Driving the southern edge of the Taklamakan, the world’s second-largest shifting-sand desert, from Kashgar toward Hotan. The desert highway, oasis towns and the reality of the ‘Sea of Death’.
The Karez are Turpan’s ancient underground canal system that made the oasis livable. How it works, where to visit, and why it’s one of China’s great engineering feats.
The Kanas Three Bays (Moon Bay, Immortal Bay, Dragon Bay) are the most photographed stretch of the lake. How to visit, the boardwalk, best light and where to stay.
The Jiaohe Ruins near Turpan are the largest raw-earth city ruins in the world. How to visit, the history, the best light for photos and how to pair it with other Turpan sites.
The Gaochang Ruins south of Turpan were a great Silk Road kingdom. How to get there, the layout, the Buddhist sites and how to combine Gaochang with Jiaohe and the Flaming Mountains.
Ebinur Lake is a remote saline lake in northwest Xinjiang, famous for flamingo flocks and a harsh, otherworldly shore. How to visit, the birdlife and the fragile ecology.
The Dushanzi Grand Canyon sits at the northern foot of the Tianshan where the Duku Highway begins. How to visit, the red cliffs, glass walkway and how to combine it with the Duku.
The Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves in the Mutou Valley near Turpan hold centuries of Uyghur and Buddhist mural art. How to visit, the history and what survives today.
The Anjihai Grand Canyon (also called the Red Scar Canyon) is a lesser-known geological wonder near Shawan. How to reach it, the red strata and the safety reality of an undeveloped site.
The Ili apricot blossom is Xinjiang’s shortest, prettiest season. Learn when the Xinjiang apricot bloom peaks, the best Ili spring drive routes, and how to time the pink-and-white weeks.