Some time after leaving Kelamayi (or Karamay) now travelling back to Urumqi, we stop for Toilet Break at a Petrol Station – heading straight to the below Public Toilet (or “Gong Ce” in Chinese) & got a shock of our lives!!!!!

GUESS you know why huh?!? Cos it’s another day’s nightmare here along the Silk Road of China arrrrrhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

Well well………………..

Arhrhrhaahahaaa that’s exactly what all my other lady tour mates did!!! Ohhh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I’m sure that’s a used Condom right there on the filthy Toilet grounds - I actully just noticed it now upon looking at these pics errrhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

Here’s the Petrol Station – ohhh Shifu Shifu (“Master Driver” in Chinese) should have known better than to stop here for our Toilet Break haaaaaaa I almost puke right after I used it!! In fact some of my lady Tour mates actually did puke even just upon peeping inside!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hours later from our departure from Kelamayi………………

I’m now at the building Lobby of City Restaurant – how nice is this below Chinese characterd Wishing Well - guess what’s in there?!?!!

Hmmmmm 4 little cutie Tortoises swimming in a clean pool of Water with lots many Coins inside the Wishing Well :

NOW MAKE A WISH – hmmmm I so wish that all the fifthy stinky disgusting Toilets along the Silk Road of China disappear!!!!!!!!!! AMEN!!!!

The Chinese Silk Weaving Loom :

We spent some time here inisde this Chinese Silk, Jade & Souvenirs Boutique here……………..

It’s got many beautiful Yengisar Daggers of Xinjiang’s Uygur People :

WOW what a great building here as we arrive at Urumqi City all set eager & ready for our very much long-awaited shopping free – well, at least for me cos I simply love shopping heheheeheeeee PLUS I didnt get to buy anything/souvenir yesterday

A City of 5 million people – Urumqi is the Regional Capital (& the region’s wealthiest City) lying in Northwest Xinjiang where its North lies Russia, Tibet & the Himalayas in its South, & Kazakhstan in its West, & mixing borders with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India & Mongolia as shown in the below Map of Xinjiang :

Now, I cant help featuring close-up views of this beautiful Adili Commerce Hall (where the Xinjiang Silk Road Museum is located on top of luxurious Boutique Shops :)

And yes, many Uygur Muslism women here in Urumqi wear Headscarves too! NOW it’s time to shop :

Midway shopping at Er Dao Qiao Internationl Grand Bazaar (or “Dabazha” or “Dabaza” in Chinese), my brother-in-law Ah Hia & I decided to go somewhere else :

From Tian Bai Min Dian :

Not much time shopping at Tian Bai Min Dian cos we’ve to rush back to the International Grand Bazaar to meet our Tour Coach.

I only managed to purchase the aboves – Well actually, not much use too even if we’ve more time here cos you know why?!?!? We ran out of Yuan (RMB) & the Shopping Mall doesn’t accept Singapore dollars (except US currency I think!!), or any of my Credit Cards except their own Chinese Bank Card which I’ve not got, & there isn’t a Money Changer or Bank around!!

How sad cos if not I’d have bought at least another very sweet Pink Pyjamas for myself, a lovely Bag, another Long Coat perhaps & a few others

Smiling Me standing at International Grand Bazaar :

The Sightseeing Tower here at International Grand Bazaar :

Below are more pics of the bustling Gourmet Square here at International Grand Bazaar :

Some shops here do accept US currencies (which I’ve not got too!) but there’s a nearby Bank where I might be able to change my Singapore dollars into Yuans (RMB), but then it’s time to leave for Dinner

Ahhahaa now back with our Tour guide & mates :

Beautiful Coat huh?!? Some of the lady Tour mates even wana go buy too (but there’s no more time!!) - saying they should have followed me shopping heheee!!! And it cost me only about S$80 (at 70% off original price!!)- I was stunned when I saw its Price Tag cos it’s 100% Wool & with Fox Fur too!! What a fine bargain!! 

In fact I even saw the same Coat recently (at home in Singapore Chinatown) selling at S$380!! But unfortunately, this Coat of mine’s now 2 sizes too big for me – so I’ve actually never had the chance to wear it except this once right here above – now it belongs to my Mummy dearest who looks really gorgeous in it

Hmmm I love this above Huge NANG Can Opener – was looking for Souvenir Fridge Magnets (a usual habit for me wherever I travel!!) in the Bazaar but couldnt find any at all

Nang is my  favourite Xinjiang Cuisine so I’m very happy that I found this Nang Replica, besides it’s got the Emin Minaret (or “Su Gong Ta” in Chinese) design on its back – a real cool Xinjiang Turpan Souvenir for me

Now looking at this Sesame Nang makes me really really hungry – cant wait to have dinner soon!!!

Immediately we see plentiful Mutton Kebabs such as this following No 1 Russian Fatty Auntie BBQ Store – as stated in Chinese on the huge Signboard – Russian cos Xinjiang borders Russia :

See the Big Nangs wrapped in plastic bags :

There’re also lots of BBQ Fish :

Huge fresh Sweet Corns on Grill too :

Xinjiang Claypot Dishes :

Hey there’s the BBQ  Whole Lamb (or “Kao Xuan Yang Rou” in Chinese) – just like the one we had during our Grand Special Uygur Dinner at Turpan Hotel in Xinjiang :

Here’s CLOSE-UP view of the poor young BBQ Whole Lamb (or “Kao Xuan Yang Rou“) :

Now, let me introduce you to the following Xinjiang Uygur Zhuafan (in Chinese literally meaning “Grabbed Rice“) – which is Rice cooked with fresh muttons, onions, carrots, vegetable oil & melted Sheep’s Fat. Raisins & almonds are also added for flavouring, & as its name suggests, one usually eats with hands, & this popular Xinjiang Cuisine is a MUST at Xinjiang Festivals & Wedding Banquets.   

Look at these beautiful Jade Bracelets, Bangles & Stones from the Silk Road of China – I’m extremely excited as I so speak now heheheeee!!!

And of course I immediately got myself a lovely Thick White Jade Bangle – hahhahaaa I bought this fast & quick unlike the long hours of Green Jade Bangle Hunting which I did for my sister back in Beijing!!!!

A beautiful Grayish Black Seashells Bracelet :

And guess what these charming Uygur children started posing for my camera :

Afraid that I’ll soon get into their little Mafia War  - I quickly walk away from them making some of them unpleased yet most still possing trying to get my camera’s attention hahahaaaa!!

Back to my shopping here in the interesting local Burqin Night Market…………..

Heheheee I kinda love pigs you know cos am born in the year of Pig OINK!!! OINK!!!

And to my surprise there’s even a Books Stall here at the cool Burqin Night Market :

Here’re my 3 lovely handmade Souvenirs :

Hey, there’re more  BBQ Whole Lamb (or “Kao Xuan Yang Rou“) & Uygur Zhuafan (or “Grabbed Rice“) here at the Burqin Night Market as I excitedly snap pics of them before bidding goodbye…………….

Brother-in-law Ah Hia just getting off the Taxi outside Mystic Lake Grand Hotel :

As usual for ne so long as the Hotel’s Souvenirs Shops are not closed, I’m continuing my night shopping here…………. 

Hmm what wonderful great time I’ve just had enjoying the local day & Night Markets here in Lovely Burqin along the Silk Road of China, & with such beautiful Souvenirs to bring home

On my following Chinese Buffet Breakfast table are Mun Tou (or Chinese Plain Bun), Zucchini, Bean Sprouts, Sichuan Vegetables, Nang (or Flat Bread), Liang Mein (or Cold Noodle), Bean Curds & Hard-boiled Egg, with steamy hot plain Porridge - all freshly prepared & most healthy :

I’m now shopping inside Turpan Hotel after breakfast : 

It’s now time to check out of the unique grand Turpan Hotel located here in Tulufan (Turpan), at the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China…………..

Our tour Coach is now stopping at the following…………….

The Gobi Desert & its harsh weather conditions are best known in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for sandstorms & rocks. And the local Chinese government & investors have been trying to make use of the massive wind to help fuel the growing economy.

Today, China stands as the 4th largest Nation in utilising Wind Power, next to Spain, Germany & United States in the world lead.

Here’s a close-up view of the most commonly designed modern 3-Bladed Wind Turbine which minimizes forces related to fatigue :

Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed this short post of mine & I shall now leave you with my following Slideshow containing pics taken of Turpan Hotel :

It’s dinner time now as we all settle down for a most grand special Uygur Dinner………………

Now, the BBQ Whole Lamb (or “Kao Xuan Yang Rou” in Chinese) is the King of Xinjiang Cuisines, & the Highlight of a Grand Special Dinner!

One of the most Famous & Precious Cuisines of the Uygur people, the BBQ Whole Lamb is the most Expensive Course on the Menu, serving as a Symbol of Exravagance.

And tonight, we’re most honoured to be served such a grand special Uygur Dinner here at Turpan Hotel in Xinjiang at the Silk Road of China!!

Here‘s a huge Warm Welcome China Express Tour Group Banner held high up by our Chinese Tour Guides over the BBQ Roasted Whole Lamb :

Oh my goodness!!!

Hey there’re actually not 1 but 2 whole roasted Lambs as they’re trimmed with Red Silk around their necks :

OH DEAR I feel so sorry for the poor lambs as I stare into them snaping pics…………..

Nevertheless I believe that I should always respect the local traditions & cuisines of one’s culture in everywhere I travel……………..

So, let’s continue to look at our other Uygur specialities at our dining table in this pretty Uygur Muslim Restaurant decorated with Xinjiang Carpets & colorful Uygur Atlas Silk Cloths here at Turpan Hotel………………..

We’re served yet another most popular Uygur Cuisine :

Heheh some of my Tour mates & I really enjoy the BBQ Whole Lamb (or Kao Xuan Yang Rou) that we even have a second helping!!

And though there was a horrible stench around the Roasted Lambs earlier when they were first brought out, now that it’s chopped into smaller pieces – the meats actually taste pretty good with a nice fragrant aroma & they’re very tender tool!

WHOA this is all so exciting for me as I sit among our Tour mates here being entertained by the local Uygur Folk Dancers, dressed in lovely traditional culture costumes, dancing gracefully with ceramic bowls, infront of the Uygur musicians playing Uygur musical instruments………………

Haha how I marvel at what a most wonderful & interesting first night I’ve just had getting to enjoy much special Uygur Cuisines, & Uygur Folk dances & music here at Turpan Hotel in Tulufan, Xinjiang along the Silk Road of China!! 

Before I leave you to say good night – let’s enjoy my following self-taken Video on one of the Uygur Folk Dances I saw tonight – hope you like it!

Located in the Yarnaz Valley, this Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto) – meaning “Two Rivers Meet” - was the Capital of Chechi Kingdom, an important Garrison during the Western Han & Tang Dynasty & a powerful Centre of Trade in the Ancient Silk Road – but destroyed & eventually abandoned during the invasion by the Mongols led by Genghis Khan in the 13th Century .

All the Earthern buildings of Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto) were dug from Earth & Wood was rarely used – the ancient People dug caves into the Earth & built houses over them, so the buildings are half buried in the Earth.

According to historical records, this Largest, Oldest, Best Preserved Earthen Ancient CIty of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto) was home to 700 households, 6500 residents, & 865 soldiers.

The City has no surrounding walls as it was built on a large islet in the middle of a River, with steep cliffs on all sides of the River acting as natural walls of defenses.

Amazingly though much ruined, this Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto) looks really cool – & reminds me very much of my visit to the Ruins of Pompeii in Italy…………………

As we come to the end of our exploration of this Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto), I can’t help but feel that the ancient People around here are so intelligent & smart!!

Now, we’re leaving the last of my Turpan (Tulufan) sightseeing tours here in Xinjiang along the Silk Road of China as we travel to our Hotel stay for tonight!