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.

People here in Xinjiang, and for all I know possibly throughout the whole of China, seem to take their kite flying seriously. It’s really quite a spectacle that is made possible by the reliably windy weather marking the transition from winter to spring. About three or four weeks ago vendors started setting up kite stands all along the road displaying the different colors and shapes…

Mention the name “Xinjiang” and most people who know their Chinese geography picture vast deserts crossed by dirty looking camels and a beating sun.  It’s a nostalgic picture that was made popular by the famous Silk Road but it’s a stereotype Xinjiang can’t seem to shake. The truth is that these immense deserts are locked in by incredible mountain ranges and watered by a multitude of lakes and rivers. Some of these lakes provide the most breathtaking scenery that Xinjiang has to offer.

This final reason to live or travel in Xinjiang is by far my favorite. Of course, some days it is also what I hate about Xinjiang…depends on my mood that day. It can be thrilling and depressing. Exciting and utterly boring. Encouraging as well as discouraging. Learning to survive in a place like Xinjiang is not only an adventure, it’s a necessity.

Sometimes this foreigner excitement leads to the annoying stares, unending questions, or greetings yelled from a mile away, but for the most part it just makes us feel special. It’s a taste of celebrity without the burden of keeping up appearances.

It would be useless to try to explain natural beauty with words, so I’ll just post a few pictures for you to enjoy. Just so you know, each one of these pictures you see below was taken by us using our inexpensive digital camera. Neither my wife or I are great photographers, but it’s difficult to mess up places which are inherently so beautiful.

*This post is part 4 in a series of posts entitled “Why It’s Good to Live in (and Travel to) Xinjiang”.  If you haven’t already, it might be a good idea to read over The Intro, Reason #1, and Reason #2 before continuing.*
Is Obscurity Interesting?
Obscurity, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary, is something that is “not readily understood” or “relatively unknown“, but just because something is obscure doesn’t mean it is interesting.  Burkina Faso is an obscure country, but that in itself is not enough of a reason to make …

Without a doubt, one of the most memorable parts of visiting Xinjiang is its food. It’s not just that it’s different, because every province has its own “special” foods. What makes Xinjiang food unique is that it represents flavors and tastes from all over the world.