Yining: China's Russian City, Xinjiang Culture & Sayram Lake

We’re leaving Wenquan County and traveling south along the Kazakhstan–China border, making a stop at the stunning Sayram Lake, often called one of the most beautiful lakes in China. From there, our journey takes us to Yining (Ghulja) – a city unlike any other in Xinjiang.

Yining is known as China’s most Russian-influenced city. With 56 officially recognized ethnic groups in China, the Russian minority is one of them – and here in Yining, their presence is still strongly felt. We meet a Russian-Chinese shop owner and explore the city’s unique architecture: wooden window frames, bright blue facades, and a style that feels straight out of Russia.

Join us as we uncover the Russian heritage in Xinjiang, discover Yining’s fascinating culture, and see how this city blends East and West in the heart of Central Asia 🎬 Do you want to see more of our adventures?