Great Power Reclamation

Chapter 2931 The Allure of Southern Xinjiang

Of course, you can't miss the baked buns (Samsa). They have thin skins and generous fillings. When you take a bite of a freshly baked bun, the scalding hot meat juice almost burns your tongue, but it's so delicious that you can't stop eating them.

Just as everyone was enjoying their meal, the conversation of a group of locals at the next table caught their attention. The group consisted of several elderly people who seemed to be discussing something like "Lop Nur," "the old place," and "a secret."

Li Lindong was extremely curious and listened intently, but unfortunately he couldn't understand Uyghur.

He nudged the tour guide, Xiao Ai: "Xiao Ai, they seem to be talking about the Lop Nur people? What's the story of the Lop Nur people?"

Xiao Ai lowered her voice and said, "The Lop Nur people are a very ancient ethnic group in Xinjiang. They used to live in the Lop Nur area and made a living by fishing and hunting. It is said that they have many mysterious cultures and legends."

“There are very few real Lop Nur elders left now. They might be talking about a legend that one of the Lop Nur elders knew about some ancient ruin deep in the desert, something like a ‘village buried by sand.’ I’m not too sure of the specifics, but there are many such legends.”

These words immediately piqued the interest of all the old men. Adventure, treasure hunting, and mysterious legends—these words hold a fatal attraction for men of all ages.

"A village buried by sand? Is it Loulan?" Wei Yuxiang asked.

“No, Loulan is famous, but its location is relatively clear. What they’re describing sounds more remote and unknown.” Xiao Ai shook her head.

Yang Geyong got excited: "Hey, this is interesting! Shall we go explore?"

Ye Yuze remained calm: "Don't be silly. The Taklamakan Desert is no joke. With our old bones and limbs, we might not come out alive if we go in. Just listen to the story."

Although the expedition plan was rejected, the discussion about the Lop Nur people and the mysterious ruins became the topic of conversation in the second half of dinner.

While drinking kvass (a refreshing beverage made from fermented honey), everyone let their imaginations run wild, conjuring up the secrets of the deep desert, as if they themselves were the protagonists of an adventure story.

The next day, they visited Bosten Lake (China's largest inland freshwater lake), where they saw huge reed beds and abundant water birds, experiencing a water town atmosphere that was completely different from their impression of the arid southern Xinjiang.

Lunch was naturally a whole fish feast, with five kinds of black sea bass grilled to perfection and the fish soup incredibly delicious.

In the afternoon, they visited the Iron Gate Pass, experiencing the vicissitudes of the ancient Silk Road. The wind blew through the canyon, and it seemed as if they could still hear the sound of camel bells.

In the evening, on the streets of Korla, they actually encountered an old man who was said to have Lop Nur ancestry.

The old man's Chinese wasn't fluent, but with Xiao Ai's translation, everyone listened, guessing and piecing together fragments of stories about the Lop Nur people's past fishing, building boats from poplar wood, and the ancient city buried by desert sands. Although his words were vague, they only added to the mystery.

Yang Geyong listened with rapt attention and even offered the old man a cigarette (which was politely declined; the old man smoked his own cigarettes). He almost wanted to go home with the old man to continue listening to the story, but everyone laughed and pulled him back.

"Old Yang, you've got quite a wide range of 'romantic encounters,' from the grassland ladies to the old men of Lop Nur?"

Ye Yuze joked. Everyone burst into laughter again.

Yang Geyong retorted, "What do you know? This is called exploring history and culture!"

My two days in Korla ended amidst the sweetness of fragrant pears, the hearty enjoyment of roasted meat, and the lingering mystery of legends.

With their initial impressions of southern Xinjiang and their bellies full of delicious food, the elderly boarded the bus and continued southward towards their next destination—Aksu. They knew that more beautiful scenery and stories awaited them on the road ahead.

Leaving Korla, the tour group traveled westward along the edge of the Tarim Basin. The scenery outside the window increasingly resembled that of "southern Xinjiang."

The vast Gobi Desert, rows of tall poplar trees, and distant, faintly visible sand dunes.

Oasis cities, like pearls, are scattered along the highway, thriving thanks to the nourishment of the Tianshan meltwater.

Our destination was Aksu, another place famous for its fruit—the hometown of the "Rock Sugar Heart" apple.

Although it's not apple season and there aren't any red fruits hanging from the branches, everyone's anticipation for this place remains as high as ever.

"I heard that the apples from Aksu are as sweet as honey, but unfortunately I won't be able to taste them now."

Wei Yuxiang said with some regret. Tour guide Xiao Ai smiled and said:
"Uncle Wei, don't be disappointed. There's plenty of delicious food in Aksu! And we're going to Wensu Grand Canyon now; the spectacular scenery there will make you feel even 'sweeter' than eating an apple!"

Sure enough, the car did not enter Aksu city directly, but turned towards WS County in the north.

Gradually, a colorful and strangely shaped mountain outline appeared on the distant horizon—we had arrived at the Wensu Grand Canyon.

Once inside the scenic area, you'll transfer to off-road vehicles, and the real thrill begins.

The Grand Canyon is like a huge red maze, formed by wind and water erosion over millions of years.

The red rock walls stand tall in various shapes and sizes, some resembling fortresses and others like giant beasts. Under the sunlight, their colors change, creating a magnificent spectacle.

The elderly walked on the newly built boardwalk, taking photos and exclaiming in amazement.

“This place is comparable to the Grand Canyon in Colorado, USA!” Kevin exclaimed.

"Nature is truly a marvel of nature!" Ye Yuze exclaimed.

Yang Geyong, Li Lindong, and a few other "lively" individuals were not content with just enjoying the scenery from the boardwalk. They became eager to climb the gentle slopes that they could carefully ascend.

"Let's walk over there, the view will be better from that angle!" Yang Geyong suggested, pointing to a path that looked like it led down to the bottom of the valley.

Ye Yuze reminded, "Don't go too far, be careful."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing!" Yang Geyong patted his chest and led Li Lindong and the equally curious Ivan down the stairs.

It started off smoothly, and the view from the bottom of the valley was indeed more breathtaking.

However, just as they were taking pictures, an accident happened. Li Lindong, in his attempt to find a better angle, stepped on a loose stone, cried out in pain, slipped and fell to the ground, clutching his ankle and gasping for breath.

"What's wrong, Lao Li?" Yang Geyong rushed over.

"It seems... I twisted my ankle." Li Lindong grimaced in pain.

This is troublesome. The valley floor is quite a distance from the boardwalk, and the path is rugged and difficult to traverse.

Yang Geyong and Ivan tried to support him, but he struggled to walk. Their companions above also noticed the situation and became anxious.

"I knew it! Those old guys are always a headache!"

Ye Yuze was both angry and anxious. Tour guide Xiao Ai quickly contacted the景区 staff.

Soon, two professional rescuers arrived with a stretcher. After some effort, they finally managed to lift the groaning Li Lindong up from the bottom of the valley.

Fortunately, it was just a sprained ankle, not a fracture. The scenic area doctor gave him emergency treatment, but Li Lindong's ankle swelled up into a large lump, making walking impossible.

"You've had too much joy, haven't you?" Wei Yuxiang gloated from the sidelines. "Serves you right for showing off!"

Li Lindong said with a long face, "It's over. Now I'm a burden. I can't even go out to eat the delicious food."

This unexpected "canyon hazard" interrupted the tour, but it also became a "hidden moment" in the journey.

While scolding Yang Geyong and his group, everyone took turns caring for the "injured" Li Lindong.

Knowing he was in the wrong, Yang Geyong took the initiative to carry Li Lindong on his back (when needed), working up a sweat.

We returned to Aksu city in the evening. Although there was a minor incident, the comfort of good food was indispensable.

First up is Aksu's famous dish – naan-wrapped mutton. A large plate of tenderly stewed mutton, along with its rich broth, is poured directly over sliced ​​naan.

The naan bread, soaked in the broth, became soft, chewy, and savory, while the mutton melted in your mouth. This was practically a tailor-made meal for the "wounded" Li Lindong, allowing him to enjoy a hearty meal without much movement. "Mmm! This is good! This is perfect for me!" Li Lindong sat at the table, eating with gusto, his mouth glistening with oil, instantly forgetting his pain.

Next up was Aksu pigeon soup. Slow-cooked with high-quality local pigeons, the broth was clear yet incredibly delicious, a truly nourishing dish. Everyone had a bowl, and felt completely satisfied.

Of course, there are also various kinds of roasted meat and mixed noodles. Aksu's mixed noodles are especially chewy, and the stir-fried meat noodles and wild mushroom noodles are highly praised by the elderly.

Although I didn't get to eat fresh rock sugar heart apples, I did get to drink the local specialty apple juice, which was sweet and sour and made up for it a little.

The next day, Li Lindong's foot injury had improved somewhat, but he still needed to rest. The main group visited the famous Keke Ya windbreak forest project to experience the miracle of how the people of Aksu transformed the desert into an oasis.

Meanwhile, Li Lindong, the "injured" soldier, and Wei Yuxiang, who volunteered to stay and take care of him (actually, they wanted to find an excuse to be lazy), explored the area near the hotel and actually found an extremely authentic papaya roasted milk shop.

Fresh milk is placed in a hollowed-out papaya, along with dried fruits such as almonds and raisins, and then slowly baked in a tandoor oven. The aroma of milk mixed with the fragrance of fruit creates a wonderful and delicious flavor.

When the rest of the group returned, the two proudly boasted about their "discovery," making everyone's mouths water and prompting them to ask to go again. Thus, afternoon tea turned into a papaya and roasted milk tea party.

In Aksu, they not only appreciated the magnificence of the geological wonders, but also experienced the warmth of caring for each other after their "comrades" were injured. They also used delicious food to soothe the fatigue and minor "thrills" of the journey.

Li Lindong's ankle seems to be healing even faster thanks to the "treatment" of delicious food and friendship.

Next, they will travel to Kashgar, a major city in southern Xinjiang, known as the "land of fruits" and the "land of song and dance." Everyone is looking forward to experiencing the more intense exotic atmosphere and the richer stories that await them there.

After bidding farewell to Aksu, the tour group continued westward along the Southern Xinjiang Railway, their destination being Kashgar, the most representative city in Southern Xinjiang and even the entire Xinjiang region in everyone's mind.

The closer you get to Kashgar, the more pronounced the rich ethnic customs become. More and more bazaars appear along the roadside, filled with people wearing small, four-cornered flower hats, women in Atlas silk skirts, and ornately decorated caravans... everything is full of novelty.

The sense of impact reached its peak when the car finally entered the city of Kashgar.

The houses on the high platform are layered upon each other, resembling a huge loess maze.

The Id Kah Mosque is solemn and dignified; the streets are bustling with people speaking various languages, making it feel like being in a foreign land.

"This...this is so unique!" Even the well-traveled Ye Yuze exclaimed in amazement as soon as he got out of the car.

Everyone's curiosity was completely ignited, and the cameras practically never stopped clicking. A constant "click-click" sound filled the air.

The first thing to do is naturally explore Kashgar Old City. Wander through the maze-like alleys, with various handicraft workshops on both sides.

The copperware shop resounded with the clanging of hammers as craftsmen created exquisite patterns, while the woodware shop exuded the fragrance of wood.

Musical instrument shops are filled with rawap and dutar; in the Atlas silk workshops, female workers are skillfully tie-dyeing silk...

Each little shop is like a miniature museum, making people linger.

"Old Yang, look! Isn't this copper kettle beautiful? Want to buy one to make milk tea?"

Ye Yuze joked. Yang Geyong actually squatted down to examine it carefully, comparing prices with the shopkeeper using a calculator, and in the end, he actually bought a shiny copper kettle, holding it in his arms like a treasure.

Exploring the local cuisine is of paramount importance. The area around Id Kah Square is simply a food paradise.

First and foremost, you can't miss the Kashgar baked buns (Samsa). The buns here are bigger, have thinner skins, more filling, and are juicier than those in Korla.

One bite and scalding hot juices gushed out, making you gasp for breath but unwilling to put the meat down.

"Ouch! That's awesome! But it's too hot!" Kevin jumped up and down because he was burned, which made everyone laugh.

Next up is the stewed mutton. Huge ceramic jars are filled with large chunks of mutton, carrots, and turnips, the broth rich and flavorful, the meat tender and the soup delicious. Served with a naan bread, it makes for an incredibly satisfying meal.

The hand-pulled rice is even more spectacular. Kashgar's hand-pulled rice is glistening with oil, the rice grains distinct, and besides carrots and radishes, it also includes large chunks of mutton, raisins, dried apricots, and other dried fruits, creating a rich and delicious flavor. Everyone tries to eat it with their hands, just like the locals, and it's a unique and enjoyable experience.

There are also local specialties like rice sausage and lung noodles. Although some people don't particularly like them, under Yang Geyong's "leading demonstration," they all tried them, and the unique taste and flavor left a deep impression. They are indeed quite different from those in northern Xinjiang.

Of course, the night market is the one thing you absolutely can't miss in Kashgar.

As night falls, the Khan Bazaar night market bustles with people and is brightly lit. The aromas emanating from various food stalls fill the air.

Grilled eggs (cooked over charcoal and sprinkled with seasonings), yogurt rice dumplings, iced yogurt, various fruits and dried fruits... the variety is dazzling and whets the appetite. The elderly eat their way from one end of the street to the other, wishing they had multiple stomachs.

"No, no, if I eat any more, Old Li's foot injury hasn't healed yet, but my stomach will suffer a 'work injury' first!" Wei Yuxiang complained, clutching his stomach, but his eyes were still fixed on the next stall selling Maren Tang (a type of sweet cake).

Besides food, Kashgar is also a sea of ​​song and dance. On the street corners of the old city, you can often see impromptu song and dance performances.

An old man plays the rawap, and several children can dance to the rhythm. That innate sense of rhythm and joy is infectious to everyone.

The tour group was even invited to a local family's pre-wedding party (Mai Shi Lai Fu).

Amidst the cheerful drumbeats and the warm invitation from the bride and groom's families, the elderly men also set aside their reserve and joined in learning simple Uyghur dances.

Yang Geyong was the most active one. Although his movements were clumsy and comical, he didn't care and threw himself into it wholeheartedly, making the host laugh and give him a thumbs up.

Ye Yuze looked at him and said to Li Lindong beside him, "Judging from Lao Yang's attitude, he really wants to stay here and herd sheep."

After three days of immersing themselves in the rich ethnic culture and delicious cuisine of Kashgar, their journey through southern Xinjiang was drawing to a close. As planned, they would now head to their final destination – the Pamir Plateau.

As the car wound its way up the Karakoram Highway (the Karakoram Highway), the altitude gradually increased, and the scenery changed dramatically once again.

The lush oasis was left behind, and in front of us were magnificent snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and the white sand lake and Karakol lake, which are like sapphires set on the plateau.

The majestic Muztagh Ata and the rugged Kongur Tagh stand silently, welcoming and bidding farewell to travelers.

The cold winds of the plateau prompted everyone to put on thick coats, and the slight feeling of oxygen deprivation slowed their pace. But faced with such magnificent scenery, everyone felt it was all worthwhile.

They stayed in TSKEGTJK Autonomous County (Tajik County) and visited the home of a hospitable Tajik herder.

I tasted Tajik milk tea (salty, with added milk skin, very rich) and yak hot pot.

Listening to the melodious sound of the eagle flute, watching the Tajik girls dance in imitation of eagles, one can feel the simplicity and boldness of this "cloud-top nation".

Li Lindong's foot injury had mostly healed, but to be on the safe side, he did not participate in the small-scale hike to view the glacier up close. Instead, he stayed near the Stone City ruins with a few elderly people who chose to rest, gazing at the relics of the ancient Silk Road and the distant snow-capped mountains, reflecting on the changes of history and the eternity of nature.

On the evening of the last day, the tour group stood on the Pamir Plateau, looking back at the road they had traveled. Beneath their feet lay the vast earth, and above them, the blue sky and white clouds seemed within reach.

Ye Yuze took a deep breath of the cold, thin air and looked at his old buddies who had been with him for nearly a month – they had experienced the joy of horse racing on the grassland, the tension of “encountering danger” in the canyon, the feast of the Kashgar night market, and the slight discomfort of altitude sickness. Each of them had weathered the storms, but they also radiated a vibrant glow.

"On this trip, from northern Xinjiang to southern Xinjiang, I saw beautiful scenery that I had never seen before, ate delicious food that I had never eaten before, made a lot of jokes, and broadened my horizons."

Ye Yuze said slowly, "It's so good that we old bones can still do this and see the world together."

Yang Geyong, holding his copper kettle, chimed in, "Yes, Lao Ye. Before, we were so focused on making money that we always thought the scenery was there, always available. Now we realize that you have to see the scenery early and enjoy life while you can. Where shall we go next?"

"Next time?" Ye Yuze laughed. "Didn't we agree to go to the Pamirs? We're already here, aren't we?"

"Oh right, right! Then... next time?" Yang Geyong chuckled.

Everyone laughed. The laughter carried far in the pure air of the plateau.

Happy holidays and all the best!