Blogs from Xinjiang, China, Asia - page 3

lBreakfast at Minfeng Dihuang International Hotel starts at 9.00 Beijing time and we decided on a long-lie so arrived at 9.30 (i.e. 7.30 local time) to discover it had all been eaten! After salvaging something from the remains, Christa and Maghnus went off to discover bus times for tomorrow, Minfeng to Qiemo. It transpires that the bus leaves here at 7pm, and we know from experience that it averages 20 mph due to the administrative arrangements en route, so might well reach Qiemo about 4 am, possibly rather later. So, the next stage is to be by hired car, 700 yuan (about £90). Whilst investigating the small but neat, friendly and relatively rural town, C and M found themselves in the middle of a "Dad's Army" scenario and were ushered into a wee fruit shop until ... read more

This was yesterday, a Sunday, so to be leisurely. We strolled to the neighbouring open People's plaza, passing about 30 employees of a neighbouring shop, limbering up on the pavement outside to lively music and working on the corporate bonding and zeal for a day's trading. The very large plaza was colourful with bright lights and a fringe of floats, many of which had been sponsored by local businesses; the area was dominated by a large statue of Chairman Mao and a local Uighir male (with full beard and moustache), holding hands. The symbolism reminded one of a recent re-enactment between USA and a representative of the UK. Beyond the plaza we indulged in coffee and cakes, explored some more and then set out to find the bus station. We had carefully armed ourselves with a ... read more

Kuqa railway station is a modern, stylish and well-managed establishment, we arrived in good time but check-in was very easy and efficient, 30 minutes would be enough to allow prior to departure. Our 2nd Hard Sleeper had already done sterling service and the bunks in our carriage were arranged in tiers of 3 high divided by a narrow passage, with the south-facing window heavily curtained; after many hours, the sheets showed the signs, and our party of three was distributed as one per compartment, each in middle berth. It took some time to discover the folding footholds, which would assist an ascent, resembling those little blocks you see on the walls of establishments that train would-be mountaineers. Anyway, one member of our party announced flatly "I am not going in there", so we used the bunks ... read more

Here are some photos... read more

After delightful breakfast at Silk Road Lodges, took taxi to the old Turpan station, 50 km from town, about 1hr 20mins in all along superb roads; all roads so far have been perfect, up to eight lanes, with traffic fairly light. This is convenient for drivers who choose to straddle lanes, or randomly move around, for example by overtaking, undertaking or whilst distracted by gesticulating or deep in hand-held phone conversations. Oddly enough, one feels quite relaxed. Reached railway station and checked in (n.b. it is worth arriving in very good time, about one hour before departure, if you wish to travel without any stress, so as to give time for proper check-in etc.). So far, we have not seen any other Westerners and have been almost embarrassed by the consideration that we have received - ... read more