A yurt

Things are starting to look different now. This far Eastern corner of China borders eight other countries of Central Asia and there is an interchange of the various people living in these parts. Most of these Central Asian countries were one time part of the USSR and are now independent states after the break up of the USSR. During the turmoil many of them have migrated into Eastern China. While some have left to go back to their various ethnic countries, some have remained and are living as citizens of China. They speak Mandarin with an accent and unless they have to trade with local Han Chinese they remain separate and retain their own culture. It is fascinating to see sheep herders and yurt dwellers all around Tian Shan (Heavenly mountains). This area have always been their principal grazing ground for centuries and they are still there.