RIDING TRAILS of GOLD

Horseback travel route in top scenic spots of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region offers treasure trove of lush environment, rich cultural heritage

They could barely make out the animal, about 300 meters away on the opposite side of the valley. But when it let out a series of roars, they knew the bear was too close for comfort.

For Beijing engineer Yang Wei, 42, the hair-raising encounter also meant that the expedition team was deep in the heart of Mother Nature.

"We were in pristine territory," he said."Coming face-to-face with such rich flora and fauna, it was simply exhilarating. And all on the back of horses."