2024 Aksu Prefecture Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)
Aksu lies on the northwest edge of the Taklamakan Desert on the upper reaches of the Tarim River. The name Aksu means “city of white water” in the Uyghur language, and the city was an important stop along the ancient Silk Road. It is the homeland of the ancient Buddhist Kucha and Duolang cultures and has been nicknamed the “Jiangnan of Outer China” because of its scenic beauty. The area is an important source of grain and cotton. It is also known in China and abroad for its specialty products of Chinese dates (jujubes), walnuts, Fuji apples, apricots, Xinjiang fragrant pears, grapes, and Hami melon. It is well-known for its delicious melons. Famous attractions include the Tianshan Shenmi Grand Canyon (天山神秘大峡谷 - “Heavenly Mountain Mysterious Grand Canyon”), the Tianshan Numinous Wood Garden, and Tianshan Tuomu'er Peak (天山托木尔峰).
Today's Weather
Foggy -12--4℃
Popular Attractions
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon
King Palace In Kuqa
Wensu Tuomuer Canyon
Kuche Temple
Kizil Caves
2 Days in Yangshuo, lets visit the Peak
📍 Itinerary Overview
🚩 Sightseeing Route
🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions
1.Peak Ruyi Junjing Ropeway
🚇 Transportation - You can Hire Taxi or electric scooter
📷 Photo Spots - Peak Ruyi, Butter fly mountain
🍜 Local Cuisine - Bear fish, Bamboo pot rice
🏠 Accommodation- Li Yu Hotel (Yangshuo West Street)
💡 Tips
1. Don't hair local Guide. you can explore it with help of Google map or A Map from Yangshou.
Aksu Prefecture: The Hidden Gem of Xinjiang
Aksu Prefecture, located in the mid-western region of Xinjiang, China, is a captivating area known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Covering about 131,161 square kilometers, it is home to diverse ethnic groups, primarily the Uyghurs, and offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
📍Address: Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang, China 🇨🇳
Getting There: The prefecture can be accessed by train or bus from major cities like Urumqi and Kashgar.
💰Average Price per Person: Entry fees for attractions vary; many natural sites are free or have a nominal fee.
💞Reasons to Recommend:
1. Natural Beauty: Aksu is situated at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains and near the Taklamakan Desert, offering breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, and oases.
2. Historical Significance: The region has a rich history as an important stop along the ancient Silk Road, with remnants of Buddhist culture evident in sites like the Kizil Grottoes.
3. Agricultural Richness: Known as the "Hometown of Cotton," Aksu produces high-quality cotton and a variety of fruits, including sweet apricots and crisp apples.
4. Unique Landscapes: Explore the Kuqa Grand Canyon National Geopark, famous for its dramatic cliffs and ancient rock carvings.
5. Photo Spots: Notable locations for photography include:
- Kizil Grottoes: Ancient caves with stunning murals depicting Buddhist themes.
- Kuqa Grand Canyon: A breathtaking landscape perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.
- Tarim River: The longest inland river in China, ideal for capturing serene water scenes.
Curiosities About Aksu
- The name "Aksu" means "white water" in Turkic, reflecting the clear rivers that flow through the region.
- Aksu has a diverse climate with significant temperature variations between day and night, contributing to its unique agricultural products.
- The prefecture is known for its impressive forest cover, with over 40% of its land area covered by trees.
💡 Tips and Advices:
Visit during spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather and to enjoy local fruit harvests. Engage with local communities to experience their rich cultural traditions.
Aksu Prefecture is a hidden gem that offers a fascinating mix of natural wonders and historical significance. As you explore this remarkable region, remember to respect its cultural heritage and contribute to preserving its beauty for future generations. By appreciating Aksu's unique offerings, you play a part in maintaining its charm as one of Xinjiang's most intriguing destinations.
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The Duku Highway, a journey that shocks the soul
On the vast land of Xinjiang, there is a road known as one of the most beautiful highways in China, the Aksu-Duku Highway. It is like a winding dragon, lying between towering mountains, waiting for travelers to explore and appreciate.
Setting foot on the Duku Highway is like entering a dreamlike world. Along the way, you can see snow-capped peaks, their white summits sparkling with holy light under the sun, as if nature has built a sacred temple for us. In the valleys, the lush forests are like the green carpet of the earth, full of vitality. And the rushing rivers are like cheerful symphonies, playing on this magical land.
As the vehicle moves forward, the changes of the four seasons alternately appear before your eyes. You might still be feeling the warmth of summer, and in the blink of an eye, you could enter a world of ice and snow. This wonderful experience makes one marvel at the natural wonders. The scenery on both sides of the highway changes constantly, and every turn may bring unexpected surprises, whether it's a dazzling sea of flowers, a peculiar mountain, or a group of leisurely cattle and sheep.
Driving on the Duku Highway is also a purification of the soul. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, immersed in this magnificent natural beauty, all worries and fatigue gradually dissipate. You will feel your own insignificance and cherish this rare tranquility and beauty even more. Stop the car, breathe the fresh air, feel the gentle touch of the breeze, as if time stands still at this moment.
This is not just a trip, but also an unforgettable memory. The Aksu-Duku Highway, with its grandeur and magic, has left a deep imprint in our hearts. Come here, start a dream journey that belongs to you, feel the charm of nature, and pursue the purest sky in your heart. Let us encounter the most beautiful scenery and meet the best version of ourselves on the Duku Highway.
National Intangible Cultural Heritage | The Quturkum Meshrep of Xinjiang
The Quturkum Meshrep of Xinjiang welcomes guests from afar with a passionate dance, a national-level intangible cultural heritage: the Quturkum Meshrep, a folk cultural activity that is prevalent in Aksu City, Aksu region of Xinjiang.
'Quturkum' means water in the desert, and 'Quturkum Meshrep' refers to performances around water in the desert. It is a type of Meshrep activity among the Uyghur people.
The first act, Welcoming Spring Meshrep. All things revive, full of vitality, as the snowmelt from the Tianshan Mountains begins to nourish the earth.
🐫 The second act, Memory of Meshrep. The sound of camel bells seems to transport us back to the ancient Silk Road, experiencing the bold and hearty Quturkum Meshrep.
☀ The third act, Harvest Meshrep. When the autumn wind sweeps across the fields, turning the wheat fields yellow, people feel the joy of the harvest.
The Quturkum Meshrep has a history of several hundred years and mainly includes dance, musical instrument performance, storytelling, entertainment games, and other forms. It has been listed in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage projects.
A candy-colored sea of flowers is nature's most beautiful embrace
This is a small village encountered on the way to Baihaba. 🏠
When passing by, I found some young people painting the sunset valley. Driving around the village, it's quite small, but there are quite a few guesthouses and canteens, none too large. Most of the villagers are still indigenous people. While the kids were chatting and playing with the local children, the parents of the other children appeared and took them away mercilessly. The children's Mandarin was quite good.
The sunset was beautiful, and the village cows leisurely strolled home in groups against the evening glow, making time seem infinitely peaceful~~
There is a wooden walkway by the asphalt road in the center of the village. While wandering aimlessly with my child, we discovered the kindergarten here, also a small wooden house structure. I'm curious about the interior decoration~ Seeing this wooden house village, my child naively asked me, 'Mom, have we come to ancient times?' 😂 The most lively entertainment in the village at night is playing table tennis at the doorstep of the grocery store, illuminated by a single light bulb, with silence all around, indeed giving a sense of time travel, just not that ancient.
It was getting dark, and we found a wooden house to stay in temporarily. It was fully equipped, and the kitchen chef could cook a variety of dishes or take orders. In the quiet wooden house, my child and I slept soundly. The best part was, in the morning, the 'moo moo' 🐮 seemed to be calling us to wake up just a 'wood' away. My child excitedly got up and went out to look for the cows, to no avail, haha.
I personally think that Tie Reke Ti Township is even more primitive than Baihaba, and I recommend it to those who like the original to stay once~
⚠️ Additionally, a key tip for self-driving companions!!! The iron ⚠️ of the Tiejia line is right here!!
Aksu attractions
Aksu is an important national oil base and the main battlefield for Tarim oilfield exploration
Aksu is the largest cotton producing area in the country, the hometown of Chinese long-staple cotton. Aksu is a nationally famous melon and fruit town, with apples, fragrant pears, apricots, fragrant pears, grapes, melons and so on enjoying a good reputation at home and abroad.
Aksu is an important national commodity grain base, the hometown of Chinese rice, and Wensu rice is a famous 'pure line tribute' in history.
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There are two large canyons to choose from near Kuche, and the Kuqa Grand Canyon is more famous. But I chose to stay in the Grand Canyon. Here you can drive in and surf on the Gobi in the yellow sand. In the
canyon, there is no specific road, as long as the car can pass, it is the road. Driving off-road vehicles in this natural carved canyon, bohemian rushing. The bumpy roads make the children who like the excitement laugh.
The beautiful Tarim River, originated by the Tianshan Mountains, flows through many southern states, crosses the Gobi and desert areas, and irrigates many coastal cities. It is the largest inland river in China and the most varied river. The river flowing through the Bazhou section irrigates the vegetation on both sides of the strait. The forests along the coast are interwoven and the villages are scattered. It is a particularly beautiful section along the Tarim River.
walking by the river, or stopping, watching the beautiful river quietly, will be attracted by the changing landscape of the coast, shocked by its unique beauty and appearance, and it will have a love for it.
This river passes through many ethnic minority villages and irrigates the land along the coast, making the land fertile. Surrounded by forests, straw and incense, a desert oasis, a vibrant scene.
The best way to see the Tarim River is to go along the Tarim River on the outskirts of Korla and drive along the beautiful river to see the scenery. From the tall birch trees to the beautiful wheat fields, and then changed into the Hu Yanglin, which is full of vicissitudes and strength, the scenery is endless, and the beauty of the river is vividly displayed.
[Traffic]
Tarimu River passes by many places in Bayingo, and it is best to drive along the river to see the scenery. You can also walk by the river yourself and experience its beautiful appearance more realistically;
[Tips]
Korla City, heading for the upper reaches of the Tarim River, this area is better managed and the scenery is more beautiful.
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Restaurants in Aksu Prefecture