Central Maoxian: near where the Min and Heishui rivers meet, is the town called Shaba (沙坝). The visitor’s map shows little more than a location pin with the name of the town. I had heard no rumors and received no previews beforehand. Just a name.…

Chibusu (赤不苏) is about as far west as inhabited Maoxian goes. According to the visitor’s map, the western “limb” of Maoxian -think of it as loosely cross-shaped- is relatively large, but there is really only one town. Outside of Chibusu, which is a rather noteworthy…

Wadi (洼底) is another town that, at least according to a map and my short visit, is something of a midpoint destination. My guess would be most people taking this road are on the way to Chibusu (赤不苏), which is what I did, or passing…

It’s my second day in town on this particular visit. I’m on my way to meet with a local scholar for some informal research. We’re arranged to meet at a busy market just after lunchtime. I’m familiar with the other big marketplaces already, which cover…