It seems that this part of the world is never lacking when it comes to bizarre news events, and the year 2012 proved to be no different. From burglarizing catfish to a chain-smoking chimp, Xinjiang – China’s largest province – gave us a healthy dose of laughs and double-takes.

When the original caravans blazed new trails through the Silk Road in Xinjiang, I doubt many experienced the adrenaline rush that a few new trailblazers are finding.

For those who love hiking, camping and everything having to do with the “great outdoors”, there is no better place than Xinjiang, China.

What is a yurt? Technically, a yurt is a portable housing structure constructed with a wooden frame and wool covering. For the majority of us, however, a yurt is something completely different. A yurt is an adventure.

For most people who travel to Xinjiang and around China, there are two concerns that direct how they plan their entire journey: time and money. There’s not much I can do about your time, but what if I could help you with some simple yet very effective ways to save you money?

I received an email from a lady a while back whose kids were going to travel through Kashgar. She had been there as a student back in the late 1970′s and later worked there in the 1980′s. She shared with me these pictures she took in Kashgar that I thought were absolutely fascinating.

Next time you squeeze that little packet of ketchup onto your greasy french fry for lunch, think of Xinjiang. There’s a high probability that the tomato used to produce that ketchup came from China’s largest, western province.

You’ve probably never heard of Mohe tobacco. Or Xinjiang Airlines. But this ad from a 1994 inflight magazine will make you laugh.

China is known for its bold initiatives to solve urgent problems. Whether it’s building a huge dam, diverting the Yangtze River, or erecting an incredibly long Wall to keep out invaders, it’s hard to determine whether it’s a sign of Chinese ingenuity or an elaborate attempt to impress the world. Their most recent project is no different.

A favorite destination among tourists and a symbol for infuriated activists, the Old City that has survived multiple centuries is now being demolished. In May of 2009 an article was published on FarWestChina debating the pros and cons of the destruction of Kashgar’s Old City, and an update on the situation is long overdue.