also home to a number of interesting shops and restaurants.

Summary

Xinjiang is an incredible region, with a wealth of incredible sights and experiences to offer. From ancient sites to natural wonders, there are plenty of must-see places in Xinjiang. Whether you’re interested in exploring the old town of Kashgar, driving along the Karakoram Highway, or admiring the stunning scenery of the Heavenly Mountains, there is something for everyone in Xinjiang.