Amir&Jeff’s Excellent China Adventure Series. 2026: Xinjiang Province Red Tour. Photos and commentary. The REAL Chinese people you do not know!
Amir&Jeff’s Excellent China Adventure Series. 2025: Hunan, Jiangxi, Fujian and Shaanxi Provinces’ Red Tour. Short videos with transcripts, captioned photos, articles and commentary. The REAL Chinese people you don’t know!
https://radiosinoland.com/2025/07/27/amirjeffs-excellent-china-adventure-series-2025-hunan-jiangxi-fujian-and-shaanxi-provinces-red-tour-short-videos-captioned-photos-articles-and-commentary-the-real-chinese-people-you-don/
Short intro to Xinjiang by Jeff
Xinjiang is huge, 17% of the country’s landmass, 1.66 million square kilometers (China’s total land area = 9.6 million), which is three times the size of France, or bigger than Alaska in North America. It is mostly desert, mountains, basins and high plateaus, with beautiful lakes. Weather is harsh here. When we arrived on 5 August, the temperature was 41 degrees. In the winter, it can drop to minus twenty.
For our one-month Red Tour adventure in Xinjiang, we will get a far west as Aksu and as far south as Korla. It is already starting out as an amazing lunar cycle.
The Uyghur people in China are members of the Turkic language group, of which there are many derivatives, starting in Turkey, of course, and there’s a swath going from there to the east through South Central Asia. They are, at varying degrees, mutually understood, from 0 to maybe 75%, depending on the dialect. For example, Turkish and Uyghur are 30% mutually comprehensible.
So Uyghurs are, in fact, Turkic people.
Xinjiang’s population is 26 million, 58% Muslim. The capital is Urumuqi. It has four million residents. Hami has 670,000 citizens. Shihezi, Karamay, Korla, Yining and Aksu are other cities we are visiting each have about 500,000 souls.
West to east, Xinjiang has common international borders with Pakistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia. Internally, it borders the provinces of Gansu, Qinghai and Tibet, north to south. It is now a hugely important nexus in Asia’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), connecting the rest of China with the rest of Mackinder’s Heartland. On that note,
Jeff J. Brown comments on Sputnik News- Putin: China’s Belt and Road Initiative ‘in Sync With Russia’s Ideas on Large Eurasian Space’. China Rising Radio Sinoland 231027
Not only industry and commerce, Xinjiang is a massive producer of high value crops, including a huge variety of fruits, vegetables and cotton. We see lush, green fields and orchards stretching kilometer after kilometer, thanks to one of the biggest water canal and irrigation systems in the world, starting in the Altai Mountains, over 400km away. The BRI has made it possible to ship large quantities of this produce all over Asia.
Jeff’s comments and Amir’s photos at the end
Amir and I just scratched the surface of Lake Bosten, traveling by train from Korla, then taking a taxi to the main entrance and walking in about three kilometers.
It afforded us a wonderful cultural experience of nobility versus vulgarity. Our taxi driver from Heshuo Train Station to Lake Bosten Tourist Center was dishonest and ran up a pretty big bill. We had no idea, until we went into buy entry tickets, asked the young lady at the desk if we could get a taxi back (yes), could we walk into the park (yes), etc. When she heard how much was on our meter, she was indignant, marched out to the crooked driver waiting outside, to add more filthy lucre to the total, and told him off.
She explained that what he did was take the long way. There is a shortcut about 20-30km shorter. He thought he was going take us into the park and back to Heshuo the long way, for a nice day’s dishonorable earnings.
After she came back in, I marched out, told him off, took a photo of his license plate and he knocked of a chunk of the dirty amount, whereupon I paid the remainder. He thought that would save the ride back, but we already knew we could get another taxi, so I told him we were finished.
Now, he was pissed for getting caught and likely going back with no riders, so he marched into the center and started telling off the young lady.
BIG MISTAKE!
Like a combined tigress-lioness, she rose up and tore him a new asshole the size of Lake Bosten. She got into his face, screaming and yelling at the top of her lungs. She was ferocious, unyielding and principled.
He kept trying to win the day, but didn’t stand a chance against this diminutive Hou, the huge, mythical, griffin-like protector dog that sits on top of imperial celestial poles outside temples and palaces! Mr. Sino-Shyster convincingly lost this battle and sheepishly left with his tail between his legs, while we thanked her profusely.
As I’ve learned in all my travels, there are Shylocks everywhere, channeling Talmud-Tanakhs at every turn. Luckily in China, especially Taiwan Region, the proportion is less than in many other places.
She then gave us two phone numbers of local taxi drivers, we walked in, spent some time and ate at the huge Gold Sands North Beach (where many national, regional and international volleyball tournaments are held) and one of the honest drivers came to take us back to Heshuo Train Station, to return to Korla.
Upon leaving the center, we both shouted to our Sino-Superwoman, “WE LOVE YOU!”, in Chinese of course, and her face was beaming with a satisfied smile.
She didn’t have to do all that, but she’s a junzi, a noblewoman, who takes pride in her region and wants to maintain its good reputation. I hope she sees this article. She deserves the recognition.
Like I said, we only saw 1% of Lake Bosten. Many visitors drive the full 240km circuit over several days, since there’s so much to see. Hopefully, moving to Kunming, I can get a Chinese driver’s license to rent cars, Evelyne and I can come back to Xinjiang, to get the most out of it.
Since Amir and I just scratched the surface, I asked Qwen AI to write up a nice 1,000-word travelogue about Lake Bosten, if you’d like to learn more and hopefully go one day.
Photos around Gold Sands Beach are at the end.
Included is a photo with Sino-Superwoman in the visitors’ center on the right, wearing glasses, a photo of the Judeo-Shyster driver and his license plate!
This makes three of China’s largest lakes that I have visited. Amir and I spent the day at Dongting Lake, during last year’s Red Tour,
Amir&Jeff’s excellent China adventure #9. Yueyang, Hunan Province: Dongting Lake is Yangtze (Changjiang) River’s natural release valve to control flooding. Two short videos with photos and map.
Last year, Evelyne and I spent the day at Qinghai Lake. I am so backed with material that I never got this journey’s posts published! I could sit here for two years and not get up, with all photos and information I’ve gathered and not gotten to…
After this travelogue is a list of China’ 10 largest inland lakes. Seven more to go!
Lake Bosten Travelogue
Imagine a shimmering oasis where the rugged majesty of the Tianshan Mountains meets the gentle, lapping waves of an inland sea. Welcome to Lake Bosten (博斯腾湖 = Bósīténg Hú), a breathtaking jewel nestled in the Yanqi Basin on the southern slope of the Tianshan range. Spanning the Bohu and Heshuo counties in Xinjiang’s Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, this magnificent body of water holds the prestigious title of China’s largest inland freshwater through-flow lake. With an elevation of about 1,048 meters, Lake Bosten is not just a destination; it is a vibrant, living landscape that has been affectionately dubbed the “Northwest Hawaii” for its delightfully cooling summer climate and endless recreational charms.
To truly experience the sheer scale and diverse beauty of Lake Bosten, you must embark on a journey along the official Lake Bosten Circuit Road. Freshly upgraded over four years and officially opened in late 2024, this fully paved, modern two-lane highway is a marvel of tourism infrastructure. Stretching 239 kilometers, the route begins at the stunning Dahekou Scenic Area in Bohu County, winds beautifully through Heshuo County, and seamlessly connects to National Highway 218 (G218). The road is brilliantly designed to “string pearls into a chain,” linking the region’s most spectacular attractions. While the pure driving time for the full loop is a breezy 3.5 to 4.5 hours, most travelers wisely spread the trip over a full day or two to soak in the scenery, take photos, and explore the marshes. In fact, a 202.6-kilometer segment of this route is so flawlessly smooth and scenic that it hosts the China Road Cycling Professional League, earning its well-deserved billing as the “Most Beautiful Cycling Corridor in China’s West Sea.”
As you drive, you’ll notice the distinct personalities of the lake’s shores. The western and northern shores in Bohu County are a haven for lush, developed wetlands and expansive reed-viewing areas. Conversely, the eastern and southern shores in Heshuo County offer a striking desert-lake contrast, featuring popular sandy beaches like the Jinshatan (Golden Sand Beach) Resort and the Tianshan Silver Beach. Along the way, the road connects you to a string of natural wonders, including the Lianhai World, the picturesque Luoxiawan, and the vibrant Dahekou Wetland.
If you visit in late summer, particularly in August, you are in for a spectacular treat. This is the prime time to witness the lake’s peak reed growth and the bustling activity of migratory birds before the autumn chill sets in. The lake and its surrounding wetlands serve as a vital stopover and breeding habitat for waterfowl, acting as a crucial ecological barrier for southern Xinjiang. During these warm months, the lake’s water temperature is incredibly inviting. While the region experiences an extreme continental climate, the lake’s massive volume provides wonderful thermal inertia. From June to August, surface temperatures typically range from a comfortable 20°C to 25°C, reaching up to 30°C in the shallower, sun-exposed areas. This relatively warm water creates a perfect “seaside bath” feeling, making it highly enjoyable for aquatic activities.
The lake’s thermal magic continues through the transitional seasons of spring and autumn. From April to October, the main lake’s water temperature tracks the air but remains buffered, typically sitting 1°C to 3.5°C cooler than smaller, shallower nearby lakes. In the coldest winter months, this same thermal mass means the main lake retains slightly more heat than its smaller neighbors. However, winter brings its own dramatic beauty. Between December and February, the lake freezes over. Even as air temperatures plummet to a bone-chilling -20°C to -30°C, the water beneath the ice stabilizes near 0°C to 4°C. The freezing process, combined with sudden temperature drops or howling winds, creates striking natural phenomena on the surface, such as delicate “ice flowers” and dramatic ice shoves.
Beyond its recreational allure, Lake Bosten is an ecological and economic powerhouse. It boasts a massive catchment area of around 56,000 square kilometers, fed primarily by the Kaidu River and draining via the Kongque River. At its historical peak, its surface area was a sprawling 1,646 square kilometers, though it has fluctuated between 800 and 1,000 square kilometers in recent decades. With an average depth of about nine meters, it holds a colossal water volume of roughly nine billion cubic meters. This water is essential for irrigating the Yanqi Basin and supports Xinjiang’s largest fishery base, renowned for its abundant fish populations and vast, economically valuable reed marshes.
The lake’s importance is deeply rooted in time. The watershed boasts a documented history spanning 4,000 years. This area was the heart of the ancient Yanqi Kingdom (also known as Karashar, from 200 BC to 1,300 AD), serving as a vital oasis state and cultural hub along the ancient Silk Road. Today, sediment and diatom records from the lake bed provide scientists with a high-resolution, 2,000-year history of climate fluctuations and human activity in arid Central Asia.
Recognizing the dual pressures of climate change (such as glacial melt variations) and anthropogenic activities (like irrigation and water transfers) that have caused water-level fluctuations and periodic shifts to slightly brackish conditions, conservation is a top priority. Since 2000, the Chinese government has implemented brilliant ecological water diversion projects, transferring water from Bosten Lake down the Kongque River to the Tarim River. This prevents desertification and restores the downstream “Green Corridor.” Today, ongoing sustainable water-level regulation and ecological enhancement projects are actively managed to preserve its freshwater status, protect the wetland ecosystems, and maintain regional water security.
Lake Bosten is a triumph of nature and nurture. It is a place where you can cycle along the “West Sea,” swim in warm summer shallows, walk through ancient Silk Road history, and witness a thriving, protected ecosystem. Whether you are marveling at the winter ice flowers or enjoying a boat tour through the summer reeds, Lake Bosten promises an unforgettable, upbeat adventure in the heart of Xinjiang.
Here is the list of the ten largest lakes in China by surface area
Note: In Chinese geography, the term “inland lakes” encompasses both saline (endorheic) lakes, which are predominantly located in the west and on the Tibetan Plateau, and freshwater lakes, which are mostly found in the eastern Yangtze River basin. Lake sizes naturally fluctuate due to seasonal changes, climate factors, and human water management, so the areas below represent widely accepted modern averages.
- Qinghai Lake (青海湖)
Area: ~4,583 km²
Type: Saline
Location: Qinghai Province
Overview: China’s absolute largest lake and largest saline lake. Nestled on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, it is a vital ecological barrier and a famous tourist destination known for its rapeseed flower fields and migratory bird habitats.
- Poyang Lake (鄱阳湖)
Area: ~3,583 km² (fluctuates seasonally between ~3,150–3,960 km²)
Type: Freshwater
Location: Jiangxi Province
Overview: China’s largest freshwater lake. It acts as a massive natural sponge for the Yangtze River, expanding dramatically during the summer monsoon and shrinking to reveal vast grasslands in the winter, which attract huge flocks of endangered Siberian cranes.
- Dongting Lake (洞庭湖)
Area: ~2,740 km²
Type: Freshwater
Location: Hunan Province
Overview: Historically China’s largest freshwater lake, it now ranks second due to centuries of sedimentation and land reclamation. It remains a crucial flood-regulation basin for the Yangtze River and is deeply embedded in Chinese literary history.
- Taihu Lake (太湖)
Area: ~2,425 km²
Type: Freshwater
Location: Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces
Overview: A shallow, iconic freshwater lake famous for its scenic beauty, intricate canal networks, and “Taihu stones” (porous limestone rocks highly prized in traditional Chinese garden design).
- Siling Co (色林错)
Area: ~2,391 km²
Type: Saline
Location: Tibet Autonomous Region
Overview: Due to accelerated glacial melt and climate change on the Tibetan Plateau, Siling Co has expanded significantly over the last two decades. It has surpassed Namtso to become the largest lake in Tibet and a critical habitat for the endangered black-necked crane.
- Hulun Lake (呼伦湖)
Area: ~2,315 km²
Type: Freshwater / Brackish
Location: Inner Mongolia
Overview: The largest lake in Inner Mongolia, forming the ecological heart of the vast Hulunbuir Grassland. It is sometimes called the “Sister Lake” to nearby Buir Lake and supports a rich local fishery.
- Hongze Lake (洪泽湖)
Area: ~2,069 km²
Type: Freshwater
Location: Jiangsu Province
Overview: The fourth-largest freshwater lake in China. It is a heavily managed reservoir that plays a pivotal role in irrigation, flood control, and the modern South-to-North Water Diversion Project.
- Namtso (纳木错)
Area: ~1,920 km²
Type: Saline
Location: Tibet Autonomous Region
Overview: One of the highest large lakes in the world, sitting at an elevation of over 4,700 meters. Known as the “Heavenly Lake,” it is one of the three most sacred lakes in Tibetan Buddhism, framed by the snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains.
- South Four Lakes (南四湖 / Weishan Lake)
Area: ~1,266 km²
Type: Freshwater
Location: Shandong Province
Overview: This is actually a cluster of four interconnected lakes (Weishan, Zhaoyang, Dushan, and Nanyang) that merge during high-water seasons. It is the largest freshwater lake group in northern China and a key segment of the Grand Canal.
- Bosten Lake (博斯腾湖)
Area: ~800–1,646 km² (fluctuates based on ecological water transfers)
Type: Freshwater (Through-flow)
Location: Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
This is China’s largest inland freshwater through-flow lake. Despite recent pressures from climate change and irrigation, ongoing ecological water diversion projects are actively preserving its status as a vital “Green Corridor” and a major fishery and tourism hub in the Yanqi Basin.
(Honorable Mentions: Ulungur Lake in Xinjiang (~858–1,035 km²) and Chaohu Lake in Anhui (~800 km²) frequently swap into the top 10 depending on the specific year’s hydrological measurements.)
Photos by Amir
###
I contribute to