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.