Wulumqi City
Wulumqi City- Urumqi City, the capital city of Xinjiang Region, is the furthest I traveled in all of my journeys. This city is farther from a sea, than any other major city in the world. I wanted to travel here by train, but by plane was decided to be more time friendly. (I actually wanted to buy a cheap car and drive here, from Qinhuangdao in Hebei Province!) Visiting the Grand Bazaar and People’s Square were quite impressive, but traveling about two hours away from the city center to the Heavenly Lake Scenic Area was the real highlight of this far, far away journey.
Lanzhou City
Lanzhou City – traveling to Gansu Province by train took longer than I was expecting. But arriving in Lanzhou City early one morning was refreshing. Walking and taxiing thru the city was quite an adventure and stopping at different noodle shops was the highlight for me. These various noodle shops, all small and cozy and staffed by friendly folks, really had some of the best noodles I have ever had, in all of my travels.
Xining
Xining- After arriving at the Xining railway station, we immediately set out for local dishes – and we certainly were not disappointed. ‘Plateau flavor’ dishes like street spicy lamb and Gan Ban were favorites, as well as Feng’er Liji and Jinyu Facai. Being adventurous when one travels, especially when it comes to trying new foods, is so important. But, I must admit that Danbai Chongcao Ji and the incredibly powerful local alcohol was a bit difficult!
Ningxia
Ningxia- Visiting the Helan Mountains, especially taking the cable car to the top, was the highlight of the visit to Ningxia. Wanting to experience this grassland and dry desert steppe area, I planned a visit that included trekking and backpacking. I wasn’t disappointed. This type of environment reminds me of my homeland area, Texas, in the USA. And on the train ride, two cute and clever school kids, one was 7 and the other 9, tried teaching me how to use an abacus. They were wonderful little teachers – I think I was a terrible student!
Xinjiang
Xinjiang- wanting to spend more time traveling throughout the Xinjiang region, I planned to explore the desert regions and mountainous area on foot, and by car. The original plan was to buy a second hand (actually third or fourth hand) car, like an older Alto, and set out with a tool kit, boxes of local food, like the unbelievable naan bread available throughout the area, and plenty of drinking water. Alas, the car dream died, as the car itself didn’t make out of the city! Next time will be different.
Mangnai City, Qinghai Province
Mangnai City, Qinghai Province – traveling throughout the area was definitely different than the busy cities on the east coast, like Shanghai and Qingdao. This arid land was amazing and dry and home to very hearty people. I enjoyed seeing places like Bird Island and Qinghai Lake. The food in these far west areas, like lamb and noodles and great bread, was some of my favorite. I still can’t fully enjoy dishes like marbled tea eggs, to be honest. But my travel companions insisted I have a try!
Gansu Province
Gansu Province – I always had a dream of traveling along the Northern Silk Road from end to end. These barren and faraway regions really showcased people and cultures that haven’t changed in 1,000 years. By bus, by train, by car, on foot – this was tough traveling, but really breathtaking in the scope and majestic raw beauty of the land. And several times, I was in need of a little help. Medicinal help. And Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) came to the rescue.
Xinjiang Province, Tulufan City
Xinjiang Province, Tulufan City – arriving by train, after a long couple of days of travel, we found a small guest house, and rested before heading out eastward to the Flaming Mountains. This area of Northwest China is rugged, yet beautiful (in a harsh environment kind of way – if that makes sense). I always liked traveling to desert areas, and the Taklamakan Desert did not disappoint. The Fire Mountains are amazing to look at. That red sandstone looks almost…..painted on. I didn’t go in the summer months, when temperatures reach 50 degrees. But even in the spring you could tell this environment could pummel amateurs, like me.
