In Western China vast deserts and arid plains stretch for thousands of kilometres before ending abruptly at the foot of towering mountain ranges. The ruins of Buddhist cities pepper the deserts as reminders of the past, while newer Islamic monuments point the way to the future. Western China (and Xinjiang in particular) is one of the most interesting regions in China, packed with history, archaeological remains, ethnic variety, superb landscapes, vibrant Central Asian culture and fertile oases scattered along the ancient Silk Road. Kashgar and Hotan have been Silk Road trading centres for over 2000 years and traders from Kazakhstan, Krygyzstan and Pakistan continue to fuel the cities with great atmosphere.

Kashgar (people) (20 images)

Kashgar market (1) (19 images)

Kashgar market (2) (19 images)

Kashgar (produce) (19 images)

Kashgar (miscellaneous) (20 images)

Hotan (people) (17 images)

Hotan market (17 images)

Hotan (miscellaneous) (8 images)

Heavenly Lake (Tian Chi) (22 images)

Dunhuang (17 images)

Pandas (Chengdu) (11 images)