View of Tianshan Mountain in Tomur's Scenic Area in Wensu county, Aksu of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Oct 21, 2024. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
From the Tianshan Mountain landscape to the serenity of Bosten Lake, delve into ancient history at the Kizil Caves and the Qigexing Buddhist Temple Ruins, or experience local customs in villages.
The "A Date with China Meet Xinjiang" media tour takes a historical and cultural journey to remember the ancient Silk Road through the natural beauty of Aksu, Kuqa, and Korla cities in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.
Aerial view of Yanshuigou tunnel in the Southern section of Duku Highway, Baicheng county, Aksu of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. on Oct 23, 2024. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Aksu
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Tianshan Mountain range, Ta village in Wensu county, Aksu, rests peacefully at the base of Tomur Peak. Close to the border shared between China and Kyrgyzstan, the "iron" peak, known in the language of the Uygur ethnic group, reaches a towering height of 7,439 meters, making it the highest point of the Tianshan Mountain system.
Ta village has unique scenery and a vibrant ecosystem with diverse wildlife. Its landscapes include vast plains, verdant grasslands, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lush forests, and winding canyons.
The village is a core attraction for rural tourism in the region, with accommodations ranging from luxurious resorts to cozy cabins that suit all preferences. The area offers hiking trails for all fitness levels to view the marvels of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for photographers.
Horseback riding is the best way to explore its wild, untamed nature and experience the traditional way of life. The scenic mountain trails reveal stunning views as the forest paths wind through lush greenery, allowing for immersion in the tranquil environment. Experienced guides ensure that visitors' rides are safe and enjoyable, providing all the necessary equipment for comfort. Interaction with locals provides insights into the region's cultural heritage, as horseback riding transports you into the old Silk Road adventure as a modern traveler.
At an average elevation exceeding 2,300 meters, Ta village presents a refreshing summer retreat amidst glaciers and snow-crowned summits. Its varied terrain appeals to nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.
Artisans work on the body of a dutar in Jiayi village, Xinhe county, Aksu of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Oct 23, 2024. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Kuqa
Kuqa, located in the center of Xinjiang, was a vital branch of the Northern Silk Road and a prosperous center of trade and culture. The region's UNESCO World Heritage site, the Kizil Caves, is a testament to humanity's shared knowledge from ancient times.
Kizil Caves contain 236 numbered cave temples adorned with frescoes and sculptures. Each cave narrates stories of Buddhism's journey and its encounters throughout time, providing captivating insight into the history of Buddhism as it spread eastward.
Rock-cut caves play an essential role in Central Asian art. They are considered China's earliest-known major Buddhist cave complex, with the development of Buddhism occurring between the 3rd and the 8th centuries AD.
Located in the heart of Xinhe county, Jiayi village is a cultural treasure renowned for its expertise in crafting musical instruments. In June 2008, Uygur traditional methods earned a spot on China's national Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
More than half of the village residents engage in the art of making handcrafted musical instruments. The variety of instruments encompasses the entire repertoire of Uygur traditional music.
The dutar, a long-necked, two-stringed instrument with a pear-shaped body, is played in various forms across Central Asia. Experts acknowledge the Uygur dutar as one of the most significant instruments in this family of plucked instruments. Because of its craftsmanship and musical excellence, UNESCO has designated it an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The making of a dutar involves multiple stages. The crafting of its body alone demands three days and the collaboration of six skilled artisans. The artisan then engages in laborious painting, embellishing, and stringing the instrument. The process can take anywhere from one week to a month. The complexity of designs and the time invested define the instrument's value.
Bosten Lake in Bayingol Mongol autonomous prefecture of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Oct 25, 2024. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Korla
About one hour's drive from Korla, Qigexing Buddhist Temple Ruins, or Seven-Stars Buddhist Temple, is an archaeological site in the Yanqi Hui autonomous county of Xinjiang. This temple, a major religious center along the Northern Silk Road, was a pivotal cultural exchange hub during the latter half of the first millennium AD. It was renowned for bridging Eastern and Western cultures, providing a space where travelers could impart and absorb knowledge about the world's diverse cultures.
The Qigexing features remnants of a grand temple complex comprising 93 buildings and eleven cave temples. The ruins consist of numerous shrines and monks' houses, with most of their walls preserved. The museum houses many artifacts and sculptures that pay homage to the ancient period. The Bosten Lake in the Bayingolin Mongol autonomous prefecture proposes the perfect summing-up to the Xinjiang Silk Road journey. This unique lake, only an hour's drive from Korla, covers an area of more than 1,600 square kilometers. Over 400 square kilometers of lush reeds surround it, creating a picturesque landscape that is a must-see for any traveler.
It is the largest lake in Xinjiang and one of China's largest inland freshwater lakes. Renowned for its thriving fishery, the lake offers a taste of local delicacies, including fish sourced directly from its waters, providing a culinary escapade that resonates with the region's natural abundance.
The area provides many water sports and activities, including boating, fishing, and wildlife watching. These activities draw visitors from near and far to experience its vibrant aquatic adventures.
