Exploring Xinjiang: Culture, Cuisine & Isolation

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In the desolate eastern parts of Xinjiang, there are many construction sites along the elevated expressway. The roads are filled with large piles of gravel and flat-opened mountains. It feels incredibly lonely due to the vast emptiness here. In the bustling city of Urumqi, I made a conscious decision not to rent a car one day. This was an erroneous choice because Xinjiang lacks shared bicycles or taxis, which are extremely expensive even in the city center.

The signs and announcements on subway platforms and above ground rail networks feature a mix of Chinese, English, and Uighur languages. During rides, encounters with drivers from various walks of life were commonsome spoke perfect Mandarin, while others had broken English skills. The driver I encountered was a Uighur man who spoke neither Chinese nor English well.

In the quiet lanes along the city’s outskirts, several Uighur women and girls smoked in stylish attire. Their allure was undeniable despite appearances suggesting rough living conditions. They seemed to radiate an untamed vitality that could not be contained within their surroundings.

Walking through the bustling subway during the night brought unexpected joy. The air was thick with the strong aroma of kebabs, making it impossible to resist. However, this wasn’t just about eating; it was about savoring the unique flavor and spices on every bite. The taste was rich yet balanced, with a hint of sweetness that made it hard to put down.

The first meal I shared with my hostess involved a large quantity of (beef stew). It’s said that even a small portion can fill one person; I struggled to eat even half of the little bowl. The kebabs here were delicious, and the taste of the beer matched perfectly.

Dabaza
The bazaar was filled with repetitive text snippets, making it difficult for me to engage in meaningful conversations. I couldn’t find anyone willing to join me in expressing my thoughts about this place.

Xinjiang Museum
This was a significant attraction due to its historical significance. However, half of the display rooms were temporarily closed during my visit. The remaining exhibits provided limited insight into the museum’s history and culture compared to its stated size. Despite this, I found the exhibits more interesting than expected given their small size.

Erzhuanshan Road
The streets here are densely packed with barbecue (barbecue stands), making it impossible to find a quiet place to eat or relax. Guided by my friend’s recommendations on social media, I tried several local eateries and had mixed experiences. The food was generally okay but lacked that special something.

Anditianshan Road
The bustling streets filled with people were a relief after walking for hours in the pouring rain. Despite the monsoon winds, the street life here still offered a sense of excitement. I couldn’t help but admire the local scene where everyone seemed to know each other and lived ordinary lives.

After spending several days exploring Xinjiang’s cultural and natural wonders, my time was drawing to a close. The final day brought mixed emotions as I prepared to leave for Beijing. The roads were filled with cars, and the city felt more alive than ever before. However, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of being overwhelmed by everything.

The night sky was clear that evening, offering stunning views of the mountains and deserts stretching endlessly below. The air was filled with the scent of fresh snow and the distant calls of birds. Despite the long journey ahead, there was no time to enjoy the moment fully.

In Urumqi, I encountered a group of people from the Uighur community who spoke broken English but had strong Mandarin skills. Their stories were riddled with cultural nuances that made them difficult to understand without prior knowledge of their language and culture. This encounter was both enlightening and frustrating at the same time.

The journey through Xinjiang was filled with beautiful landscapes and rich local cultures, but it left me feeling more isolated than ever before. The constant reminder of my own life choices made every moment feel more precious. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss as I bid farewell to this extraordinary place that had become part of my heart.

Pictures:

• A landscape with mountains and snow-capped peaks at the foot of the Tarim River, taken on October 30, 2023.
• A photo from the Xinjiang Museum showcasing historical artifacts.
• Beautiful natural scenery captured in Urumqi during the day on October 31, 2023.