Xinjiang Autonomous Region

Xinjiang's predominant nationality is the Uygur, atopography and climate throughout the vast
vibrant and outgoing culture of Central Asianregion, ranging from the cool alpine mountains of
descent whom this writer likes to refer to as Thethe northern Altay region to the arid southern
Desert People.sands of the Taklamakan, the second largest
Xinjiang Autonomous Region by Tom Carterdesert in the world. And while Urumqi, Xinjiang's
"He's from Pakistan."capital, is a gleaming northern metropolis of
"No, no! He's Japanese." A lively group of Uyghursskyscraprs and department stores, the remote
orbiting around me at the Hotan marketplace incities bordering the south-western Tarim Basin,
southern Xinjiang were vociferously debating theincluding the famed Silk Road oasis of Kashgar,
nationality of the 196cm foreigner standing beforeare known for their more traditional way of
them.Muslim life.
I am in fact a first-generation American of aAttractionsSituated directly on the borders of
hybrid Scandinavian-Mediterranean-Hispanic lineage,Mongolia, Russia and Kazakhstan, the spectacularly
my dark brown features and unkempt travelsapphire-blue Hanasi Hu Lake in the mountainous
whiskers often causing confusion amongst Asiansregion of northern Xinjiang is a popular tour group
who can't quite place my nationality. Ironically, Handestination. To the south, the massive Sunday
Chinese often mistook me for a Weiwuerzumarkets in Kashgar and Hotan are not to be
someone from Xinjiang.missed, though the latter is arguably more
If there is one province unlike any other in theauthentic.
People's Republic, it would have to be Xinjiang.Transportation
Categorically different from the rest of the1. From Beijing to Urumqi, 10 flights daily between
country in every conceivable way, the8am and 9pm (four hours, 2,410 yuan)
Muslim-dominated Xinjian in the distant northwest2. To Hanasi Hu, a group tour arranged by any
is at once China's most intriguing and intimidatingUrumqi travel agency is often suggested for its
travel destination.feasibility, however a majority of time is spent in
Xinjiang Autonomous Region is China's largest,transit (four days, 500 yuan, including
sharing international borders with Pakistan,accommodations and entrance tickets)
Afghanistan andcentral Asian countries. This3. To Kashgar, overnight trains leaving daily from
geographical proximity resultingly accounts forUrumqi at 1pm and 5pm are the most convenient
over half of China's 12 million Muslims, perhapsand comfortable way to travel (30 hours, 170
Xinjiang's most obvious characteristicMuslimyuan).
followers of Islam, the second largest religion in4. From Kashgar to Hetian, busses depart from
the world, are a devout people who believe in theRenmin Donglu almost hourly between 7am and
oneness of God, called Allah in Arabic, as opposed6pm (eight hours, 50 yuan).
to the Christian doctrine of a holy trinity. MuslimAccommodationXinjiang disappointingly offers
adherents can be seen throughout Xinjiangvery little as far as budget accommodations or
carrying venerated copies of the Qur'an (Islamicyouth hostels, and due to immigration from
holy scripture) and faithfully dashing off to heneighboring nations, smaller boardinghouses are
mosque five times a day for a congregationalstrict to only allow Chinese nationals. In Kashgar,
series of Mecca-facing prostrations and prayer.the Uyghur-run Noor Bish Hotel near the famous
Xinjiang's predominant nationality is the Uygur, aId Kah Mosque is a backpacker's favorite (30
vibrant and outgoing culture of Central Asianyuanfor a dorm bed).
descent whom this writer affectionately likes toRegional cuisineIf China is famous for its cuisine,
refer to as The Desert People. Thethen Xinjiang is responsible for half its success.
Turkic-speaking Uyghurs traditionally attireHeavily seasoned lamb kebab (yangrou chuan),
themselves in simple, loose-fitting robes tospicy lamian noodles topped with peppers,
accommodate the harsh climate, with the mentomatoes and garlic, deep-fried fresh fish (how did
wearing either plain white or brilliantly embroideredthey get fish in the desert?), goat's head soup,
dopi skull caps and the women veiling themselvesgolden pilaf rice and fragrant peaches and
in a hijab headscarf. A shaved head and longwatermelon, all washed down with refreshing
beard further distinguishes the Uyghur men whilecinnamon tea. There may not be as much bread
the ladies take pride and pleasure in dyeing their(nang) in the whole of China as in Kashgar, with
hands red with henna.lightly seasoned loaves and sesame seed bagels
Geographically, Xinjiang offers starkly differentbeing pulled hot out the oven by the minute.