Northwest China - geographic region of 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

Shaanxi Province

Gansu Province

Ningxia Autonomous Region

Qinghai Province

Xinjiang Autonomous Region (Dzungarian, Tarim)

Cities

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

Other destinations

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

Understand

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Get around

See

Do

Heaven lake of Tian Shan

Eat

Drink

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