Xinjiang's cities and Silk Road heritage are among its greatest attractions — from the modern capital Urumqi to the ancient oasis of Turpan. Here's more of the guide.
Urumqi is China's farthest city from the sea and Xinjiang's dynamic capital — a modern metropolis of museums, markets, and diverse cultures at the foot of the Tianshan.
Turpan is one of the Silk Road's most fascinating oases — the ancient ruins of Jiaohe and Gaochang, the Karez underground irrigation system, and the famous grapes of the region.
Xinjiang preserves remarkable Silk Road heritage — desert cities, Buddhist cave temples, and the trade routes that connected China with Central Asia. The region is a living museum of this history.
The bazaars of Xinjiang — from Kashgar's Sunday market to Urumqi's Grand Bazaar — are among the most atmospheric in Asia, selling carpets, spices, crafts, and dried fruits.
Beyond the cities, the Taklamakan Desert and the Tianshan mountains offer unforgettable landscapes — camel treks, alpine lakes, and the vastness of the far west.
Combine a few of the region's faces for the best experience — a city, an oasis, a desert, and a mountain. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons.