Aydingkol Lake: The Lowest Point in China
Aydingkol Lake Turpan sits 154 m below sea level, the lowest point in China. Field notes on reaching the salt flats, when to visit and how to stay safe.
-
-
Korla Travel Guide: The Capital of Southern Xinjiang
This Korla travel guide covers the Peacock River, Iron Gate Pass, Bosten Lake trips, pear season, hotels, food and trains for southern Xinjiang travel.
-
Xinjiang vs Tibet: Which Plateau Adventure Fits You
Xinjiang vs Tibet: I traveled both twice. Compare permits, altitude, costs, food and routes to pick the western China plateau trip that truly fits you.
-
Kanas Lake vs Jiuzhaigou: Two Alpine Lakes Compared
Kanas vs Jiuzhaigou compared: an honest look at Xinjiang’s remote alpine lake and Sichuan’s turquoise valley, so you can pick the right autumn lake trip.
-
North Xinjiang vs South Xinjiang: Which Should You Visit
North vs South Xinjiang compared by a planner who has done both loops twice: scenery, food, costs, seasons and two 8-day routes to help you pick right.
-
Xinjiang Ethnic Groups: A Quick Overview
Who are the Xinjiang ethnic groups? A traveler’s overview of Uyghur, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, Hui and Xibe communities, where to meet them and how to visit.
-
Xinjiang Islamic Architecture: Mosques and Mausoleums
Xinjiang Islamic architecture blends Central Asian, Persian and Chinese design in mosques and mausoleums. A guide to the top sites and how to visit them.
-
Xinjiang Folk Dance: From Dolan to Sanam
Xinjiang folk dance, from Dolan to Sanam: where travelers can watch Uyghur dance live, join a village meshrep, and the best seasons for visiting Xinjiang.
-
Xinjiang Handicrafts: Atlas Silk, Knives and Hats
A hands-on guide to Xinjiang handicrafts: how Atlas silk is dyed, Yingjisha knives forged and doppa hats made, plus where to watch and buy the real thing.
-
Xinjiang Muqam: UNESCO Intangible Heritage
Xinjiang Muqam is a UNESCO-listed suite of Uyghur song, poetry and dance. A performer explains its structure, instruments and where to hear it live today.
