Places to visit
1. Turpan (Turfan) is the lowest -505 feet [154 meters] and hottest place in China (121°F [49°C]) with ancient aquifers providing the water supply via long, subterranean channels to keep the oasis green. Moonlight Lake (Aydingkol) is a salt lake at the center of the depression. West of Turpan is the famous Flaming Mountains which can reach an unbearable 176°F [80°C] in summer.
2. The Taklamakan Desert is free of vegetation and a real desert and it remains a perilous region to cross. Ancient cities have been engulfed by the sands over the centuries, as at Niya. The southern area is part of the Tibetan plateau and borders Tibet and is the bleakest region.
3. The Kunlun Mountains that form the southern border of Xinjiang are famous as the source of jade which has been mined there for thousands of years. Kunlun is the reputed home to the legendary Queen Mother of the West. The second highest mountain after Everest K2 or Chogori (28,251 feet [8,611 meters] high) is on the Pakistan border with Xinjiang.
4. The ancient Silk Road trading post at GaoChang has impressive gate-towers and many archaeological remains.
5. Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang is an important transport hub inhabited mainly by Han Chinese. It has a large museum covering finds from the whole province. The Southern Pastures scenic spot is located nearby. Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) east of Urumqi is a beautiful lake hidden in the Tianshan Mountains which manages to trap a little elusive moisture. The ‘Iron Tile’ Temple of ‘Temple of Happiness and Longevity’ was built by Qing Emperor Qianlong on the nearby mountain. Further west at Kashgar there is a stronger Uigur influence evidenced by the Arabic style grand Id Kah Mosque. The Aba Khoja mausoleum is one of the best examples of Islamic architecture; while the Kizil Caves house many fine Buddhist sculptures.
6. In the far north west of Xinjiang there is the scenic tranquility of Sailimu/Sayram Lake. Yining (or Gulja) was once the capital of the Khanate of Chaghatati who was one of Genghis Khan’s four sons (another grandson Kublai Khan ruled China).