5 Days in Korla

The river parkland along the 785-km Peacock River, the gorge pass 8 km out — one of China's 26 famous ancient passes — and the prefecture museum's Loulan halls (free, closed Mondays).

1. korla peacock river
2. korla iron gate pass
3. korla bayingol museum

From November to March, mute swans winter on the city's Swan River stretch — hundreds of them; Longshan hill park above town gives the best sunset over the oasis.

1. korla swan river
2. korla longshan park

An hour's drive (about 60 km) to China's largest inland freshwater lake at roughly 1,000 square kilometres; boardwalks through the reeds and fish straight from the lake for lunch.

1. korla bosten lake

50 km to Yuli's county seat and 35 km more to the village — 85 km southwest of Korla in all — where the Lop People Village pairs Tarim backwaters, desert and old poplars in one place, with camel rides along the dune line. Night back in Korla.

1. korla lop village

The orchards around town pick their fragrant pears through September — taste them at the source, boxed to travel — then a last riverside walk before the hour-long flight to Urumqi.

1. korla pear orchards
2. korla peacock river