Xinjiang adventures. Deserts, grasslands and glaciers.

[woodyren]

So all in all it was a dream of a trip. One that I had always wished to do but thought is was likely not to happen.

The landscapes were beautiful and varied so much eve by the hour.

The infrastructure that has been recently constructed to open up this area was next level.

The growth and extent of renewable energy installations was somewhat unexpected.

The security and surveillance in even remote areas was ever-present. There was a much larger security presence in all the major cities than in other parts of China.

As with pretty much everywhere we visit in China we always felt safe though.

I make no comment about whether these things are good or bad but rather leave others to make up their own minds.

This trip certainly contributed to my already conflicting views on the pros and cons of many things in modern China. The local people I interacted with appeared to be very friendly and open to my limited interaction with them.

The natural areas were immense and as clean and pristine as anywhere else in the world.

My travelling companions and the others on our tour were very hospitable and friendly despite the language issues.

I enjoyed reliving this trip. Thanks for following along.



Some ancient irrigation tunnels in Turpan.






Urumqi station.




BBQ kings.

 

[RB]

Looks like an amazing trip. Excellent photos again & I appreciate the time you spent writing the report

 

[JohnM]

Sensational! Thanks for sharing.

 

[drron]

Just wow! What a trip. So different to what I would have expected with the lush valleys and snow covered mountains in contrast to the desert views which I would have expected everywhere. I know I will never get to make this trip but I have been blown away by your TR. Magnificent. thanks for taking us along.

 

[VPS]

Thanks so much for taking us along on this amazing trip. Some of the scenery was spectacular.

 

[kookaburra75]

Thnaks for taking the time to share your trip with us, I really enjoyed it. There is a beauty in the bleakness of the countryside sometimes, and having lived and worked in such places, I am very tempted to visit that area.