Xinjiang, as another minority autonomous region in China, is a place dwelled by Uygur people. Xinjiang is a wonderful place with rich fruits and passional Uygur minority. TopChinaTravel would like to introduce some of the Best Places to visit in Xinjiang, to help you find your way to get close touch with the unique minority culture. Where to visit in Xinjiang? Travel with us, we would like to be your guide and accompany with you to find out why “Xinjiang is a wonderful place”!.
Tianchi Lake, Urumqi
Tianchi Lake or Heavenly Lake is a lake with water from melted snow around. As a natural alpine lake, it has an elevation of 1,980 meters. With limpid water, the lake shines like a sapphire under the sun and is surrounded by green mountains. At the southeast end of the lake is the magnificent Bogda Peak, meaning “Sacred Mountain” in the Mongolian language
Tianchi literally means ' Heaven Lake ' or ' Heavenly Lake ' (in Mandarin Chinese) and can refer to several lakes in China and Taiwan.) Formerly known as Yaochi (Jade Lake), it was named Tianchi by Mingliang in 1783, the Qing Dynasty Commander of
Urumqi Command.
Southern Pasture, Urumqi
With lots of natural grasslands to boost Animal husbandry, travelers can get a glimpse of it by visiting Southern Pasture which is located 75km South of Urumqi, at the northern foot of Karawuquntag Mountain, a spur of the Tianshan Mountains.
Among the mountains, White Willow Ditch is a unique and graceful peak, snow-capped all year round. In the pasture, you can appreciate a beautiful picture of steep mountains, luxuriant grassland, herds of sheep and cattle, and can ride horses, running through the valleys, or walk through the woods to pick mushrooms.
Erdaoaqiao Grand Bazaar, Urumqi
Bazaar means a fair or a market in Xinjiang area. And the most famous bazaar will be
Erdaoqiao Bazaar in the center of Urumqi. Began to serve as a market since 130 years ago in the late Qing Dynasty, Erdaoqiao Bazaar has attracted countless customers from all over central Aisa.
Renovated in 2002 by Urumqi municipal governemt, Erdaoqiao now has become a shopping street in 1.2km long, mainly consisted of Xinjiang Ethnic Prodect Street and Xinjiang International Bazaar
Jiaohe Ancient City, Turpan
Although it is called ancient city, now it is named as the ruins of Jiaohe City will be more suitable.
Jiaohe Ancient City stands isolated on a 30-meter-high plateau in the Ya'ernaizi Valley, 10 kilometers east of Turpan.
The remains of the ancient city represent the architecture after Tang Dynasty. Tourists can clearly identifu which were people’s houses, government offices, and temples, and discover the vestiges of househoukld kitchens under the guidance of tourist guides.
Grape Valley, Turpan
Xinjiang grapes enjoy the international fame for decades of years. And the hometown of Xinjiang grapes is the
Grape Valley in
Turpan. Grape Valley is a valley nestling on the western slopes of the Flaming Mountain,
Tourists can take a donkey pulled tented cart to visit the 10-li-long Grape Valley. And also you can pick grapes there and enjoy the local minority songs and dances. It’s a great relief to recline in the shade of the green leaves and delight in the fresh juicy fruit, appreciating the coolness after the heat outside.
Flaming Mountain, Turpan
Situated in the middle of the Turpan Basin, the
Flaming Mountain is called Kiziltag by the local people which means “Red Mountain”. Flaming Mountains are so named because in the evenings the red clay mountains reflect the heat and glow of the desert and seem to burn. Under the blazing sun, the red rock glows and hot air curls up like smoke as though it were on fire, hence its name.
In the severe heat of July, the Flaming Mountains seem to be on fire in the burning sun and become a purplish-brown color. Hot steam rises upwards from the burning cliffs and it is no surprise that this is where the hottest temperatures in China ever, were recorded.
Apak Hoja Tomb, Karshgar
Apak Hoja Tomb is located at Ezret Village 5 km northeast of Kashgar. Built in 1640, this tomb is the largest Islamic mausoleum in China. The host of this tomb - Apak Hoka – was the king of Hoja State of
Kashgar.
And also, another legend of this tomb has been widely spread. The legend goes that a lady called Yiparhan, Hoja's descendants, was once a concubine of Qianlong Emperor in Qing Dynasty. She was commonly-known as the “Fragrant Concubine” because of the rich delicate fragrance of flower sent forth by her body. After she died, her remains were escorted back to Kashgar and were buried in the Apak Hoja Tomb.
Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar
The
Id Kah Mosque is the largest mosque in China. The mosque was built by Saqsiz Mirza in 1442 (although it incorporated older structures dating back to 996) and covers 16,800 square meters. At midday on Fridays around 10,000 people will gather to pray and study the Koran, and prayer 5 times/day on other days.
You'll be asked to remove your shoes before entering the Main Hall of the Id Kah Mosque, which has traditional Islamic pillars, carvings and rugs strewn over the floors. Women are advised to cover upper arms and legs. A scarf is not compulsory, but is seen as a mark of respect.
Karakul Lake, Kashgar
Karakul Lake is located approximately 200km from
Kashgar. At an altitude of 3,600m, it is the highest lake of the Pamir Plateau, near the junction of the Pamir Mountains, Tianshan and Kunlunshan mountain ranges.
Karakul means "black lake" and it is indeed looks black when the sun is hidden by clouds. It's the highest lake in the world excluding those in
Tibet and even Titicaca Lake - the biggest alpine lake in the world is located on lower altitudes.
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