Tourism in Xinjiang has never been hotter than this summer. Nearly all hotels in Urumqi are full, and those in famous tourist resorts like Kanas Lake and Kashi have been filled to capacity since a month ago.

In August, there are nearly 10 thousand visitors to Tianchi Lake everyday. Kanas Lake has received more than 150 thousand visitors in these 3 months. It is estimated that there will be more than 10 million tourists to Xinjiang in 2006. Tourism here has kept growing at the rate of 10 percent for 6 years.

Xinjiang is a place with unique landscapes and attractive folk customs. The historical remains of the Silk Road and untouched natural beauty there make it the first choice of travelers.

The long and cold winter used to hinder Xinjiang's tourism development, but now it turns out to be a great helper. Skiing and ice engraving do have an irresistible charm even in a temperature of 30 degrees Centigrade below zero. However, in summer the choice is much wider, as tourists can enjoy the Silk Road Exploration, mountain climbing and hitchhiking in deserts.

(Chinanews.cn August 16, 2006)