Dr. Thompson in China 12-13

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Week 6 - Silk Road Trip from Urumqi to Xian (over 4,000 miles round trip) including plane, train, bus, donkey cart, camel, and foot. The region of Xinjiang is in the furthest North-West corner of China and borders Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. The region is culturally diverse with Han Chinese being a minority and a large Uyghur population of Turkic ethnicity and Islam religion.

The historical sites we visited covered more than 2000 years and the Gobi Desert goes on forever. What a fascinating trip of history, culture, and wonderful people who are still living a very simple and primitive life by our standards. I was constantly filled with wonder and appreciation for the world we live in and the universal standard of communication ... a smile. The following pictures won't come close to expressing the grandness of the area or the warmth and hospitality of the people but they'll hopefully give you a glimpse into my week of learning and experiencing a whole new world.

Day 1 Our Travels began in the ancient city of Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Highlights included shopping at Er Dao Qiao Market with wonderful dried fruits and nuts, a Muslim Temple, and wind farms that go on for miles ... very windy and cold.

Urumqi and all cities are filled with flowers for the holiday

Outside the International Bazaar in Urumqi

the dried dates, figs, apricots, and many other fruits are wonderful

Day 2-3 We traveled by bus to Turpan, a city with a 6,000 year history and the lowest elevation in China. It is also known as the hottest city in China, Huo Zhou (a place as hot as fire). Uygurs again account for over 70% of the population. We visited the Jiaohe Ancient City and the ancient well irrigation system—Karze Well and visited the Urgur family. The area is full of wonderful vineyards and delicious grapes. Flaming Mountain - the hottest place in China were temperatures can reach 118F. Next was the Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Caves which is one of the most important Buddha grotto relics. It was built during the Northern and Southern dynasties (386-589) and for 700 years, it remained the Buddhist center of the Western Regions

walkway in Turpan covered with grapevines

another walkway in Turpan covered with grapevines

Uygur host of his vineyard and tasting of many kinds of delicious raisins and melons

Entertainment while visiting vineyard

Fun Hotel in Turpan

Ancient City of Jiaohe

Outside Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Caves

Wonderful vineyards in valley of Jiaohe

Outside Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Caves

Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Caves

Imin Mosque and Pagoda near Turpan

Mogao Grottoes

Day 4 we arrived in Dunhuan on an overnight sleeper train and visited the Tuyugou Valley Village and learned about the original Ughur customs. We then explored the Pachikli Grottos on the cliff and the Gaochang ancient town by donky cart. Other highlights included riding a camel in the desert and the Mogao Grottoes with huge Buddas and beautiful murals ... over 1000 caves have already been discovered and because of the isolated location and dry desert climate, most have not been destroyed. Incredible place!

Mogao Grottoes

Uyugou Valley Village

Uyugou Valley Village - he thought we looked funny

These kids wanted their picture taken but were shy

Gaochang ancient town

Gaochang ancient town

Dunhuan and Camel riding

leaving the magnificent Gobi desert

Day 5-6 back in Xi’an we walked around the city wall, visiting the art markets, enjoyed a Dumpling Banquet with a Tang Dynasty performance of singing and dancing and then Saturday spent the day exploring the Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses at the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor who unified China in 221BC. What an incredible site. We ended the day at the Wild Goose Pagoda for a fountain and light show.