Northwest China is a miraculous, beautiful land full of temptations. It has a long history, rich resources and unique landscapes. Extensive and profound cultural artifacts in combination with diverse and graceful natural landscapes add beauty to each other, forming the unique charms of Northwest China. The following five in the northwest are the most characteristic tourist cities; hope to bring you with special China trip.
Xian, anciently known as Chang'an (meaning "eternal peace"), is the biggest city in the northwest of China. It boasts a mild climate, fertile soil, beautiful scenery, abundant products, and numerous historical relics and sites.During the Western Han and Tang dynasties, Xian was China's political, economic, cultural, and foreign exchange center, where people from all over the world lived in harmony. It was also the first stop on the Silk Road, linking up the oriental and western civilizations. The saying "In the east, there is Rome, in the west, Chang'an," best described the position of Xian at that time. Nowadays, Xian enjoys an equal fame as "one of the four major capitals of ancient civilization".
Dunhuang is the best stop of the Silk Road in Gansu and is the gateway to Xinjiang and the area beyond. In ancient times, Dunhuang was the center of trade between China and its western neighbors. At that time, it was the most westerly frontier military garrison in China. With the flourishing of trade along the Silk Road, Dunhuang was prompted to become the most open area in international trade in Chinese history. It provided the only access westward for the Chinese Empire and eastward for western nationalities. Today, as a reminder of this historical area, we are left with the Mogao Caves, Yangguan Pass, Yumenguan Pass and many wonderful Chinese poems depicting the time. Although what remains of the two Passes are crumbling walls, one can still experience the atmosphere of that time while visiting in person.
Xining in Qianghai Provice
Xining is called the Summer Resort Capital of China for its cool summer. The scenery of the Qinghai Lake, situated within Xining, provides an escape from fervent cities and allows you to experience beautiful natural sceneries. The lake itself is quite amazing. The Birds Island, situated on the northwest of Qinghai Lake, is waiting to present you with an extensive array of birds. To the southwest of Xining, is the birthplace of the founder of the Gelugpa Sect. The gem of the Tibetan culture-Ta'er Monastery was built here. To the north of Xining is the Beichan Temple. Climbing the temple will reward you with a view of the city from the mountaintop. A site not to be missed is the Dongguan Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in northern China.
Yinchuan in Ningxia Provice
Yinchuan was one of China's dynamic outposts of civilization. It is a multi-nationality city including Han, hui,manchu,Mongolian and peoples. Brilliant culture has contributed to Yinchuan being a famous tourist city. There are over 60 historical sites including mosques, pagodas, pavilions, temples, and imperial tombs as well as natural scenery such as Helan Mountain, Sand Lake Scenic Resort (Sha Hu) and Shapotou, etc.
Located in the Turpan Basin, it has long been known as "Fire State" or "Land of Fire" for its extreme summer heat. As a result of its unique weather characteristics, Turpan is abundant with fruits like grapes and watermelons and in China is widely known as "the City of Grapes". Turpan is a marvelous city blending Western and Eastern religions and culture together perfectly. The geographical position of Turpan is rather important. Lying at the junction of the east and the west of China, it has been a key point on the Silk Road since ancient times, with a great number of historical relics as well as unique landscapes.