Driving the G216 Through the Junggar: Altay to Urumqi the Back Way
Driving the G216 Xinjiang the quiet back way: our Altay-to-Urumqi route across the Junggar Basin, with wild horses, desert fuel tips and a 2-day plan.
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Uyghur Literature and Poetry for Travellers
Uyghur literature isn’t locked away in a library. From Kashgar bookstalls to muqam lyrics, here’s how travellers can meet Xinjiang’s poetry and poets.
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Xinjiang Mazars: The Shrine Landscape of the Southern Oases
Xinjiang mazar shrines are the tomb-shrines of the southern Tarim oases. Learn what they are, when the festivals happen, and how to visit respectfully.
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Borsak and Fried Dough: The Sweet Side of a Kazakh Table
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.
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Xinjiang Mosque Architecture: Reading the Domes, Iwans and Minarets
Xinjiang mosque architecture is a readable language of domes, iwans and minarets. Learn the vocabulary and read Kashgar and Turpan mosques on your visit.
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Running and Marathons in Xinjiang: Races Worth Planning Around
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.
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Xinjiang Chili, Tomato and Pepper: The Crops Behind the Colour
Xinjiang chili, tomato and pepper define the regions red industry. How to see the Changji tomato harvest and Yanqi chili drying without trespassing.
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The Han Great Wall in Xinjiang: Beacon Towers Along the Silk Road
The Han Great Wall in Xinjiang is real rammed-earth frontier, not legend. Find the best wall segments near Hami and Barkol, plus how to reach them by car.
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Mi Changzi and Mian Feizi: Xinjiang’s Offal Street Classics
Mi changzi and mian feizi are Xinjiang’s offal street classics. Find where to eat them in Urumqi, Kashgar and Yining, and how to order with confidence.
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Hostels and Budget Beds in Xinjiang: Where They Actually Exist
Xinjiang hostels are rare outside Urumqi, Kashgar and Yining. Here is where to find real budget beds in 2026 and what they cost, plus real alternatives.
