Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region locates in Northwest China , in center of Asia- Europe mainland, area is more than 166 ten thousands square kilometers.
Xinjiang belongs to the continental climate, sunshine enough, rain little, annual rainfall is 150 mms, and the day in whole area difference in temperature is general at 12 above. Xinjiang total population is more than 1680 ten thousand people, among them national minority population is more than 1000 myriad people, is 62.1% of total population in whole area, including Uygur , Xan , Kazakhstan, Hui , Mongolia, Kirgiz , Tatar, Man, Russia etc.13 nationalities, the national minority believe in Islamism, one of compact communities where Chinese Muslim live in.
About Silk Road ------Fascinating History
Story of Silk Road is fascinating and full of military conquest, fearless explorers,religious pilgrims and great thinkers, along with the humble tradesmen who risked life and limb for profit as they led their loaded caravans across dangerous deserts, mountains and steppes.
Historical figures like Alexander the Great, Marco Polo, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane were all familiar with Silk Road which was established by 100DC. It lasted until 15th century when newly-discovered sea routes to Asia opened up.
Urumqi , also Urumchi or Wu- lu-mu-ch'i , city, northwestern China , is the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The city lies in a fertile oasis, about 900 m (about 3000 ft ) above sea level, located between 8637' - 8858' east longitude and 4245' - 4408' north latitude, deeply lies in the hinterland of continent, and in the middle--northern of Tianshan Range, the south edge of Zhunger Basins. Physical Features: mostly covered by mountains with west part featured as vast plain area.
Population: 1.5 million; Urban Population: 1.08 million.
Urumqi Heavenly Lake : China Xinjiang Heavenly Lake (also called Heavenly Pond) is located in  Fukang City of the Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture . It is in the east of Urumqi 110 kilometers away from Urumqi , with an area of 30 square kilometers. It has such tourist attractions as the Stone Gate, the Dragon Pool, Three Rocks topping the Sky, the Magic Needles, and the Suspended Springs and Waterfalls.
How to get Heavenly Lake : Buses leave from the north end of Renmin Park in Urumqi between 9am and 9.30am every day and return from the lake between 4pm and 4.30pm. The trip takes between 90 minutes and 4 hours, depending on the type of transport you take. Mininbuses are the most efficient. There are also private buses running from the Hongshan Hotel. The trip costs RMB25 for a same day return on the cheapest bus. The minibus is RMB50 one way and the private buses are RMB30 return. The views along the route are spectacular.
Climate: It can get very cold up here, so make sure you take enough warm clothing, especially if you plan to stay the night.
Nanshan Grasslands
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The Nanshan Grasslands  ( Baiyang gou ) are a natural paradise, with scenery and surroundings similar to that at Heaven's Lake .
This area, 75km south of Urumqi city is located at the base of the Tian Shan mountain range. This is great land for hiking with gushing valleys and waterfalls falling down the hillsides and the ginseng herb growing on the hillside. The Kasakh people like to spend their summers here and travlers can take a horseback tour with a Kasak guide, over the mountains and stay in a traditional yurt.
How to get Nanshan Grasslands: Transport to this area can be a problem. There are some buses from the north end of Renmin Park off Guangming Lu. |
Turpan sits at the very center of Xinjiang , a desert bastion at the foot of the " Heavenly Mountains ". This area is commonly known as the " Turpan Depression", 328ft . below sea level, the lowest and the hottest place in all of China . Turpan is most famous for its splendid grapes.
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Picture of Turpan Baizeklik Thousand Buddha Caves |
There are few cars here and donkey cart is the most common and popular mode of transport. The heat means that no one is in a real hurry to get anywhere and it is pleasant just to sit in the shade with a cool drink and watch the world go by.
Flaming Mountain
Kashgar (or Kashi ) is situated in the southwest of Xinjiang .The most striking thing about Kashgar is the Turkestan influence visible on the streets and in the homes here. This place feels, looks and even smells dramatically different from the rest of China , more so than any other city in Xinjiang .
Abakh Hoja Tomb |
The Tomb of Xiangfei is the most magnificent tomb in Kashgar , filled with history and symbolism. The tomb
is commonly known among Chinese as the Tomb of Xiangfei , a Qing Dynasty Uigur woman who was seized by the Qing and forced to marry the Qianlong Emperor. However, the tomb is actually the tomb of her grandfather Bakh Hoja and his family (including Xiangfei ). |
How to get Abakh Hoja Tomb: The Abakh Hoja Tomb is located five kilometers northeast of the city. It's best to go by bicycle (or taxi) as it would be a long walk otherwise. Open: 8:00am-5:30pm Cost: RMB9
Eid Kah Mosque |
The Eid Kah Emin also known as the Eid Kah Mosque ( Aitigaer Qingzhensi ) is  the largest mosque in China and the religious center of Kashgar .How to get Eid Kah Mosque: The Eid Kah Mosque is located on the Western side of the Eid Kah square, right in the center of Kashgar .
Open :Varying , subject to permission and prayer schedules.
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Xinjiang -Style Cuisine
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is inhabited by many ethnic groups, and Xinjiang -style food is characterized by Roast Meat, Stewed Mutton Cubes, Roast Dumplings, Rice Eaten with the Hands, Oily Pyramids, Nang (Pancake), Sanzi (Deep-Fried Dough Twists), Ququ (Boiled Dumplings), Roast Fish, Flour-Filled Lungs and Rice-Filled Sausages.
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