Tour in Xinjiang
- Xinjiang is a Uygur Autonomous Region. It is the largest region in China,
covering one sixth of China's total. A great deal of it is desert and
mountain. But cities were founded on oasis growing vegetables and
delicious fruits. Its attractions are its people and scenery. Nationalities
living in Xinjiang love dancing, singing and playing their own unique
musical instruments. They are hospitable people. Visitors will be invited
to taste sweet grapes, melons and plums, drink tea, and join the lively
dancing.
Capital city, Urumqi, is 4000 km away from Beijing. The Beijing-Urumqi
express is China's longest train ride. Xinjiang Museum has a collection
of historical relics of the various nationalities living in the region.
Exhibits include Roman and Persian coins and other relics of the Silk
Road. At Bazaar, visitors can buy handicrafts, taste pancakes and shish-
kebabs.
Tianshan (Heaven Mountain) and Lake Tianchi (Heaven Lake) are 115 km from
Urumqi. The southern slope of Tianshan has plenty of sunshine and water to
make it a heaven with carpets of green grasses, bright wild flowers and
lovely sunshine. Imagine riding a handsome horse through the knee-deep
flowers and grasses! The Lake Tianchi is 5 square km and 100 meters deep.
About 65 km south of Urumqi is the Nanshan Pasture. There are mountains,
valleys, fountains, waterfalls, cypress and pine trees. It can be a new,
exciting experience riding horses and climbing mountains in fresh
air in daytime, and staying in a yurt while eating barbecued mutton in
the evening.
The Silk Road extended 7000 km long from Xi'an to Irag and Syria from
138 B. C. until the 14th century. It declined because sea-going ships
were able to trade more efficiently. Along the routes, silk, tea,