Northwest China - Northwest China

North West China was historically a border region with the beginning of the ancient Silk Road, much desert terrain, and mainly Muslim inhabitants including some nomads and rather fierce tribal groups. It has always had strong Chinese influences, though at times there were also independent kingdoms in the area. Over the past hundred years there has been considerable migration by Han Chinese; they are now the largest ethnic group in most areas. Today it is a rapidly growing region, though still less developed than coastal areas.

Regions

Regions of Northwest China

Shaanxi Province

Gansu Province

Ningxia Autonomous Region

Qinghai Province

Xinjiang Autonomous Region (Dzungarian, Tarim)

Cities

Map of Northwest China

• 40.1410994.661641 Dunhuang , Gansu, with Buddhist grottoes that are on the UNESCO World Heritage List
• 36.40277894.9041672 Golmud , Qinghai, jumping off point for many trips to Tibet
• 39.4575.9833333 Kashgar , Xinjiang, historic trading center on the Silk Road
• 36.06171103.831774 Lanzhou , Gansu, provincial capital
• 42.9589.1822222222225 Turpan , Xinjiang, lowest point in China
• 43.822587.61256 Urumqi , Xinjiang, provincial capital
• 34.266666666667108.97 Xi'an , Shaanxi, ancient capital with many cultural relics including the Terracotta Warriors
• 36.62386101.778668 Xining , Qinghai, provincial capital
• 38.47947106.225369 Yinchuan , Ningxia, provincial capital

Other destinations

• 34.351061 Maijishan National Park (Gansu) - Cliffside grottoes and botanic gardens
• 38.435035105.9871672 Xixia Wangling National Park (Ningxia)- Western Xia Tombs
• 371003 Qinghaihu National Park (Qinghai) - migratory bird stop

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Do

Heaven lake of Tian Shan

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