Xinjiang

Honestly, I came with high expectations after seeing all those Instagram photos, but the reality felt a bit underwhelming. The famous Heavenly Lake was crowded with selfie sticks and tour groups, and the water wasn’t as blue as advertised—probably due to recent rains. Many of the “authentic” Uyghur restaurants near my hotel seemed geared towards tourists and charged double the local price. My biggest complaint was the service at one guesthouse: the owner was rude when I asked for an extra towel and barely spoke a word of English. Not the worst trip, but definitely not worth the hype for me.

Overall a great trip to Xinjiang, though not without hiccups. The scenery—especially around Turpan’s Flaming Mountains and the ancient Jiaohe ruins—is stunning. The weather was hot but manageable. What brings it down a notch is the transport: intercity buses were often delayed and the train station in some smaller towns had very limited English signage. Also, some tourist sites charge extra for camera use without warning. Still, the food is amazing and locals are generally kind. Would go back, but I’d plan more carefully.

Kashgar’s old city is like stepping back in time. I wandered through the maze-like alleys for hours, watching artisans hammer copper pots and weave colorful silk. The Friday bazaar is an absolute must—there’s even a section where they sell live camels! I stayed with a Uyghur family for a homestay and they treated me like a relative, serving homemade yogurt and melons. The only minor thing is that some shopkeepers can be a bit pushy, but once you smile and chat, they warm up instantly. Unforgettable cultural experience.

If you love lamb, Xinjiang is heaven. I had 6 skewers of lamb kebabs at a night market in Urumqi and they were smoky, fatty, and perfectly spiced with cumin and chili. Also tried the big plate chicken (dapanji) which was a massive serving of tender chicken, potatoes, and hand-pulled noodles soaked in a rich spicy broth. Everything was super affordable and the people running the stalls were so cheerful, even teaching me how to eat the naan properly. Left with a full stomach and a happy heart.

Spent a week driving through Xinjiang and the landscapes are absolutely unreal. The turquoise lakes near Kanas, the endless golden grasslands, and the snow-capped Tianshan range—every turn felt like a postcard. Bought some fresh naan from a roadside stall and it was still warm, absolutely delicious. The air is so crisp at altitude that you just want to keep breathing it in. Highly recommend renting a car if you can; the freedom to stop whenever you see a herd of yaks or a rainbow over the desert is priceless.