Western China is one of the most remote and mysterious regions in the country, and has evoked the imagination of traders and explorers throughout the centuries. This is a land where vast deserts and Silk Road towns meet snow-capped mountains and hidden Buddhist monasteries. For travelers, China’s Western Frontier offers the chance to experience Tibetan and Uyghur cultures, encounter nomadic traditions, and admire some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Asia.

In this travel documentary, I take you back to some of my most memorable journeys in Western China. After traveling through the country for more than 18 months, on multiple trips spanning more than a decade.

From the high-altitude expanses of the Tibetan Plateau to the Uyghur villages of Hotan and Turpan. From the monasteries and pilgrimage sites of Xiahe and Lhasa, Tibet’s spiritual capital, to the beautiful mosques and vibrant streets of Xining. From the vast sand dunes of Dunhuang in the Taklamakan desert to the disappearing streets of Kashgar’s old town. And from the stunning Karakul lake to the surreal landscapes of China’s ‘Rainbow Mountains, in Zhangye Danxia national park.

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Here’s a brief overview of the content in this video:

We start our journey in the small village of Xiahe, on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, in Gansu province. Here, we experience Tibetan culture and traditions up close, especially around the Labrang Monastery. After joining pilgrims making sacred koras, we continue our way to Zhangye Danxia national park, also known as China’s Rainbow Mountains.

Traveling further inland, we arrive in Dunhuang, a desert oasis surrounded by vast sand dunes, most of which remain unspoilt. Tourists can briefly walk in the footsteps of explorers and traders, and take part in outdoor activities. We then briefly stop in Xining, a city with a strong Muslim influence, before boarding a long-distance train to Lhasa, traversing the barren, rugged landscapes of the Rooftop of the World, on the highest railway line in the world.

The first views of the immense Potala Palace are truly unforgettable. This imposing building dominates Lhasa’s skyline, and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and historic seat of the Tibetan government. We visit the Palace, and also the important monasteries of Drepung and Sera, the latter known for the daily monks’ debates. Our trip to Lhasa ends in Barkhor, the spiritual heart of the city.

We also visit other parts of Tibet, although as part of a group, a requirement for foreign travelers. From the hilltop Ganden Monastery nearby Lhasa to the deeply Tibetan town of Shigatse, and from frozen rivers and glaciers to distant views of Mount Everest, seen from its basecamp.

Our next destination is Turpan, located in the now controversial Xinjiang province. This friendly town provides our first encounter with Uyghur traditions and cultures, that we truly explore in Kashgar. This incredible city stands at the crossroads of cultures, and feels more like Central Asia than China. Here, we visit the disappearing alleys of Kashgar’s old town and the massive Sunday livestock market.

We continue our way along the Southern Silk Road, and reach Hotan, another major center for the Uyghur people. This city was a large silk production and carpet weaving hub, and some workshops still use traditional methods. Our journey through China’s Western Frontier finally comes to an end on the shores of the spectacular Karakul lake, where we have the chance to stay with local families inside a Central Asian yurt.

Timestamps / video chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:43 Xiahe
4:24 Zhangye Danxia
5:30 Dunhuang
7:11 Xining
8:31 Lhasa
14:07 Tibet
18:31 Turpan
19:36 Urumqi
24:23 Hotan
26:44 Karakul Lake
28:41 End

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