Don't go to Xizang in China anymore. Xinjiang is the real paradise #travel #traveling #chinatravel

Hey, everyone. Welcome back to my channel. Today, I want to take you to a place. Many foreigners have heard of it, but not many have actually been there. Its name is Xinjiang. If you ask me if there is a place in China that offers the chance to see snow-capped mountains and grasslands, deserts and lakes, enjoy the world's most delicious kebabs, and experience a cultural atmosphere completely different from that of eastern cities. My answer will always be Xinjiang. First of all, you should know one thing, Xinjiang is very large. How large is it? Xinjiang covers an area of 1.66 million square kilometers. If you have no idea about the figure, let me put it in another way, it is larger than many countries in the world. For instance, it is even larger than the combined area of France, Germany and Spain. It takes over 20 hours to travel by train from Hami, the easternmost part of Xinjiang, to Kashgar, the westernmost part. So, on your first trip to Xinjiang, it's absolutely impossible to cover the entire region in one go. Usually, travelers divide Xinjiang into two parts, northern Xinjiang and southern Xinjiang. The northern border region is dominated by natural scenery. Snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests and grasslands make it as beautiful as a fairy tale world. Southern Xinjiang, dominated by its rich cultural heritage and vast deserts, is a place where ancient cities, winding alleys, boundless sands and warm-hearted ethnic groups abound. As if one has stepped into the tales of one thousand and one nights. You don't have to choose everything at once. You can visit the northern part of Xinjiang first and come back to the southern part next time. Xinjiang is worth visiting many times. Let's start with the northern part of Xinjiang. The first place, Khana's Lake. Khana's Lake means, beautiful and mysterious lake, in Mongolian. It is hidden deep in the Altai Mountains. The water of the lake changes color. It is blue-green on sunny days, dark green on cloudy days. And in autumn, there are even sections of the lake that are milky white. When you climb to the top of the mountain to the fish viewing platform and look down. The entire lake looks like a green silk ribbon winding and lying in the valley. The Tubans have a legend that there is a water monster in the lake. Later, scientists said that it might be a kind of big fish called, Taimen. However, this legend adds a touch of mystery to Khana's. Not far from Khana's is the small village of Hemu. Home to the Tua people. In autumn, the birch forests turn golden and in the morning, the mist lingers on the wooden rooftops while horses graze by the river. The serene beauty there makes you feel as if time has slowed down. The second place, Sayram Lake. Sayram Lake has a very romantic name. The last tier of the Atlantic, because it is the farthest place that the North Atlantic Current can reach. How clear is the lake water? Standing by the lake. You can clearly see the pebbles at the bottom. The lake is surrounded by vast grasslands, which are covered with wildflowers in summer. You can rent a car to drive around the lake. A distance of 90 kilometers. At every turn, you want to stop to take pictures. At night, you can stay in a yurt by the lake and look up at the stars. Without light pollution, the Milky Way looks like a luminous river stretching across the sky. The third place, Nalati Grassland. Nalati is known as the grassland in the sky, because it is located on a mountain at an altitude of over 2,000 meters. Taking the shuttle bus up the mountain. The grass gets greener and the sky bluer as you go higher. Once you reach the grassland, standing on the wooden walkway and looking into the distance. The snow-capped mountains are right in front of you. And the ground beneath your feet is like a thick green carpet. You can stay in a yurt of a Kazakh herdsman. At night, they will cook you for you. And then play the dombra and sing. You sit by the stove, listening to the sound of the wind blowing across the grassland outside. And you will feel that you are not a tourist, but a temporary family member of this land. The fourth highlight, the G217 Dukou Highway. If you enjoy driving, you must remember the name. Dukou Highway. It is 561 kilometers long and connects the northern and southern parts of Xinjiang. It has been rated as the most beautiful highway in China by many travel magazines. The magic of this road lies in the fact that you can experience all four seasons in one day. In the morning, you might be on a snowy mountain wearing a down jacket. But by noon, you'll be in a canyon so hot that you'll be in short sleeves. By evening, you'll be driving into a grassland with a gentle spring breeze. Along the way, there are waterfalls, alpine lakes, sheer cliffs, and herds of cattle and sheep. Of course, this road is full of twists and turns and is dangerous. It is only open for a few months each year, usually from June to October, and only small cars are allowed. Novice drivers are not recommended to try it. But if you have experience, it is definitely an unforgettable self-driving experience of a lifetime. After talking about the northern border, let's head south. The atmosphere of southern Xinjiang is completely different. If northern Xinjiang is a gift from nature to you, then southern Xinjiang is a story presented to you by history. The first place, Kaoshigar Old Town. Kaoshigar, whose full name is Kaoshi, has a history of over 2,000 years. The old city of Kaoshigar is the only well-preserved maze-like ancient city in China. As soon as you step in, your eyes are met with earthy yellow walls, carved wooden doors and winding alleys. Locals chat and drink tea in the alleys. Children kick footballs running past. And the sound of hammering from copper shops echoes. The aroma of grilled buns fills the entire street. I recommend you do two things. First, sit on the steps in front of the Idka Mosque for a while and observe how the locals live. Second, go to the century-old tea house. Order a pot of brick tea and a piece naan. And listen to the Uyghur elders play the rawap. They may not speak English, but the music will tell you everything. Kaoshigar reminds me of Marrakesh in Morocco. But it's completely different. Every alley here has a story. And everyone is willing to smile at you. The second place, the Pamir Plateau and Taxgorgan County. Starting from Kaoshigar, drive south along the China-Pakistan Friendship Road. This road is known as one of the world's beautiful border roads. You will first pass by White Sand Lake. The water of the lake is milky blue. And on the opposite bank are pure white sand dunes. Which look like a fairyland. Further ahead is Kargil Lake. And across the lake is Mount Muzdagada. A snow-capped mountain 7,546 meters high. Its peak is covered with snow all year round. And the locals call it, Father of the Glaciers. At the end of this road lies Taxgorgan County. Home to the Tajik people. They are a white-skinned ethnic minority in China and speak a language related to the Iranian language family. The Tajiks are extremely hospitable. As you walk through the village, they will invite you to their homes for tea. They have the Eagle Flute and the Eagle Dance. If you happen to be there during a wedding or festival. The entire village will dance together. You stay in Taxgorgan at night and you can look up to see a starry sky free from light pollution. The Milky Way stretches across the entire sky like a luminous ribbon. You can't help but whisper, is this place really on earth? The third place, the Dahrim Desert Highway. If you are brave enough, you can experience crossing the Taklamakan Desert. The Taklamakan is the largest desert in China and the second largest shifting desert in the world. The desert highway is 522 kilometers long. On both sides of the road are sand control grids and green belts. Like two green threads cutting through the desert. As you drive, all around you are endless sand dunes as far as the eye can see. There are no houses, no trees, and no mobile phone signal. Only the sound of the wind and your heartbeat can be heard. That sense of loneliness, to be honest, is a bit scary but at the same time, there is a kind of freedom never experienced before. Of course, safety comes first, it's best to go with two cars and make sure to have enough fuel, water and food. It's not recommended to go alone. Traveling is not just about seeing with your eyes but also about tasting with your mouth. I could talk about the delicious food in Xinjiang for three days and three nights. Here, I'll just pick the most classic ones. Grilled mutton kebabs, not the small ones you find in Chinese restaurants abroad. Xinjiang style mutton kebabs are large pieces of mutton skewered on red willow branches, grilled over charcoal fire with the oil sizzling on the flames, and sprinkled with cumin and chili powder. When you take a bite, the outer layer is crispy while the inside is tender, and the juice bursts in your mouth. Every time I eat them, I can't help but close my eyes and sigh. This is the taste. Big plate chicken, the plate is as big as a washbasin. The chicken is stewed very tender. The potatoes are soaked in the gravy, and wide noodles are laid at the bottom. It is usually shared by three or four people, and it tastes best when everyone scrambles for it. Pilaf, it is steamed with yellow carrots, mutton and rice. The rice is shiny and in some places raisins are added, creating a unique blend of sweet and salty flavors. Steamed buns baked in a clay oven. Known as samusa in Uyghur, are crispy buns baked in a tandoor. Filled with mutton and onions. They must be eaten hot. The first bite is scalding, the second is oozing with oil. And by the third, you just can't stop. Braised noodles, also known as pulled noodles. Are made by freshly pulling and boiling the noodles. Which are very chewy. They are served with stir-fried pork or pickled cabbage and eaten by mixing them together. After finishing a big plate, you'll feel completely satisfied. There's also yogurt. Xinjiang yogurt is very sour and thick. Sugar and crushed peanuts are sprinkled on top. When mixed well and drunk, it's super refreshing. Naan is also a must-have. It costs 5 yuan each. There are sesame naan, onion naan and rose naan. They won't go bad even if kept for a month and are the best dry food for a trip. By the way, don't forget the fruits. Homie melons, grapes, figs, apricots. Because of the long hours of sunlight and the large temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang. The fruits are so sweet that your fingers will be sticky after eating them. In August and September, go to Turpan and eat grapes under the grape trellis as much as you like until your teeth go soft. Finally, here are a few practical suggestions for you. When are we going? In the northern part of Xinjiang. Enjoy the scenery from June to September. See the green grassland from late September to early October. Enjoy the autumn colors from December to February. Admire the snowscapes. In the southern part of Xinjiang. Explore the cultural heritage from April to June. View the apricot blossoms from September to November. When the weather is cool, the fruits are the sweetest. 2. How to get there? Fly to Urumqi and then transfer to domestic flights to cities like Kashgar, Yining and Altai. You can also take a train with night tourist special trains available, which can save one night's Self-driving offers the most freedom. But the Gobi Desert Highway and the Dugu Highway require certain driving experience. It is recommended to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle. 3. Visas and documents. Foreign tourists visiting Xinjiang need to hold a valid Chinese visa. Additionally, if you plan to visit border areas, such as the Pamir Plateau, Borgo's Port, etc., you need to apply for a foreigner's travel permit at the local public security bureau. Your hotel or travel agency can assist with this process. Don't be bothered by the hassle, just ask clearly in advance. 4. Is it safe? This is the question I get asked the most. As a traveler who has been to Xinjiang three times, I can tell you with confidence that Xinjiang is very safe. There are security checks on the streets, and safety inspections are conducted in hotels, shopping malls, and gas stations. That's why the public security here is very good. The locals are very friendly and hospitable to foreign tourists. Of course, as in any unfamiliar place, it's important to maintain basic vigilance and respect local customs. 5. Language in big cities and tourist attractions. Hotel and restaurant staff can speak some English. However, in rural areas and old districts in southern Xinjiang, English is not widely used. It is recommended to have a translation app on your phone, especially one for Chinese Uyghur or Chinese Kazakh translation. Nevertheless, smiles and body language are universal. 6. Cultural respect. Xinjiang is to multiple ethnic groups, many of whom follow Islam. When entering a mosque, it is necessary to remove your shoes and avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Do not make loud noises during prayer times. If you wish to take pictures of local people, it is best to smile and gesture to ask for permission first. Most people will be very willing, especially children and the elderly. Well, having said so much, what I really want to tell you is that Xinjiang is truly beautiful. So beautiful that it doesn't seem like a real place. The scenery, the food, and the people there will make you forget all the hardships of the journey. Perhaps you have some preconceptions or concerns about Xinjiang. But I hope you will give this place a chance. To see it with your own eyes and feel it with your own heart. Isn't the essence of travel to break down prejudices and encounter the truth? If you like this video, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe. Also, feel free to tell me in the comment section which place in Xinjiang interests you the most. I will continue to share more real travel stories. See you next time. Bye.