Welcome (back) to China!

After spending time in Kashgar and Urumqi, It is a bit of a culture shock to come back to Dunhuang and Xi'an. In the Xinjiang province, the Han Chinese are in the minority, and the Uyhgr people make up a larger portion of the population, especially in Kashgar where they are nearly 75% Consequently, there are a few things that are different!

First, language. In Kashgar, nearly every sign was in Uhygr, with little Chinese, except on official signs. In Dunhuang, we are back to all Chinese, as you can see in these restaurant signs:

Second, clothing. Head scarves are out, umbrellas are back! Women in Kashgar and Urumqi nearly all wear head scarves, and the ubiquitous Chinese hats and umbrellas to protect their skin from the sun are nearly non existent. As I waited in line yesterday to see the Terracotta Warriors, you could see that we are definitely back in China!