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.
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Urumqi to Kashgar by Train: What 1,453 Kilometres Actually Involves in 2026
Urumqi to Kashgar train guide: the 11.5-hour direct sleeper, the slower daytime trains, the 2026 track works and what each stretch of the line looks like.
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Bayanbulak Swan Count in February: What the Winter Census Really Finds
Bayanbulak swan count in February is a winter census, not a migration: what the numbers show, how to reach the frozen wetland, and what to expect there.
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Yengisar Hand-Painted Craft: Stone Glazes, Plant Dyes and Painted Handles
Yengisar hand-painted craft: stone-ground pottery glazes, boiled plant dyes and painted knife handles, with workshop visits and a Kashgar day-trip plan.
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Korla Fragrant Pear Harvest: Inside Xinjiang’s September Picking Season
Korla fragrant pear guide: Xinjiang’s famous aromatic pear and the September harvest, with where to try it, buy it and see the orchards near Korla nearby.
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Bayi Reservoir, Xinjiang: A Working Dam North of Urumqi, Not a Scenic Lake
Bayi Reservoir in Wujiaqu, Xinjiang is a working irrigation dam with a dramatic past, not a scenic lake. Here is what to expect, and where to go instead.
