Home to over 10 million Uygur Muslims and 47 ethnic groups, it's a true cultural melting pot, shaped by its history as a vital hub of the ancient Silk Road.
From the awe-inspiring Taklamakan Desert to the serene beauty of Kanas Lake, and the vibrant city of Urumqi, Xinjiang is a treasure trove for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Whether it's the fiery Flaming Mountains or the peaceful grasslands dotted with traditional yurts, the reality on the ground is a province full of life, color, and captivating stories that go far beyond the misconceptions.
Ready to discover a side of Xinjiang the world rarely shows? Here are 15 interesting facts about Xinjiang:
1. Urumqi, the world's most remote city from the Sea
Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang which recently hosted the 6th World Media Summit, holds the distinct honor of being the city furthest from any sea or ocean in the world.
It is located about 2,500 kilometers from the nearest coastline. Despite its geographical remoteness, Urumqi is a major city in western China and a vibrant center of culture, commerce, and tourism.
2. A land of ethnic diversity
Xinjiang is home to 47 different ethnic groups, with the Uygurs being the largest group, making up about 48% (over 10 million) of the population.
However, many other ethnicities also call this region home, including Han Chinese, Kazakhs, Hui Muslims, and others.
This rich mix of cultures gives Xinjiang its unique character, as these groups coexist while maintaining their own distinct traditions, languages, and religious practices.
3. Silk Road Legacy
Xinjiang's history is intertwined with the famous Silk Road, an ancient trade route that connected China to Europe and the Middle East.
This route that passed through this province facilitated not only the exchange of goods but also ideas, religions, and cultures.
Cities like Kashgar became vital trading hubs, where merchants from distant lands met to trade silk, spices, and other goods. This historic connection to the Silk Road has made Xinjiang a melting pot of cultures and religions.
4. Sharing borders with eight ountries
Geographically, Xinjiang shares borders with eight countries, more than any other region in China.
These countries include Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
This location makes Xinjiang a key strategic area for China and contributes to the rich cultural and economic exchanges that have shaped the region's history.
5. A unique time zone difference
Though all of China officially runs on Beijing Time, Xinjiang operates on its own unofficial schedule due to its distance from the capital.
Xinjiang is two hours behind Beijing, and locals often adjust their routines accordingly.
People typically start work at 11 a.m., eat lunch at 2 p.m., and leave work at 7 p.m., with daylight lasting until well into the evening in the summer months.
6. China's largest provincial region
Spanning 1.66 million square kilometers, Xinjiang covers one-sixth of China's total territory.
The region's vastness is mirrored by the diversity of its geography, which includes deserts, mountains, grasslands, and lakes.
Bayinbuluk is the second-largest grassland in China, offering a glimpse of
nomadic life with yurts, grazing herds, and Swan Lake, home to thousands of swans and
migratory birds.
It also has the longest international borders of any province in China, making it a crucial gateway to Central Asia.
7. The land of extreme landscapes
Xinjiang is a region of contrasts when it comes to its landscapes. It is home to the Taklamakan Desert, China's largest shifting desert and the second-largest in the world, known as the "Sea of Death."
On the other hand, it also boasts K2, the second-highest mountain in the world at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level.
Furthermore, the region contains Aydingkol Lake in Turpan, the second-lowest point on Earth at 155 meters (509 feet) below sea level.
8. One of China's main fruit-producing regions
Xinjiang's unique climateâ€"long sunny days and significant temperature differences between day and nightâ€"makes it an ideal place for growing fruits.
The region is famous for its Hami melons, Turpan seedless grapes, Korla pears, and Ili apples.
It also produces cotton, lavender, and other agricultural products like tomatoes, mutton, beef, and jujube. This agricultural richness has made Xinjiang an essential part of China's food supply.
9. A hub of religious diversity
Thanks to its long history and diverse population, Xinjiang is a region where multiple religions thrive.
Islam, which is the dominant religion among the Uygurs, coexists with Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Eastern Orthodoxy.
This religious diversity is reflected in the region's architecture, with mosques, Buddhist temples, and Christian churches all present in the region.
10. Traditional cuisine
Xinjiang's cuisine reflects the cultural influences of its various ethnic groups. The region is known for its hearty meat dishes, especially lamb.
One of its most famous dishes is "Polo," a pilaf made with rice, lamb, carrots, and various spices.
Another beloved dish is "Dapanji," a spicy chicken stew often served with hand-pulled noodles. For vegetarians, Xinjiang offers dishes like mung bean salad and vegetable Polo, proving that the region's cuisine caters to all tastes.
11. Kanas Lake and its legendary monster
In northern Xinjiang lies Kanas Lake, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by Siberian forests and rolling grasslands.
The lake's beauty has inspired legends, including the tale of a mysterious lake monster similar to the Loch Ness Monster. For decades of years, legends of an enormous water monster in the lake have captured the imagination of locals and visitors.
Whether or not the monster exists, Kanas Lake remains a top destination for travelers, offering breathtaking views and plenty of opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting.
12. It has the longest airline routes in China
Xinjiang currently has 16 airports, the most of all provinces and regions in China. This is naturally because of the fact that it is the largest province-level division of China.
The region's vast distances make air travel essential, and the government has invested heavily in building roads, airports, and railways to ensure Xinjiang remains well-connected to the rest of China and beyond.
13. Extreme temperatures
Xinjiang is known for its dramatic temperature swings. It's not uncommon for temperatures to drop significantly at night after a hot day.
Locals often say that in Xinjiang, you can wear a fur coat in the morning and a t-shirt by the afternoon.
This large daily temperature variation is particularly evident in the Turpan Basin, one of the hottest places in China, where temperatures can reach up to 47.8°C (118°F).
14. Mineral riches
Xinjiang is home to more than 80% of China's discovered mineral types,
including nephrite jade, making it an important part of the country's economy.
15. Tourism boom
In recent years, Xinjiang has become a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors from both within China and abroad.
Between January and September 2024 alone, the region welcomed 245 million tourists, contributing over 287.58 billion yuan (around 40.4 billion U.S. dollars) to the economy.
Visitors flock to Xinjiang to experience its stunning landscapes, such as Tianchi Lake, the Taklamakan Desert, and the Pamirs Plateau, Flaming Mountain as well as its vibrant bazaars and rich cultural heritage among others.
Xinjiang's unique geography, rich history, and vibrant cultures make it a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience the true diversity of China.
IGIHE
