Nothing quite compares to winter in Xinjiang. Because of the province’s sheer size, describing this season of the year with one blanket statement is nearly impossible. Pictures are the only thing that do Xinjiang’s winter justice.

If you have unlimited time – if you already know Xinjiang – if you really love adventure travel – then you can probably skip exploring the region with a tour.

Most people associate the Uyghur oven with flat bread, that wonderful food that the Uyghur are appropriately known for. However, these ovens are used to cook so much more, including lamb and the samsa you see above.

One of the most asked questions I receive from travelers who will be heading to Xinjiang this next travel season has to do with homestays. Is it possible to do a Uyghur homestay in Xinjiang?

A look back at 2010, including the biggest news events in Xinjiang and the most popular articles published on FarWestChina.

What do you have to show for your time in China? Personally I came back home with way too many pictures, some fake name-brand clothing and a couple “token” souvenirs like a fan, an ink painting or a deck of Mao Zedong playing cards (was that just me??). There is, however, one thing I think everybody leaves China with…

This week I’m continuing my Top 5 series on Xinjiang travel with a new guest, Glen Russell. Today Glen shares with us some of his memories of Xinjiang and a few beautiful photos you don’t want to miss!

In light of all the many riots, “terrorist” threats and deaths that have occurred over the past couple years in Xinjiang, it stands to reason that many travelers might think twice before making their planned journey out to China’s west.

Maybe you already knew that Xinjiang is the “largest region” in China or that Urumqi is known in the Guinness Book of World Records as the farthest city from any major sea.  Or perhaps you have no clue where to find Xinjiang or Urumqi on a map.  The fact that you’re reading this indicates that you must have some curiosity about Xinjiang.

So just for fun I’ve compiled a list of 5 things that I think the average person – even one who lives in Xinjiang – probably doesn’t know about …

In what may go down as one of our most adventurous and spontaneous trips we’ve taken here in Xinjiang, my wife and I just spent last weekend on our new motorcycle exploring…nothing.