What are the five main physical regions of Xinjiang?

Xinjiang is divided into five distinct physiographic regions that generally run from east to west, characterized by an alternation of high mountain ranges and large basins. These regions are:1

• Northern Highlands: Located in the north along the Mongolian border, this region includes the Altai Mountains, which feature relatively gentle slopes and rolling, dome-shaped hills on the Chinese side.1
• Junggar (Dzungarian) Basin: A triangular-shaped basin covering approximately 147,000 square miles. It is bordered by the Altai Mountains to the northeast and the Tien Shan to the south, containing a mix of oases, steppe, and desert.1
• Tien (Tian) Shan: Known as the "Celestial Mountains," this range occupies nearly one-fourth of Xinjiang. It is characterized by perpetually snow-covered peaks, including Khan Tängiri Peak and Victory Peak.1
• Tarim Basin: Occupying about half of the region, this basin contains the Takla Makan Desert. It is surrounded by the Tien Shan to the north, the Pamirs to the west, and the Kunlun Mountains to the south.1
• Kunlun Mountains: Forming the northern rampart of the Plateau of Tibet, these mountains create a significant barrier to north-south movement, with some peaks exceeding 24,000 feet.1