Journey Through Xinjiang: A Familiar Beauty in a Distant Land

As an Iranian girl with a deep love for culture, heritage, and the warmth of people, I never imagined that thousands of kilometers away, in the far reaches of northwestern China, I would find a place that felt so much like home. My journey through the cities of Xinjiang—Urumqi, Aksu, Aletai, and Kashgar—was more than just travel; it was a soulful reconnection to the familiar threads of my own identity.

First Impressions in Urumqi

Arriving in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, I was immediately struck by the vibrant energy of the city. The streets buzzed with life, and the scent of spices lingered in the air—reminding me of the bustling bazaars back in Tehran and Isfahan. The rhythm of Urumqi felt both new and comfortingly familiar. It was in the people’s eyes, their warm hospitality, their shared love for tea, and their poetic, musical language that I saw echoes of home.

Aksu: A Place of Quiet Magic

Traveling to Aksu was like entering a living painting. The desert landscape, and the simple life of the people reminded me of small Iranian towns where tradition lives on quietly, yet powerfully. Walking through local markets, I found handmade goods, dried fruits, and spices that mirrored those of Iran.

Aletai: Snowy Mountains, Warm Souls

In Aletai (Altay), I was amazed by the natural beauty—the snow-covered peaks and the cold, crisp air—and yet, it wasn’t the landscape alone that touched me. It was the people’s kindness, their strong connection to their heritage, and the soulful music that sounded like it could have been played on a Persian tar or setar. Even the food—meat dishes seasoned with cumin and chili—tasted like something from a northern Iranian kitchen.

Kashgar: A Cultural Bridge Between Worlds

Kashgar was a dream. It felt like I had stepped into a history, where East meets West in harmony. The narrow alleys of the old city, the scent of grilled lamb, the mosques with turquoise domes—everything transported me to the cities of Yazd and Shiraz. I spent hours wandering through the Sunday Bazaar, amazed by how similar it was to the Grand Bazaar of Tabriz. The Uyghur people’s customs, hospitality, music, and dance felt so close to Iranian culture that I couldn’t help but feel a deep emotional connection.

Traveling through Xinjiang has been a beautiful, unexpected revelation. As an Iranian, I felt not like a stranger, but like a sister reunited with distant relatives. Our cultures—Uyghur and Persian—share deep, ancient roots that run through history, language, food, and spirit. It reminded me that while borders may divide us, culture has the power to unite us beyond nationality.

I came to Xinjiang out of curiosity, but I left with a heart full of love. These cities—Urumqi, Aksu, Aletai, and Kashgar—will always feel like a second home. And I hope more people, especially from Iran, get to see how familiar and soul-touching this part of the world can be.