Crescent Moon Lake is 6km south of the centre of Dunhuang; you can climb to the top of sand dune to have a view that the oasis meets the desert. Echoing-Sand Mountain is also known as the sand dunes of Mingsha which typify ‘picture book’ desert scenery.
Dunhuang Mogao Grottos
The Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang are a treasure house of ancient Chinese culture. They are located in the eastern foot of Mingsha Mountain. Started from 366AD, more than 1,000 grottos have been completed. The cells and caves in Mogao are famous for their statues and wall paintings.
TURPAN – Gaochang Ancient City
Located about 46km southeast of Turpan and is near the “Flaming Mountains”, Gaochang city was originally built in the first century BC and used to be a garrison town and a key point along the ancient Silk Road. The city was burnt down at about the 14th century during a war that lasted approx. 40 years.
Astana Ancient Tombs
Astana means “capital” in Uigur. It is the Tang Dynasty (618–907) burial ground and known as the “Underground Museum’. The ancient tombs are situated 40km southeast of Turpan and 6 km from the Gaochang Ancient City.
Flaming Mountain
The Flaming Mountains, made famous by to the 16th century Chinese classic novel ‘Journey to the West’, run 100km along the northern edge of Turpan Basin from east to west. It gets its name from the mid-afternoon sun’s rays beating down on the red rocks as if the hillside is on fire.
URUMQI – Red Hill Park
Located in the city centre and is the major landmark of the city, the 3,000 feet high Red Hill resembles a mighty flying dragon.
Heavenly Lake
It is situated 97km south of Urumqi and used to be called as Yaochi (Jade Lake). The lake is decorated by a natural landscape belt, snow mountains, glacier forests and grassland.
KASHGAR – Apak Hoja Tomb
It is located 5km northeast of the city of Kashgar and used to serve as the family tomb of Apak Hoja who was the powerful ruler of Kashgar in the 17th century.
Idkad Mosque
The yellow-white building is the largest mosque in China and is situated in the centre of Kashigar city. It is the liveliest place and plays an important role during the local festivities.
JIAYUGUAN – Jiayuguan Pass
Jiayuguan Pass is the first pass at the western end of the Great Wall and was built during the Ming Dynasty. Located approximately 6 kilometres (3.5 miles) southwest of Jiayuguan City, the Pass is at the narrowest point of the western section of the Hexi Corridor. Also known as “Impregnable Pass under Heaven” it was strategically positioned and a key gateway on the Silk Road.
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