Situated
in the northwestern border area of China, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous
Region covers nearly l/6 of the total area of China. It borders
on Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. Tajikistan, Pakistan
and adjoins Gansu, Qinghai
and Tibet Autonomous Region. In ancient
times,Xinjiang was a part of the West Regions, where the world-famous
Silk Road of the Han and Tan Dynasties passed through.
Xinjiang is encircled by high
mountains, with large, lower basins and high mountains lying alternately
within it. Tarim Basin is the largest inland basin in China, while
the Chogori Feng (Qogir Peak) is the highest in this area, with
an elevation of 8611 metres above sea level.
It
has a typical continental climate, with little amount of rainfall.
Greater temperature differences exist between south and north of
Tianshan Mountains.
Xinjiang
is a multi-nationality region and possesses lofty snow-capped mountains,
vast deserts, large basins and many famous historic sites. Tianchi
Lake on Tianshan Mountain is a national major famous scenic area.
Other scenic spots, such as Qianfo Grottoes, ldkah Mosque, Grape
Valley in Turpan, and many remains of ancient cities or castles,
Xinjiang minority nationalities’ Folk Custom Exhibition
Hall, are all well-known to the visiotrs, while the vast pasture
lands in Hongshan Mountain and Nanshan Mountain present a fascinating
grassland scenery.
The
specialities in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are famous in China.
Hami melons, pomegranate in Yecheng, walnut in Aksu, Lambskin in
Kuqa and many others , are all famous througbout the country.
