During the period September 14-21, 2011 we visited the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the North West of China. This region is located in Central Asia and accounts for one sixth of the land area of China. It is a remote area with vast deserts and mountains and the capital city is Urumqi. There are 11 different minorities living in the region with Uygurs being the major group. During this part of our trip we were hosted by our very generous and hospitable business partners and friends who are based in Urumqi and Shanghai.
While time was spend in Urumqi on business we also spent time visiting the Tianshan Mountains for a traditional lamb BBQ and Lake Kanas in the far North of Xinjiang. The visit to Lake Kanas from September 18-21 was the highlight of the trip and was made for the specific purpose of seeing the autumn colors which were at their peak. We were joined by Mr. Du, a well know photographer, who has made many visits to Lake Kanas during different times of year and recommended that we visit on September 18 or 19.
The Lake Kanas region is the only part of China into which the Siberian Forest extends and is very different from the other regions that we visited. Since it is such a remote area our visit would not have been possible without the excellent logistical support and hospitality of our Chinese partners who made all the arrangements and assured that we had a very smooth and enjoyable visit.
Mr. Du advised on the best photographic locations and times of day for specific sites and made sure that we were always in the best places at the right time. The number of Chinese photographers in the area was very impressive and it is clear that photography has become a major hobby in China.
China 2011: North West Region
This photo collection is from Xinjiang in North West China10/8/2011
Picnic in the Tianshan Mountains
Three gentlemen enjoying the sweet melons.9/16/2011
Picnic in the Tianshan Mountains
This melon is SOOO good9/16/2011
Picnic in the Tianshan Mountains
Paulette and Mr. Ren who is a BBQ expert preparing the fresh lamb.9/16/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Our gracious hosts Mr. and Mrs Chen. Photo taken by Mr. Du.9/18/2011
Kanas River
Patrick and Jean enjoying the sunset. Photo taken by Mr. Du.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Mr. Du working hard at the end of the day to get another shot of the autumn colors.9/19/2011
The support team
Our excellent support staff: Abu, Mr. Xu and Phoebe.9/18/2011
The support team
Our safe and very professional Driver Mr. Yang.9/19/2011
The support team
Mr. Zhou the very helpful driver for Mr. Chen.9/19/2011
Baihaba village
JWP and Phoebe on a chilly morning. Photo taken by Mr. Du.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Entering the reserve from the Kanasi airport. This is called the Camel-like valley. The region is part of the Altai Mountains and is close to Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia. The name Kanas means "a beautiful and mysterious place" in Mongolian.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Ridge line with trees beginning to turn colors.9/18/2011
Moon Bay on the Kanas river
This is one of the most scenic spots in the area.9/18/2011
Moon Bay on the Kanas river
Deep colors at sunset.9/18/2011
Moon Bay on the Kanas river
Reflections in the Kanas River.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Birch and pine trees in the only area of China where the Siberian forest can be experienced. 9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Home made of logs reminiscent of domestic architecture in Russia.9/18/2011
Baihaba village
Sunrise was at 8:15 am due to China having only one time zone.9/18/2011
Baihaba village
Log homes with openings under the roof for drying crops.9/18/2011
Baihaba village
Smoke from the fires in the homes at breakfast time recalls life of yesteryear for most of us.9/18/2011
Baihaba village
Many hundreds of Chinese photographers were taking photos of this scene.9/18/2011
Baihaba National Forest Park
Large park located South East of the village.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
Camel train carrying tents and household goods.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
Moving from summer pasture to winter quarters further south.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
Getting the herds and pack animals organized for the move.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
The herders where mostly men with a few women. All were working-age adults with no children or elderly people in the groups we saw.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
A Kazak woman with protection from the sun and dust.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
A horseman in the middle of the dust from the animal herds holding his whip.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
Flock of sheep and goats with three herders on horses.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
The flock moving into the forest.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
Herd of cattle with a lone horseman.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
Flock of sheep and goats with two herders and spare horses.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
The Bactarian Camel was the main beast of burden on the Silk Road for centuries. They are powerful animals that can carry a big load.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
Young Bacterian Camel following the train. Note both left legs are off the ground at the same time as it walks.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
The Camel Train disappearing into the forest.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Kazak ritual site for festivals and dating.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Summer camp on the open pasture.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Both horses and motorcycles are used for transportation.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Open valley close to the lake. We loved the beauty of this entire area.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Family camp and corrals in the middle of the valley. It is very dry but does have pasture.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Large pasture with livestock including sheep, goats and cattle. The snow-capped mountains are in Kazakhstan.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
The pine tree turned deep yellow almost sparkles in the rich, blue sky.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Birch tree in the sunlight on the bank of the blue/green colored river.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Birch tree with the soft green river behind.9/18/2011
Kanas Lake
View from our boat. 9/19/11
Kanas Lake
Reflection of a lone yellow tree in the green water of the lake.9/19/2011
Kanas Lake
Forest reflection in the lake looks like an impressionist painting.9/19/2011
Kanas Lake
Cliffs with brigh red and yellow trees beginning to turn color. The elevation is 1,375 meters and the lake is 25 kilometers long which makes it one of the largest alpine lakes in China.9/19/2011
Kanas Lake
Lone red tree with reflection.9/19/2011
Kanas Lake
Rich autumn colors in the afternoon light.9/19/2011
Kanas Lake
The Alpine lake showing a dramatic water color of blue/green.9/19/2011
Kanas Lake
The lake at sunset.9/19/2011
Kanas river valley
The Kanas river valley at sunset.9/19/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Alpine meadows with autumn display of red leaves.9/19/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Alpine meadows.9/19/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Alpine meadows with stacks of hay stored for the winter.9/19/2011
Kanas area
Kazak yurts with pickups and cars rather than horses.9/19/2011
Kanasi Airport
Nomad tents with a jet landing at Kanasi. The traditional nomad lifestyle coexists with a very modern China.9/19/2011
Kanas party
Back row: Mr. Du, Abu, Mr. Xu, Mr. Chen. Front row: Phoebe, Paulette, Jean, Patrick, Irene.9/19/2011
While time was spend in Urumqi on business we also spent time visiting the Tianshan Mountains for a traditional lamb BBQ and Lake Kanas in the far North of Xinjiang. The visit to Lake Kanas from September 18-21 was the highlight of the trip and was made for the specific purpose of seeing the autumn colors which were at their peak. We were joined by Mr. Du, a well know photographer, who has made many visits to Lake Kanas during different times of year and recommended that we visit on September 18 or 19.
The Lake Kanas region is the only part of China into which the Siberian Forest extends and is very different from the other regions that we visited. Since it is such a remote area our visit would not have been possible without the excellent logistical support and hospitality of our Chinese partners who made all the arrangements and assured that we had a very smooth and enjoyable visit.
Mr. Du advised on the best photographic locations and times of day for specific sites and made sure that we were always in the best places at the right time. The number of Chinese photographers in the area was very impressive and it is clear that photography has become a major hobby in China.
China 2011: North West Region
This photo collection is from Xinjiang in North West China10/8/2011
Picnic in the Tianshan Mountains
Three gentlemen enjoying the sweet melons.9/16/2011
Picnic in the Tianshan Mountains
This melon is SOOO good9/16/2011
Picnic in the Tianshan Mountains
Paulette and Mr. Ren who is a BBQ expert preparing the fresh lamb.9/16/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Our gracious hosts Mr. and Mrs Chen. Photo taken by Mr. Du.9/18/2011
Kanas River
Patrick and Jean enjoying the sunset. Photo taken by Mr. Du.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Mr. Du working hard at the end of the day to get another shot of the autumn colors.9/19/2011
The support team
Our excellent support staff: Abu, Mr. Xu and Phoebe.9/18/2011
The support team
Our safe and very professional Driver Mr. Yang.9/19/2011
The support team
Mr. Zhou the very helpful driver for Mr. Chen.9/19/2011
Baihaba village
JWP and Phoebe on a chilly morning. Photo taken by Mr. Du.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Entering the reserve from the Kanasi airport. This is called the Camel-like valley. The region is part of the Altai Mountains and is close to Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia. The name Kanas means "a beautiful and mysterious place" in Mongolian.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Ridge line with trees beginning to turn colors.9/18/2011
Moon Bay on the Kanas river
This is one of the most scenic spots in the area.9/18/2011
Moon Bay on the Kanas river
Deep colors at sunset.9/18/2011
Moon Bay on the Kanas river
Reflections in the Kanas River.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Birch and pine trees in the only area of China where the Siberian forest can be experienced. 9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Home made of logs reminiscent of domestic architecture in Russia.9/18/2011
Baihaba village
Sunrise was at 8:15 am due to China having only one time zone.9/18/2011
Baihaba village
Log homes with openings under the roof for drying crops.9/18/2011
Baihaba village
Smoke from the fires in the homes at breakfast time recalls life of yesteryear for most of us.9/18/2011
Baihaba village
Many hundreds of Chinese photographers were taking photos of this scene.9/18/2011
Baihaba National Forest Park
Large park located South East of the village.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
Camel train carrying tents and household goods.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
Moving from summer pasture to winter quarters further south.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
Getting the herds and pack animals organized for the move.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
The herders where mostly men with a few women. All were working-age adults with no children or elderly people in the groups we saw.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
A Kazak woman with protection from the sun and dust.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
A horseman in the middle of the dust from the animal herds holding his whip.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
Flock of sheep and goats with three herders on horses.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
The flock moving into the forest.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
Herd of cattle with a lone horseman.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
Flock of sheep and goats with two herders and spare horses.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
The Bactarian Camel was the main beast of burden on the Silk Road for centuries. They are powerful animals that can carry a big load.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
Young Bacterian Camel following the train. Note both left legs are off the ground at the same time as it walks.9/18/2011
Kazak Nomad Migration
The Camel Train disappearing into the forest.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Kazak ritual site for festivals and dating.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Summer camp on the open pasture.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Both horses and motorcycles are used for transportation.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Open valley close to the lake. We loved the beauty of this entire area.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Family camp and corrals in the middle of the valley. It is very dry but does have pasture.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Large pasture with livestock including sheep, goats and cattle. The snow-capped mountains are in Kazakhstan.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
The pine tree turned deep yellow almost sparkles in the rich, blue sky.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Birch tree in the sunlight on the bank of the blue/green colored river.9/18/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Birch tree with the soft green river behind.9/18/2011
Kanas Lake
View from our boat. 9/19/11
Kanas Lake
Reflection of a lone yellow tree in the green water of the lake.9/19/2011
Kanas Lake
Forest reflection in the lake looks like an impressionist painting.9/19/2011
Kanas Lake
Cliffs with brigh red and yellow trees beginning to turn color. The elevation is 1,375 meters and the lake is 25 kilometers long which makes it one of the largest alpine lakes in China.9/19/2011
Kanas Lake
Lone red tree with reflection.9/19/2011
Kanas Lake
Rich autumn colors in the afternoon light.9/19/2011
Kanas Lake
The Alpine lake showing a dramatic water color of blue/green.9/19/2011
Kanas Lake
The lake at sunset.9/19/2011
Kanas river valley
The Kanas river valley at sunset.9/19/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Alpine meadows with autumn display of red leaves.9/19/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Alpine meadows.9/19/2011
Kanas Nature Reserve
Alpine meadows with stacks of hay stored for the winter.9/19/2011
Kanas area
Kazak yurts with pickups and cars rather than horses.9/19/2011
Kanasi Airport
Nomad tents with a jet landing at Kanasi. The traditional nomad lifestyle coexists with a very modern China.9/19/2011
Kanas party
Back row: Mr. Du, Abu, Mr. Xu, Mr. Chen. Front row: Phoebe, Paulette, Jean, Patrick, Irene.9/19/2011
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