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.

 

[woodyren]

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.

I have travelled quite a bit in China and this year it included this trip and a visit to Sichuan. The wilderness areas are vast and took me somewhat by surprise. They are being well preserved in most parts.

The shear number of tourists now is very challenging but the parks have an army of workers and setups that try to preserve their ecosystems.

Another TR coming when I have time on our Chengdu, Kunming and train trip into Luang Prabang on the new rail line.

 

[Wanderlust_tim]

Another TR coming when I have time on our Chendu, Kunming and train trip into Luang Prabang on the new rail line.

I am very much looking forward to this.

 

[OZDUCK]

Some amazing scenery. Thanks for posting this report.

 

[patrickw]

Thanks for posting the TR. You mention being at high altitudes throughout this part of your trip.

How did you and your wife fare with the constant change in altitude? Any good/bad experiences with altitude sickness in the tour group?

TIA and looking forward to your other TRs. Happy holidays

 

[woodyren]

Thanks for posting the TR. You mention being at high altitudes throughout this part of your trip.

How did you and your wife fare with the constant change in altitude? Any good/bad experiences with altitude sickness in the tour group?

We were a little breathless when we were above 3000 metres and needed to walk a little more slowly. But we were Ok generally.

My wife had a bad experience in Huanglong Sichuan on an earlier trip (next TR) at about 3400 metres and had to leave the mountain top. I also did struggle there as I walked a lot at the higher altitude.

 

[jastel]

Good report of a place most of us wouldn't otherwise see.

 

[SCM]

Amazing to see these photos, such a unique part of the world, and one unlikely most will travel to.

Thanks a lot.

 

[love_the_life]

Thank you so much - have only just caught up and this was a fascinating read. Such an amazing place and landscapes that almost defy description.