last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Western China
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Location Map of Western China
Western China
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Western China has four sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Mogao Caves (1987)
On the outskirts of Dunhuang, these remarkable UNESCO-listed caves form a system of 492 Buddhist chapels adorned with paintings and statues.
On the outskirts of Dunhuang, these remarkable UNESCO-listed caves form a system of 492 Buddhist chapels adorned with paintings and statues.
Hoh Xil (2017)
This isolated high-altitude region in the northwest of Qinghai Province is one of the least populated places in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, particularly noted for its landscapes.
This isolated high-altitude region in the northwest of Qinghai Province is one of the least populated places in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, particularly noted for its landscapes.
Tianshan Tianchi National Park (2013)
A lake (Tianchi) and mountains (UNESCO-listed Tian Mountains) offer stunning landscapes. You can hike and discover the local Kazakh populations.
A lake (Tianchi) and mountains (UNESCO-listed Tian Mountains) offer stunning landscapes. You can hike and discover the local Kazakh populations.
Silk Road (2014)
This famous route between China and the Mediterranean, which reached its peak in the medieval era, is UNESCO-listed for its China-Central Asia section. Beyond its "historical and cultural" value, it still offers traces of that period along its path (caravanserais, monuments, and more).
This famous route between China and the Mediterranean, which reached its peak in the medieval era, is UNESCO-listed for its China-Central Asia section. Beyond its "historical and cultural" value, it still offers traces of that period along its path (caravanserais, monuments, and more).
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Dunhuang
Located on one of the Silk Roads, the city is visited for its dunes and especially the Buddhist Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Located on one of the Silk Roads, the city is visited for its dunes and especially the Buddhist Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Golmud
A large city in the middle of a desert area, often serving as a stopover on the way to Tibet.
A large city in the middle of a desert area, often serving as a stopover on the way to Tibet.
Bingling Temple Caves
A two-kilometre stretch of Buddhist caves and sculptures carved into a canyon of the Yellow River, accessible only by boat and set in a stunning landscape.
A two-kilometre stretch of Buddhist caves and sculptures carved into a canyon of the Yellow River, accessible only by boat and set in a stunning landscape.
Mogao Caves
On the outskirts of Dunhuang, these remarkable UNESCO-listed caves form a system of 492 Buddhist chapels adorned with paintings and statues.
On the outskirts of Dunhuang, these remarkable UNESCO-listed caves form a system of 492 Buddhist chapels adorned with paintings and statues.
Kashgar
A major Uyghur city (and a culture shock) on the Silk Road, with many religious buildings, renowned bazaars, and an old town. Its Sunday market is one of the largest in Central Asia.
A major Uyghur city (and a culture shock) on the Silk Road, with many religious buildings, renowned bazaars, and an old town. Its Sunday market is one of the largest in Central Asia.
Labrang Monastery
This impressive Buddhist site is renowned and located in the town of Xiahe. You can hike in the surrounding area.
This impressive Buddhist site is renowned and located in the town of Xiahe. You can hike in the surrounding area.
Mount Maiji
This mountain near the city of Tianshui is home to 194 caves adorned with thousands of Buddha representations.
This mountain near the city of Tianshui is home to 194 caves adorned with thousands of Buddha representations.
Silk Road
This famous route between China and the Mediterranean, which reached its peak in the medieval era, is UNESCO-listed for its China-Central Asia section. Beyond its "historical and cultural" value, it still offers traces of that period along its path (caravanserais, monuments, and more).
This famous route between China and the Mediterranean, which reached its peak in the medieval era, is UNESCO-listed for its China-Central Asia section. Beyond its "historical and cultural" value, it still offers traces of that period along its path (caravanserais, monuments, and more).
Turpan
This large oasis city is a must-visit for its caves and, above all, the remnants of ancient cities along the Silk Road in its surroundings.
This large oasis city is a must-visit for its caves and, above all, the remnants of ancient cities along the Silk Road in its surroundings.
Note: Some areas of Xinjiang and Qinghai are occasionally or locally advised against for security reasons by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs or are off-limits to foreigners.
Natural Heritage
Taklamakan Desert
A vast, inhospitable desert in China’s far west, primarily in Xinjiang. You can trek locally (including by camel) and explore its oases (Kashgar, Turpan, and others).
A vast, inhospitable desert in China’s far west, primarily in Xinjiang. You can trek locally (including by camel) and explore its oases (Kashgar, Turpan, and others).
Hoh Xil (2017)
This isolated high-altitude region in the northwest of Qinghai Province is one of the least populated places in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, particularly noted for its landscapes.
This isolated high-altitude region in the northwest of Qinghai Province is one of the least populated places in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, particularly noted for its landscapes.
Karakoram Highway
The famous high-mountain road connects China to Pakistan. It offers stunning landscapes perfect for trekking and mountaineering.
The famous high-mountain road connects China to Pakistan. It offers stunning landscapes perfect for trekking and mountaineering.
Karakul Lake
Southwest of Kashgar, at over 3,500 m altitude, this lake is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes and a wide range of hiking opportunities.
Southwest of Kashgar, at over 3,500 m altitude, this lake is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes and a wide range of hiking opportunities.
Qinghai Lake
China’s largest lake. It is popular for its landscapes, birdlife, and hiking opportunities.
China’s largest lake. It is popular for its landscapes, birdlife, and hiking opportunities.
Tianshan Tianchi National Park
A lake (Tianchi) and mountains (UNESCO-listed Tian Mountains) offer stunning landscapes. You can hike and discover the local Kazakh populations.
A lake (Tianchi) and mountains (UNESCO-listed Tian Mountains) offer stunning landscapes. You can hike and discover the local Kazakh populations.
Hanas Nature Reserve
In the northern part of Xinjiang, this area of lakes and mountains offers stunning landscapes and trekking opportunities.
In the northern part of Xinjiang, this area of lakes and mountains offers stunning landscapes and trekking opportunities.
Must-see & highly recommended
Taklamakan Desert
★★★★ A vast, inhospitable desert in China’s far west, primarily in Xinjiang. You can trek locally (including by camel) and explore its…
Karakoram Highway
★★★★ The famous high-mountain road connects China to Pakistan. It offers stunning landscapes perfect for trekking and mountaineering.
Karakul Lake
★★★★ Southwest of Kashgar, at over 3,500 m altitude, this lake is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes and a wide range of hiking…
Recommended
Bingling Temple Caves
★★★ A two-kilometre stretch of Buddhist caves and sculptures carved into a canyon of the Yellow River, accessible only by boat and set in a…
Mogao Caves
★★★ On the outskirts of Dunhuang, these remarkable UNESCO-listed caves form a system of 492 Buddhist chapels adorned with paintings and statues.
Hoh Xil
★★★ This isolated high-altitude region in the northwest of Qinghai Province is one of the least populated places in the world. It is a UNESCO…
Kashgar
★★★ A major Uyghur city (and a culture shock) on the Silk Road, with many religious buildings, renowned bazaars, and an old town. Its Sunday…
Tianshan Tianchi National Park
★★★ A lake (Tianchi) and mountains (UNESCO-listed Tian Mountains) offer stunning landscapes. You can hike and discover the local Kazakh…
Worth a look / Other
Dunhuang
★★ Located on one of the Silk Roads, the city is visited for its dunes and especially the Buddhist Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Jiayuguan
★★ With its fortress, the city marks the end of the Great Wall, which can be visited here.
Qinghai Lake
★★ China’s largest lake. It is popular for its landscapes, birdlife, and hiking opportunities.
Labrang Monastery
★★ This impressive Buddhist site is renowned and located in the town of Xiahe. You can hike in the surrounding area.
Mount Maiji
★★ This mountain near the city of Tianshui is home to 194 caves adorned with thousands of Buddha representations.
Hanas Nature Reserve
★★ In the northern part of Xinjiang, this area of lakes and mountains offers stunning landscapes and trekking opportunities.
Silk Road
★★ This famous route between China and the Mediterranean, which reached its peak in the medieval era, is UNESCO-listed for its China-Central…
Tongren
★★ This town in Qinghai is home to several renowned Tibetan monasteries.
Turpan
★★ This large oasis city is a must-visit for its caves and, above all, the remnants of ancient cities along the Silk Road in its surroundings.
Urumqi
★★ The capital of Xinjiang offers a blend of Chinese and Central Asian cultures.
Golmud
★ A large city in the middle of a desert area, often serving as a stopover on the way to Tibet.
Hotan
★ A major "crossroads" city in the south of Xinjiang Province.
Lanzhou
★ Capital of Gansu Province, it is a vast urban area with nearly 3 million inhabitants.
Kumbum Monastery
★ It is one of the most important Tibetan monasteries in China.
Wuwei
★ A historic strategic city, Wuwei still boasts diverse historical landmarks.
Xining
★ The capital of Qinghai Province has several museums and religious sites of interest.