Blog

Xinjiang in winter: skiing near Urumqi, snow villages in Altay, how cold it really gets, which sites stay open and why low season has real advantages.

Why Xinjiang in winter is worth it: frozen lakes, snowbound Kazakh villages, empty Silk Road sites, plus honest advice on cold, clothing and access.

Xinjiang kebab guide: how chuanr is really grilled, lamb cuts and cumin, price per skewer, night market etiquette and where to find the best grills.

Laghman is Xinjiang’s hand-pulled noodle dish. The main varieties, how the dough is stretched, what to order, prices and where the best bowls are.

Xinjiang naan comes in dozens of forms, from sesame rings to thick oil naan. How it is baked in a tonur, what each type tastes like, and fair prices.

Halal food in Xinjiang for Muslim travellers: identifying halal restaurants, prayer facilities, Ramadan practicalities and dishes worth ordering.

Kashgar to Islamabad on the Karakoram Highway: the Chinese section stage by stage, Khunjerab Pass rules, permits, seasons and crossing to Pakistan.

Navruz in Xinjiang marks the spring new year. When it falls, where celebrations happen, the food cooked for it, and etiquette for visiting travellers.

Khorgos border crossing links China and Kazakhstan. Opening hours, how the duty-free zone works, transport from Yining and what the crossing is like.