Blog

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.

Xibe culture in Xinjiang: how the 1764 westward migration built Qapqal’s archery halls, living Manchu script and festivals. A first-hand traveler’s guide.

Tajik culture in Xinjiang, from a photographer who kept returning to Tashkurgan: eagle dances, apricot villages, festivals, homestays and permit tips.

Kyrgyz culture in Xinjiang comes alive at Karakul Lake: yurt stays, Manas epic, felt crafts and horse games. An expedition guide shares 8 seasons of tips.

Kazakh culture in Xinjiang, explained by an Ili-born herder’s son: yurts, eagle hunters, kumis, horse games, and how to visit summer pastures respectfully.

Uyghur culture in Xinjiang lives through the Twelve Muqam, meshrep gatherings, dutar strings and bazaar daily life in this Kashgar writer’s honest guide.

Xinjiang tea culture runs from salty milk chay to compressed brick tea. Our on-the-ground guide shows where to drink, buy, and brew it across the region.

Vegetarian and vegan eating in Xinjiang: what is realistic in a lamb-heavy region, safe dishes to order, phrases that help and where to stock up.

Our Xinjiang pomegranate guide covers Hotan’s sweet Piyman fruit and paper-shell walnuts, with the best orchards, peak seasons, and where to buy them.

Xinjiang samsa are flaky tandoor-baked pastries stuffed with lamb, pumpkin or onion. Learn where to eat the best ones and the baked breads beyond naan.