Xinjiang

Author: Editorial Committee of "China Travel Guide"
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-01-01
Features: The boundless green cedars and spruces, crystal-clear glaciers, azure lakes, vast Gobi deserts, expansive grasslands, and various rare plants and animals form a variety of protected areas and natural wonders. Ancient castles, caves, temples, post stations, ancient farmland sites, ancient tombs, and millennia-old mummies remain from the ancient Silk Road. Additionally, there are 47 ethnic groups and 8 religions, showcasing ethnic customs and folk cultures. Architectures, clothing, dances, traditions, and cuisines of various ethnic styles contribute to the most enchanting scenery of Xinjiang tourism. Located in the northwest frontier of China, Xinjiang borders 8 countries and is adjacent to Gansu, Qinghai, and Tibet Autonomous Region. It has 13 ethnic groups, with the Uyghurs being the most numerous.
Xinjiang was historically known as the Western Regions. Over 2,000 years ago, Zhang Qian of the Western Han Dynasty opened the famous "Silk Road," promoting frequent cultural exchanges between the East and West. Surrounded by high mountains and with numerous rivers and lakes, Xinjiang gathers abundant rainfall and glacier meltwater, nourishing vast grasslands and oases. Its complex topography has formed many unique northern frontier landscapes.