You can climb the Great Wall, wander through the chambers of Beijing’s Forbidden City, and marvel at the stately colonial buildings along Shanghai’s Bund. But, well, everyone does that, and you’ll likely be sharing those attractions with a few thousand other visitors. You’ll get a lot more out of a visit to China if you get off the tourist track. Here’s how:
A big draw for visitors to predominantly Muslim Xinjiang is that the northwestern province doesn’t feel much like the rest of China. But while the capital, Urumqi, has begun to resemble your average Chinese city, a trip to nearby Turpan, a searing hot desert oasis, will leave you feeling like you’ve landed in Central Asia.
Home to Uighurs as well as several other minority groups, Turpan has beautiful old architecture, especially the Emin Minaret. Wander through the bustling market for spices, raisins, nuts, handmade knives, and gorgeous fabric.
How to get there:
Take the bus from Urumqi’s long-distance bus station for about 30RMB (about $5)—you’ll pass windmills and possibly roaming camels on the two-and-a-half-hour ride over.
While you’re there:
Take a short car or minibus ride out to Putao Gou, the wine-growing region. The wine itself is garbage, but the scenery is stunning, with intricate brick homes the same color as the surrounding desert. Have a hearty lunch of lamb kebabs and pulled noodles in a grapevine-draped patio.
