Founded in 1955, Xinjiang has the most expansive land area in China. Its name means the native land returned to the country derived from successive transfers of the land between Chinese dynasties in centuries past. Today, Xinjiang is a fantastic melting pot of numerous nationalities including Han, Uyghur, Kazakhstan, Hui, Kyrgyz, Mongolian, Xibe, Tajik, Uzbek, Manchu, Daur, Russia, and Tartar to name a few.

These diverse backgrounds translate into a rich cultural mix for Xinjiang which is also renowned as the village of song and dance, abundant melons, and other fruits. The vast region is also known for its gold and jade, grand landscapes, boundless deserts, historical sites, and unique folk customs. Main tourist attractions include:  Kanas Lake, Loulan Ancient City, and Tianchi.