Click on the pictures to enlarge. Enjoy!


The owner of a small roadside restaurant near Korla. He ran a successful family business with his wife and family. He told me he was very optimistic about his business until he heard that there will be a new highway constructed that will drive travelers away from his restaurant’s location. After the construction, he fears that he will loose most of his customers and his business.


The entrance of the Korjo Fruit Farm in Korla. As you may know, Korla is famous for its small, sweet pears. However, to my surprise, when I visited Korla, I couldn't find any pears in the market. According to the local farmers, all pears are taken for 'overseas ours’ – that is, sold overseas for more profit. As a result, buying the same pears in Korla is much more expensive than in a city such as Urumqi. In fact, I can purchase Korla pears in a Korean market in Maryland.


A specially-bred tree in a yard. The owner told me he wrapped three small trees a few years ago and they have become a tourist attraction now. Nearly everyone visiting this place will ask about the tree and take a picture of it. (And so did I.)


Made from water from a nearby spring and locally grown wheat flour, the food here is self-served and delicious.


A small fruit stand near Tarim basin. A young girl of about 12 years manages the business. Watermelon is 4.5 yuan (35 cents) per kilo while melon is 5 yuan (40 cents) per kilo. The melons may not be as pretty as the ones sold in the supermarket, but they surely taste sweeter!

(To be continued.)

Article added by Tughluk on Monday, August 27, 2007