Korla

Korla is the capital of the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, the largest prefecture in China, on the northeastern rim of the Taklamakan Desert in southern Xinjiang. An oasis city on the ancient Silk Road, it grew wealthy on petroleum from the Tarim Basin and is famed for the sweet, thin-skinned Korla fragrant pear. The Peacock River runs through town, and nearby lie Bosten Lake — the largest inland freshwater lake in China — and the historic Iron Gate Pass. For an international student, Korla offers Silk Road heritage, striking desert-and-oasis scenery, multi-ethnic culture and renowned local fruit.