Foodie Road Trips Across the World in Yan’an Beilu, Xinjiang, China
1. Uyghur Bazaar
Experience the vibrant Uyghur culture while sampling local delicacies like samsa (meat pies), laghman noodles, and roasted chicken at this bustling market.
- Authentic Uyghur Food: Offers an authentic taste of Uyghur cuisine.
- Local Shopping Experience: Allows for shopping for local spices, handicrafts, and textiles.
- Cultural Exchange: Provides an opportunity to interact with the friendly Uyghur vendors.
2. Kashgar Sunday Market
Witness one of the largest open-air markets in Asia, where livestock and goods are traded. Don't miss the mouthwatering mutton kebabs!
- Cultural Experience: Provides a unique glimpse into local customs and traditions.
- Delicious Street Food: Offers the chance to taste delicious street food, like mutton kebabs and roasted corn.
- Largest Open-Air Market: One of the largest open-air markets in Asia, with over 50 streets filled with vendors.
3. Id Kah Mosque
Admire the stunning architecture of this centuries-old mosque and indulge in traditional Uyghur cuisine at the nearby food stalls.
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest mosques in China, with a rich history dating back to the 15th century.
- Foodie Haven: Offers a variety of food stalls serving delicious Uyghur dishes.
- Stunning Architecture: Features beautiful, intricate architecture that is sure to impress.
4. Tianchi Lake Grilled Fish
Savor freshly caught fish grilled over an open flame at the picturesque Tianchi Lake. The lake's mineral-rich water gives the fish a unique flavor.
- Fresh Fish: Features fresh fish caught daily from the lake.
- Natural Setting: Offers a beautiful, natural setting with stunning mountain views.
- Unique Flavor: The mineral-rich water of the lake gives the fish a unique flavor.
5. Hami Melon Market
Visit this bustling market to see the famous Hami melons and other fruits grown in Xinjiang. Don't forget to try the local melon seeds!
- Fresh Produce: Offers an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Local Delicacy: Features the famous Hami melons, as well as other local fruits and seeds.
- Bustling Atmosphere: Provides a lively, bustling atmosphere.
6. Keles Hot Spring Resort
Relax and rejuvenate at this hot spring resort while enjoying traditional Uyghur dishes cooked in a tandoor oven.
- Healing Waters: Features mineral-rich waters believed to have healing properties.
- Traditional Uyghur Cuisine: Offers delicious Uyghur dishes cooked in a tandoor oven.
- Scenic Beauty: Located in a beautiful, mountainous setting with stunning views.
7. Turpan Grape Valley
Explore the lush Turpan Grape Valley, home to over 100 varieties of grapes. Don't miss the chance to sample some local wine!
- Lush Valleys: Features lush, green valleys filled with grapevines.
- Local Wine Tasting: Offers wine tasting of local varieties.
- Historical Sites: Located near several historical sites, such as the Ancient City of Gaochang.
8. Karez Well Irrigation System
Learn about the ingenious Karez well irrigation system and sample traditional Uyghur dishes made with locally grown produce.
- Historical Ingenuity: Showcases an ingenious, centuries-old irrigation system.
- Fresh Produce: Offers dishes made with fresh produce grown using the Karez system.
- Cultural Education: Provides an educational experience about local agriculture and irrigation practices.
9. Kumtura Tombs
Discover the ancient Kumtura Tombs while enjoying a traditional Uyghur meal at the on-site restaurant.
- Historical Significance: Showcases well-preserved tombs from the ancient Silk Road era.
- Traditional Cuisine: Offers a restaurant serving traditional Uyghur dishes.
- Cultural Education: Provides an educational experience about the ancient Silk Road and local history.
10. Gaochang Ancient City
Explore this ancient city, once a major stop on the Silk Road, and enjoy traditional Uyghur dishes at nearby eateries.
- Historical Significance: Showcases an ancient city that was once a vital stop on the Silk Road.
- Traditional Cuisine: Offers nearby eateries serving traditional Uyghur dishes.
- Cultural Education: Provides an educational experience about the ancient Silk Road and local history.
11. Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
Marvel at the beautiful murals and statues within these ancient caves, then sample delicious Uyghur dishes nearby.
- Historical Artistry: Showcases stunning Buddhist art from centuries ago.
- Traditional Cuisine: Offers nearby eateries serving traditional Uyghur dishes.
- Cultural Education: Provides an educational experience about Buddhism and local history.
12. Jiaohe Ancient City
Explore this ancient city built on a cliffside, and savor traditional Uyghur dishes at nearby restaurants.
- Historical Significance: Showcases an ancient city built on a cliffside.
- Traditional Cuisine: Offers nearby restaurants serving traditional Uyghur dishes.
- Cultural Education: Provides an educational experience about the ancient city and local history.
13. Astana Tombs
Visit these well-preserved tombs from the Han Dynasty, then indulge in traditional Uyghur dishes at a nearby restaurant.
- Historical Significance: Showcases tombs from the Han Dynasty.
- Traditional Cuisine: Offers nearby restaurants serving traditional Uyghur dishes.
- Cultural Education: Provides an educational experience about the Han Dynasty and local history.
14. Grape Valley Wine Festival
Join in the festive atmosphere of the annual Grape Valley Wine Festival, where you can sample local wines and enjoy traditional Uyghur dishes.
- Cultural Event: Provides an opportunity to participate in a unique cultural event.
- Local Wine Tasting: Offers wine tasting of local varieties.
- Traditional Cuisine: Offers dishes made with fresh produce grown in the valley.
15. Turpan International Melon and Grape Festival
Experience the lively atmosphere of this annual festival, where you can sample various melons and grapes, as well as traditional Uyghur dishes.
- Cultural Event: Provides an opportunity to participate in a unique cultural event.
- Fresh Produce: Offers a variety of fresh melons and grapes to sample.
- Traditional Cuisine: Offers dishes made with fresh produce grown in the region.