Author: karl

A field guide to Xinjiang insects, ticks and UV: where each nuisance bites, what to pack, and what to do after — drawn from a dozen summers on the ground.

Xinjiang farm stays and fruit picking: agritourism in the oases, with where to go, what to pick by season and how to book a stay on a local farm with ease.

A practical guide to Urumqi airport layovers: who can leave the terminal, Metro Line 1 vs taxi, and hour-by-hour plans for 3, 6 and 10-hour connections.

A first-hand look at the Tuva people of Kanas and Hemu in the Chinese Altai: language, log cabins, herding life, beliefs, and how to visit respectfully.

Plan the Yizhao Highway (S237) from Yining to Zhaosu — a 122 km seasonal road across the Wusun Mountains with opening dates, Baishi Peak, driving tips.

Meet Xinjiang’s Uzbeks — the Silk Road traders behind Kashgar, Yining and Urumqi bazaars. A first-hand guide to where they live, trade and eat.

Plan around Xinjiang sandstorm season with this forecast guide: warning colours, PM10 levels, flight delays, safe spring routes and Tarim Basin timing.

Drive the G219 southern Xinjiang section from Yecheng to Hotan along the Kunlun: passes, permits, fuel and altitude tips for China’s wildest border road.

Borsak in Xinjiang is the sweet golden fried dough of the Kazakh table, eaten with milk tea at Ili yurt homestays. A traveler’s guide to where to try it.

A runner’s guide to a Xinjiang marathon: the Sayram Lake and Kanas races, with altitude, weather, transport and where to stay before race day in 2026.