Author: karl

Fuhai County in northern Xinjiang is a working fishing town on Ulungur Lake, with a sand beach, a bird island and some of the region’s freshest catch.

Jimunai County sits on Xinjiang’s Altai edge by Kazakhstan. Plan a visit around the closed Mussard Glacier, Sarwulan village, and Saur winter camel treks.

Burqin County travel guide: the gateway town to Kanas, when to see Colourful Beach, where to eat river fish, and how to plan your nights.

Habahe County travel guide: how to reach Baihaba village and White Sand Lake, the best months to go, where to stay, and the border permit you need.

Jinghe County is the rail and road hinge of northern Xinjiang, where the Second Eurasia Land Bridge meets the Yili Khorgas railway and the goji grows red.

Xinyuan County sits below Nalati in the Ili valley — a working Kazakh farming town of wild-apricot slopes, river fish and the gateway to the Duku Highway.

Nilka County’s Kash River Valley and the Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery: a free, drive-yourself meadow road following Xinjiang’s greenest river, no gate fee.

Gongliu County is the gateway town to Kuerdening and Qiaxi in Xinjiang’s Ili valley. Where to sleep, eat, and fuel up before your valley drives each day.

Ruoqiang County is China’s largest county, where the Taklamakan Desert meets the Altun Mountains. Plan transport, timing, and visits to Miran and Loulan.

Hejing County sits above Bayinbulak and straddles the Tianshan — one of Xinjiang’s largest counties, rich in Torgut Mongol heritage, rivers and steppe.