Xinjiang region has long been shrouded in legend and mystery, but a journey here is an invitation to explore landscapes unlike anywhere else on the Chinese mainland.
My first trip dates back to 2005, when the adventure began aboard a rickety green train from Guangzhou. After a 22-hour ride to Xi’an and a brief stop, we boarded another carriage for a 25-hour trek into the heart of Xinjiang. Through the window, dry steppes stretched out for miles, broken only by tumbleweed and, surprisingly, vast fields of wind turbines harnessing the desert wind.
For my father, a seasoned mariner, it was his first time so far from the ocean. As our route curved toward Urumqi, snowcapped peaks rose on the horizon, framing the city in a breathtaking way that no photograph can truly capture.
Today, high-speed trains and regular flights have made Xinjiang more accessible, yet the journey still demands a day from the east coast by rail or just a few hours by air. There are no travel restrictions; anyone with legal entry to the Chinese mainland can venture here, explore freely, and leave as they please.
From the whirling blades of wind farms to the silent sweep of desert dunes and the jagged outlines of distant mountains, Xinjiang region offers a tapestry of environments that beckon travelers in search of authenticity and adventure. Whether cycling along historic Silk Road routes or sampling local cuisine in Urumqi’s vibrant bazaars, every moment here feels like stepping into a living postcard.
Planning your trip? Embrace the unexpected. Pack for dramatic temperature swings, learn a few phrases in local languages, and keep your camera ready. Xinjiang’s remoteness may be its greatest challenge, but it’s also what makes this region on the Chinese mainland a must-see for modern explorers.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
