China's Xinjiang: A marvel of wild beauty and a land full of culture and charm


Tianchi, or Heavenly Lake, is one of the most spectacular sights in Xinjiang. — Photos: ONG HAN SEAN/The Star

“Xinjiang is a nice place”, reads the slogan in a promotional video shown at a convention centre in Ürümqi, the capital city of Xinjiang.

Seeing the vast mountainous landscape of Xinjiang from the sky while on the flight in from Guangzhou had already given me a favourable early impression of this land at the heart of the ancient Silk Road.

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Travel

2026 holiday ideas from this international travel guide
Act out your favourite Hallmark holiday movie scenes in this city
On this little Dutch island, nature and food come together
Life in the East: Istanbul's Asian side is bursting with charm
Traditional hanfu turn trips into cultural adventures in China
Exploring Perth's vibrant blend of sports, cuisine and culture
Tensions between China and Japan take a toll on Osaka
Curiosity Cove is the latest attraction in Singapore’s Mandai
8 Swiss cities with interesting Christmas markets to check out
7 toilets around the world that will surprise you

Others Also Read