cross-posted from: https://lemmygrad.ml/post/13046279

What is Tacheng, Xinjiang really like?

After exploring Urumqi and the surrounding region, I travelled further northwest to Tacheng, right on China’s border with Kazakhstan, to see another side of Xinjiang for myself. Tacheng is one of the most culturally diverse parts of Xinjiang, home to communities including Kazakh, Tatar, Russian, Uyghur, Hui and Han Chinese. In this video, I explore local villages, schools, traditional food, farming, livestock, ethnic culture and the everyday lives of people living in this remote corner of western China.

Along the way, I visit a massive high-yield corn farming area, learn about Bashibai sheep, see how local sour plum drinks are produced, experience Tatar traditions, visit Tacheng No. 2 Primary School, and explore Aketikeqie Village.

Xinjiang is often portrayed in Western media as one of the most controversial and restricted regions in China. But what does it actually look like when you travel there yourself?

Rather than relying only on headlines, I wanted to come here, walk the streets, meet local people and see Tacheng with my own eyes.

Come with me to one of the most fascinating and rarely seen corners of China.