The book by orientalist and journalist N. Kh. Akhmetshin tells about a journey along the ancient caravan routes of the Silk Road. This time the author’s route ran through Northwestern China - the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This region is home to the Taklamakan Desert, which has fascinated many people for centuries. In its oases, the interests of powerful empires of the distant past collided, ancient civilizations were born and died, and a unique mixture of races and peoples took place. Here, distinctive city-states arose, which ensured the trade, economic and intellectual rapprochement of East and West. This book reflects the most vivid personal impressions of the trip and the current life of the Chinese northwest. At the same time, it tells about the history and legends of the mysterious region, the spiritual quest of its population, the fate of the rulers and their loyal subjects, masterpieces of literature and art, the achievements of scientific thought and folk art.