Xinjiang Road Trip: Exploring Northern Xinjiang's Hidden Desert Oasis

What Lies Beyond Xinjiang's REMOTE Desert?

Destination:ChinaProvince:XinjiangCity:Urumqi
What Lies Beyond Xinjiang's REMOTE Desert?
Expat Natt2024-10-2610 min

Welcome to the MOST REMOTE land in the world, hidden in the vast desert of Northern Xinjiang. Join us on this epic roadtrip through Xinjiang's desert as we search for the secret oasis off the beaten path. In this China Travel Vlog we share with you the MUST EAT cuisines of Xinjiang, delicious handpulled noodles, and street food essentials. This video is the first in an incredible 2600+km drive around the province that most tourists never get to see. I felt like I had stepped into a Nat Geo documentary in the unique canyon near the town of Kuitun, found in the snow capped Tianshan mountains bordering Kazakhstan. S21 Desert Highway, Northern Xinjiang Beitun 北屯 Ulungur Hu Lake 乌伦古湖 Burqin 布尔津 Mo Gui Cheng 魔鬼城 Kuitun 奎屯

--- Expat Natt
October 26, 2024, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Why is Xinjiang So Remote?
  2. 00:41From Urumqi into the Desert
  3. 02:34What To Eat in Xinjiang
  4. 03:18Secret Desert Oasis
  5. 05:11Burqin Street Food
  6. 06:50Searching For Devil's City
  7. 08:39Xinjiang's Best Hidden Gem

Expat Natt's Xinjiang desert road trip unveils China's hidden beauty: stunning landscapes, delicious food, and unforgettable encounters. An awe-inspiring adventure!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Xinjiang is known for its delicious fruit, especially melons. Make sure to try some during your travels; they're incredibly sweet and juicy! (1:40)
  2. Tip 2Sample Xinjiang's famous hand-pulled noodles, often topped with flavorful minced meat. It's a culinary highlight of the region. (2:37)
  3. Tip 3Visit Wulonggu Lake, a beautiful large lake near Burqin. The sunset views are absolutely stunning, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. (3:28)
  4. Tip 4Explore the Devil's City (Mo Gui Cheng), a unique wind-eroded landscape. While tourism has impacted it, the miniature Grand Canyon-like formations remain impressive. (6:54)
  5. Tip 5Experience a camel ride in the desert, but always ensure the animals are well-cared for and that the activity doesn't harm them. (8:25)
  6. Tip 6Discover the hidden mountain canyon near Kuitun. This is a true hidden gem, offering stunning views of snowy mountains and grazing animals. It's a must-see for nature lovers. (8:50)

Embark on a breathtaking journey with Expat Natt as they explore Xinjiang's remote desert, a land untouched by mass tourism. Witness stunning landscapes, from expansive sandy plains to hidden oases and majestic mountains. Savor the unique flavors of Xinjiang's cuisine, from hand-pulled noodles to the sweetest melon imaginable. This China adventure reveals a side of Xinjiang rarely seen, filled with unexpected discoveries and authentic cultural encounters. Prepare to be amazed!

More about the current video:( 36 / 44 )

What Lies Beyond Xinjiang's REMOTE Desert?

This China travel vlog follows Expat Natt on an epic road trip through the remote northern Xinjiang desert, a journey of over 2,600km from Urumqi. The vast, sparsely populated landscape, accessible via a relatively new road, offers breathtaking views and unique experiences.

Expat Natt's adventure begins with the stark beauty of the S21 desert highway, encountering camels and enjoying incredibly sweet melons along the way. A chance discovery of a small, hidden lake in the desert adds to the sense of unexpected wonder.

Xinjiang's culinary scene is showcased through the delicious hand-pulled noodles and flavorful minced meat dishes. The journey continues to Wulonggu Lake, a stunning freshwater lake near Burqin, where the beauty of the setting sun casts a magical glow.

The trip also includes a visit to the Devil's City (Mo Gui Cheng), a unique landscape sculpted by wind erosion, resembling a miniature Grand Canyon. However, the impact of tourism is noted, leaving a slightly artificial feeling. The experience is made complete with a camel ride, ensuring the well-being of the animal is prioritized.

The journey culminates in a visit to a hidden mountain canyon near Kuitun, nestled amidst grazing cattle and wild horses, a breathtaking testament to Xinjiang's diverse landscapes. Expat Natt's narrative emphasizes the remoteness and the limited tourist presence, highlighting the authenticity of the experience. The vlog ends with a promise of further adventures in the next episode, hinting at explorations of nomadic mountain communities.

Xinjiang Road Trip: Exploring Northern Xinjiang's Hidden Desert Oasis

Explore Xinjiang's remote desert, discovering hidden oases and delicious street food. An unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes!

Xinjiang Road Trip: Exploring China's Remote Desert

Embark on an extraordinary road trip through Xinjiang's remote desert, a journey into the heart of China's hidden wonders. This epic adventure unveils stunning landscapes, from the unique canyons near Kuitun, nestled in the snow-capped Tianshan mountains, to a secret desert oasis. Savor the authentic flavors of Xinjiang's cuisine, indulging in hand-pulled noodles and street food delights. This is the first chapter of a 2600+km exploration of a region rarely seen by tourists, offering a glimpse into the captivating culture and breathtaking scenery of Northern Xinjiang.

Attractions in this video: Wulonggu Lake, Devil's City, Tianshan Mountains