Hami: The Melon City at the Eastern Gate
Hami city Xinjiang is the eastern gate where Gobi melon fields meet Barkol’s grassland. A practical 3-day guide to trains, the Yadan, and the melon here.
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Karakul and the Kyrgyz Yurts on the Pamir Highway
Sleep in a Kyrgyz yurt beside Karakul Pamir Xinjiang at 3,600 m. Honest overnight guide to the drive, permits, family camps, camp food and what to pack.
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Kalasu and the Manas River Wetland: Kenswat Blue Lake near Shihezi
Kalasu Xinjiang sits on the upper Manas River; below, the Manas wetland and Kenswat Blue Lake offer top birdwatching and S101 stops in northern Xinjiang.
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Taitema Lake: The Reborn Sea at the End of the Tarim River
Taitema Lake, Xinjiang: how the Tarim River’s dry terminus filled with water again, plus how to reach this free desert lake from Ruoqiang on the G218.
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Wensu County: The Walnut County North of Kashgar
Wensu County Xinjiang is China’s walnut county northeast of Kashgar. Our first-hand guide covers the Kekeya groves, the harvest season and travel tips.
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Taghraq and Karaterek: Two Quiet Oasis Stops West of Kashgar
Taghraq and Karaterek are two quiet oasis villages west of Kashgar on the G314 corridor. Read our first-hand account of the visit, plus practical tips.
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Shache (Yarkand): Jade, Almonds and the Yarkand Khan’s Mausoleum
Shache Yarkand Xinjiang travel guide: visit the Yarkand Khan Mausoleum, walk the spring badam orchards, and learn how river jade still trades here today.
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Karakol Lake: A Quick Day Stop Above Kashgar
Karakol Lake Xinjiang is a 3,600 m Pamir lake 196 km above Kashgar. Our day-trip guide covers the drive time, gate fees, altitude, and the best timing.
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Wujiaqu and Shihezi: Two XPCC Cities Between Urumqi and the Jungar
Wujiaqu and Shihezi are two XPCC cities north of Urumqi. This guide explains the Bingtuan system, transport links, and what to see during a short stop.
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Mazar Tagh: The Red-and-White Ridge Deep Inside the Taklamakan
Mazar Tagh is a red-and-white ridge 180 km inside the Taklamakan, crowned by a Tang garrison. What you can see, when the river runs, and how to get there.
