Along the Karakoram Highway which begins in Kashgar and leads to the town of Tashkurgan on the China-Pakistan border, there is a small lake surrounded by the gorgeous Pamir mountain peaks. It’s very difficult to capture the beauty of Karakul Lake within the frame of a single photo and I wish I could say I have done so here.

I came across this cool scene on a small street in the Old City of Kashgar. Among the endless stands and stores selling all sorts of Uyghur antique souvenirs a man and his son patiently chipped away at pieces of wood. The young boy, no older than thirteen years old, used a large axe to break apart the logs while his father…

So the title of this picture is a bit misleading, I admit. Xinjiang music is very diverse and incredibly fascinating, however my knowledge and understanding of it is still quite limited. Even so, while traveling to a desert oasis in Xinjiang a couple months ago I came upon a merchant trying to sell his display of Xinjiang-related books and CDs. I’m no expert, but something just didn’t look right…

If you ever find yourself entering or exiting Urumqi by either train or bus you’re bound to see the following scene – hundreds of white wind turbines dotting the landscape, somehow harnessing vast amounts of energy to be used by the nearby capital. It really is a cool sight, especially with…

Right now colorful stands have been set up in the local Xinjiang markets selling all different kinds of nuts and raisins. The numerous varieties create a palette of colors and tastes that will appease any appetite. Most vendors don’t mind if you sample before you buy – in fact, you’ll probably find them munching on their own goods.

Lest those of you living outside of Xinjiang forget, this province is not just one big, barren desert. The locals here all know it, which is why you’ll find more outdoor stores in Urumqi than KFC’s, China’s biggest fast food chain. Tis the season for hiking and camping and I can’t wait to be a part of it. This picture was taken by a friend on their camping trip into the mountains 3 weeks ago.

This picture was taken less than 2 kilometers from my home in an area that my wife and I have begun to picnic now that it’s getting warmer. This is just one example of just how small our city is, and just how lifeless it is the moment you step outside the city limit. Oddly, I love it.

The south side of Urumqi (a.k.a. Wulumuqi or 乌鲁木齐) has a much different flavor than the north. Down here you’ll find the mosque, markets, and this – the International Bazaar. It’s a must-see for any person who can’t see any other part of Xinjiang besides its capital. Here you’ll be able to buy rugs, knives, instruments, hats…you name it. You’ll probably get ripped off, but that’s beside the point.

Aside from their food, the most distinctive cultural symbol for the Uyghurs here in Xinjiang is their traditional dance. For many years now Uyghur dance troupes have traveled all over the world showing off three very important parts of their heritage: costume, music, and movement. On their own each of these display a beauty unique to the Uyghur people while together it creates an absolutely fascinating display of local customs.

This cemetery, located in the north western portion of Kashgar, is one of the biggest Uyghur cemeteries in Xinjiang. Up until recently people were still being buried in these mud and brick built graves beside the Abah Khojah Mausoleum. The markings on these graves are not as ornate as those on a Chinese grave but the designs are much more unique and visually pleasing.