LOCAL INFO

Situated in the northwestern border area of China, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region covers nearly l/6 of the total area of China. It borders on Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. Tajikistan, Pakistan and adjoins Gansu, Qinghai and Tibet Autonomous Region. In ancient times,Xinjiang was a part of the West Regions, where the world-famous Silk Road of the Han and Tan Dynasties passed through.
Xinjiang is encircled by high mountains, with large, lower basins and high mountains lying alternately within it. Tarim Basin is the largest inland basin in China, while the Chogori Feng (Qogir Peak) is the highest in this area, with an elevation of 8611 metres above sea level.
It has a typical continental climate, with little amount of rainfall. Greater temperature differences exist between south and north of Tianshan Mountains.
Xinjiang is a multi-nationality region and possesses lofty snow-capped mountains, vast deserts, large basins and many famous historic sites. Tianchi Lake on Tianshan Mountain is a national major famous scenic area. Other scenic spots, such as Qianfo Grottoes, ldkah Mosque, Grape Valley in Turpan, and many remains of ancient cities or castles, Xinjiang minority nationalities’ Folk Custom Exhibition Hall, are all well-known to the visiotrs, while the vast pasture lands in Hongshan Mountain and Nanshan Mountain present a fascinating grassland scenery.
The specialities in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are famous in China. Hami melons, pomegranate in Yecheng, walnut in Aksu, Lambskin in Kuqa and many others , are all famous througbout the country.