Photogenic Xinjiang (新疆) !
Posted On Thursday, June 7, 2012 at at 6:37 PM by Alvin
Xinjiang (新疆) offered
numerous photogenic opportunities and a perfect province for
photographers to capture THAT moment - lush green forests, crystal clear
river streams, tranquil glacial lakes, awesome snow-capped mountains,
dramatic sunsets, arid deserts, crisp morning air and colorful local life -
enjoy !
The Road To Lake Kanas (喀纳斯湖) In Northern Xinjiang (北疆)
Posted On Sunday, June 3, 2012 at at 7:47 PM by Alvin
Neatly tucked away at the northern tip of Xinjiang, Lake Kanas (喀纳斯湖) was reputedly "the last paradise" and its unique location cramped between Russia, Mongolia and Kazakhstan whetted our wandering appetite and we made the 900km from Urumqi in stages. We first headed to the oil-rich city of Kalamayi (克拉瑪依) where the very first Chinese oil field was found and drilled more than 50 years ago. Close by was the pleasant outpost town of Wuyiho (烏爾禾) and we visited the famed Monster City (烏爾禾魔鬼城) where wind, rain and harsh climates sculpted the landscapes into a variety of monstrous configurations. We spent an enjoyable sojourn in the city of Buerjin (布爾津) where the air was fresh and the locals friendly before journeying deep into the Altai Mountains where lied the famed Lake Kanas.
Kanas just did not disappoint with its blue, silky smooth lake surface framed against the snow-capped Altai Mountains - we loved it so much that we spent 3 days here ! We hiked around the peaceful lake front and watched the Tuva (蒙古族图瓦人 - a branch of Mongolians) peoples raising their cattle of horses, camels, cows and sheeps. We even bumped into a Tuva primary school long jump competition ! The next day was spent in visiting the picturesque bays and coves outside Lake Kanas where we found Tuva and Kazak peoples living right off the crystal clear mountain streams around the bays of 臥龍灣, 神仙灣 and 月亮灣. We spent the following morning scaling the 1,000 steps up to the Fish Gazing Pagoda (觀魚台) where we were awarded by a fine view over most of the length of Lake Kanas and we imagined lives in the Russian, Mongolian and Kazak lands beyond the snowy mountains capped by the towering Friendship Peak - 友誼峰. We reluctantly left Kanas and headed towards the functional city of Altai (阿勒泰) and eventually back to Urumqi, our bus journey at this stage was entertained by an accompanying handsome white puppy on its way to meet his owner ! Oh, one more item of interest, we finally managed to try the famous roast leg of lamb (烤羊腿) - a Xinjiang special dish !
