Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is one of China’s most unique and beautiful provinces, a multiethnic region of various landscapes, cultures, arts and customs. Located in northwest China, it is the largest among its provinces, covering one-sixth of its territory. Throughout history, the geographic position of Xinjiang has made it an important and strategic region. In the past, this region served as an important section of the famous Silk Road. Nowadays, it contains parts of the railway that connects China to continental Eurasia. Xinjiang is the home of over 25 million people, and its capital city is Ürümqi. It also shares borders with eight different countries (Russia, Kazakhstan, Kirghiziastan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Mongolia, India and Afghanistan).
The Altai Mountain marks the northern parts of Xinjian, and Kunlun Mountain marks its southern parts. Its famous Tianshan Mountains lay along the middle of the region, dividing it into two parts: The Jungar Basin and the Tarim Basin, the largest of its kind in China. In the center of Tarim Basin stretches the famous Taklimakan Desert, the largest mobile desert in China and the second-largest in the world. And, in the east part of Xinjiang, the Turpan Basin consists of the lowest place in China (-154m).
Xinjiang is abundant with natural and cultural resources. Some of its notable tourist attractions are Tianchi Lake, Kanas Lake, Bosten Lake and Bayanbulak Grassland. Its outstanding landscapes vary from snow-capped wild mountain to hot vast desserts, from flowing rivers to hidden oases. Xinjiang is also unique in its rich cultural resources. It comprises over 5,000km of the ancient Silk Road, with hundreds of famous cultural sights, including the ancient cities of Jiaohe, Gaochang, and Loulan, the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Grotto, and the Xiangfei Tomb.
“Beautiful Xinjiang” project includes photos and videos showing Xinjiangs landscape and culture, as well as main historical sites and cities. Here’s what Xinjiang has to offer:
