When photos fall short: The emotional pull of Xinjiang

The last stop of the tour was just outside of Urumqi in Changji Hui autonomous prefecture — Tianshan Tianchi Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its beautiful, blue-green waters reflecting the snow-capped mountains that it is nestled within, Tianchi Lake certainly earns its title. Though there were plenty of tourists about, the alpine scenery imparts a feeling of peace, while its crisp, clean air reinvigorates.

Like nearly everywhere we visited, there were dance performances. There were also boat and cable car rides available, but we forwent all of that in favor of a nice hike. The walk toward "Little Heavenly Lake East" offers stunning views of waterfalls, mountain ranges, and their associated greenery. While I took every opportunity to stop and take photos, trying in vain to capture the surrounding beauty, I also took time just stop, close my eyes, feel the sun on my face, and take in the sounds and smells of nature. A storm will come again, but not today.