Xin Jiang route 08

Focus

Discover nature's magical creations, historical sites and ruins on the ancient, mysterious Silk Road, and
the colorful cultures of several ethnic minority groups, along a journey to the Xin Jiang Uygur
Autonomous Region in China.

Description

Xinjiang is the largest province in China. It offers spectacular geographical wonders that differ from
any other regions of the country. Xinjiang's unique topography and climate present a broad range of
unique landscapes, from the cool alpine mountains of the northern Altay region to the second main
desert in the world, the Taklamakan; from one of the largest highland lakes to one of its lowest basin
areas on earth - few countries, let alone provinces, can offer such incredible variety.

For thousands of years, Xinjiang has been known as a multi-ethnic region. Today, it is populated by
more than 40 different ethnic groups. During this trip, we will visit several ethnic villages, where we
will visit with the local people in their yurts and share a lunch with their traditional foods.

Following are some of the high lights of the places we will visit:

Canyons, Valleys & Basins

Kurdernie Scenic Area. Kurdernie is surrounded by mountains. There are rivers and gurgling brooks,
gorges, and forests. Wild fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries and mushrooms, are plentiful.
Kurdernie has attracted poets, who have written: "The leaves are like fire in the fall, while mountains
are full of flowers in spring." From the scenic area, you also can enjoy the picturesque Kabanbay Peak
in the distance.

Burqin Valley. Burqin County, central part of the Altay mountains, is a state level natural reserve and
the most distinctive natural landscape zone, with an area of 2000 sq kms.

Grape Valley. A green oasis in the midst of the intensely hot Turpan Basin.

Grasslands & Woods

Nalat Grassland. It is one of the four largest grasslands in the world. Local People portray it as "the
grassland in the sky". Combining snow-capped mountains, and a sea of green grass dotted with white
yurts, Nalat forms a wonderfully beautiful landscape.

Fruit Valley. The valley forms a 36-kilometer long natural gateway to the city of Ili. Before you, a
waterfall streams straight down from the cliffs. If we are lucky with the timing of the seasons, we may
be able to see the most colorful autumn foliage of the trip here in the Fruit Valley.

Woodlands comprised of spruce, and red and white birch.

Rivers & Lakes

The Ili River. It is one of the three main rivers in Xinjiang.

Lake Salim. The lake is one of the largest, highest and most beautiful highland lakes in Xinjiang
region. Surrounded by green grass fields, it looks like a blue diamond inlayed in the mountains.

Kanas Lake. Some people said the name of Kanas is an enchanting Mongolian name which means
"beautiful and mysterious". Since ancient times has been said to be the home of a mysterious beast - a
sort of Loch Ness monster of Xinjiang. We will take a boat trip around the lake, on the lookout for its
most famous inhabitant. Kanas Lake is a nature preserve in China.

The Wucai River Bank of Aktubek. This is another magical geographical feature, with a deep and quiet
river flowing around the colorful eroded Yadan landforms.

Deserts

The Tukai Desert, which covers an area of over 130,000 acres.

The Gobi Desert. This desert is a large desert region in China and southern Mongolia. The Gobi is
made up of several distinct ecological and geographic regions, based on variations in climate and
topography. This desert is Asia's largest. The Gobi is most notable in history as part of the great Mongol
Empire, and as the location of several important cities along the Silk Road.

Mountains

Altay Mountain. We will enjoy a vista of the peak.

Environmental and Historical Sites

Wusun Ancient Stone Monuments and Clay Tombs.

Shanxi Hui Mosque. Constructed in 1751, Shanxi Hui was once the largest Islamic mosque in Yili,
during the Qing Dynasty.

Hui Yuan Ancient City. During the Qing Dynasty, Hui Yuah was the center of politics and economy in
Xinjiang.

The Frontier Gate of Hargos. This site was a portal for trade between China and Kazakhstan. It was the
most important station along the ancient Silk Road and a passageway to Central Asia and Europe more
than a thousand years ago.

Hemu Village. The elevation here ranges from 1100 to 2300 meters. The village is located at the
juncture of the Kanas River and the Hemu River. With varied topography and a vast primeval forest,
this should be a great place for taking photos.

The Daban City Wind Power Station. This is the biggest wind power station in Asia.

Jiaohe. This old city has a 2000-year history. It was an important trade station along the Silk Road.

Bezikelike Thousand Buddha Caves. Built along the Silk Road, this religious monument served as a
conduit for the transmission of Buddhism from India to China.

The Karez Water Conservancy System. The Karez system was one of the top three hydrological
systems constructed in ancient China. Karez is a system of underground, surface canals and reservoirs.

People, Cultures & Arts

Kazakh Village. Visit a village of the Kazakh minority founded centuries ago and enjoy the music and
dance of this ethnic group.

Mongolian Yurts. Visit a Mongolian herdsmen's Yurt in the traditional Mongolian style.

Tuwa Village. Visit a Tuwa minority village and some families who reside there.

Saman. Learn about the early Saman religion.

International Grand Bazaar. Visit the International Grand Bazaar, a Uygur-style market.

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During our journey, we will visit some large and medium-size cities, as well as smaller towns and
villages. Detailed daily itinerary will provided after you signed up. Before the trip we will have a free
seminar. During the trip we will have couple of China history & culture seminar/discussion sessions.
We also offer to take free group photos.

This will be one of the most memorable and unique autumn trips you will ever experience. Please join
our group to visit Xin Jiang and making new friends.