Made our way to the Nanshan Ancient Beacon Tower near Urumqi in May because it is a beautiful and there isn’t much else out there. These types of ruins/ancient history are great to see and imagine the storied past it has had and things it has seen throughout its many years. When the wind dies down it is incredibly still and more silent than anything you have ever not heard (well that got confusing but you know what I mean). Worth the trek if you are into those sorts of things.

If you are on the way to Tianshan Gorge, you may glimpse this in the trees on the east side of the road. It takes a little finding, and it helps to know the Chinese characters, so I have put that in the photo. This Silk Road remnant has been stranded in the rough farmland, and is very peaceful, especially if you are biking this road.