Things to do in Alar
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Alar
Desert Gate Scenic Area
The Desert Gate Attraction currently has dozens of themed entertainment experience projects in seven major areas, including off-road challenge area, self-driving camping site, desert water play, desert food festival, sand therapy and health care, leisure and entertainment. It is the National Desert Theme Park and the location of Xinjiang's top ten sports events. Here, you can take a Hot Air Balloon Rides or a glider to overlook the vastness of the desert from a God's perspective; you can take a desert off-road vehicle to experience the excitement of desert Surfing; you can ride a camel to experience the leisure of the desert ship; you can take a nap on the railing and experience the warmth of the desert sunbathing; you can also camp in the desert and enjoy the remoteness of the desert under the tranquil starry sky.Alar · 32 km from downtown
Sleep Populus Euphratica Park
Sleep Populus Euphratica Park is located in Alar City, deep in the desert 20 km south of the 14th Regiment headquarters of the First Division, covering an area of approx. 68,000 mu. Sleep Populus Euphratica Park is famous for its unique Populus euphratica forest view, where dead Populus euphratica trees account for approx. 90% or more. Every year, especially at sunrise and sunset, the silhouettes and forms of the Populus euphratica trees are particularly distinct, creating a visually striking scene. In addition, there is a body of water covering over 1,500 mu within the park, which naturally derived from the drainage canal of the irrigation area on the south bank of the Tarim River, with saline-alkali water. It attracts various birds such as swans, cormorants, egrets, and ruddy shelducks to inhabit the area, forming a naturally balanced ecological environment. The Populus euphratica forest not only has high ornamental value, but is also known as the "Tarim Native Populus Euphratica Specimen Bank", and is an important area for botanical research. The natural scenery here and the resilient image of the Populus euphratica trees are also deeply loved by photographers, sculptors, and oil painters, who call it a photographer's paradise and a natural sculpture group. Poets praise it as a place where one can feel the impact of life and power.Alar · 47 km from downtown
Tarim River Bridge, Alear
Alar · 5.1 km from downtown
Qianniao Lake
Alar · >100 km from downtown
Aral Desert Gate Self-Drive RV Campground
Alar · 31.6 km from downtown
Kalajun National Park
Kalajun Attraction is located in the southeast of Tekes County, Yili, about 30 kilometers away from the county seat. It is one of the famous grasslands in Xinjiang and a famous attraction that tourists cannot miss when visiting Xinjiang West Line (Yili Loop Line). Kalajun grassland is in the shape of continuous hills, backed by towering snow-capped mountains. There are also forests, flowers and other landscapes on the grassland. The scenery is vast and beautiful, making it a great place for sightseeing and photography. Kalajun in a broad sense refers to the Kalajun Ecological Tourism Area, which includes the East and West Kalajun, Koksu Grand Canyon, Zhongtianshan Snow Peak and Tianlai Forest. Each Attraction sells tickets separately and is far away from each other. The Kalajun Grassland generally refers to the East and West Kalajun Attraction, which is also the main destination for tourists to visit the Kalajun Grassland. The East and West Kalajun Attraction sell tickets together and use the same shuttle bus. It takes about 1-2 days to visit, and you can choose to stay on the grassland for one night in the middle. You can also come in the morning and return to Tekes County to stay in the evening. The gate of the Attraction is located in the Kushitai Comprehensive Service Area, which is also the place where chartered or self-driving vehicles need to stop. Private vehicles are not allowed to enter the area after that. If tourists come from Tekes County by Bus to the Attraction , they can also go directly to the Bulaq Ticket Station After arriving at the Bulaq Ticket Station, you need to buy tickets and sightseeing bus tickets in the Attraction, and then take the sightseeing bus to play. The area in the Attraction is very large. The sightseeing bus will first circle the West Kalajun Attraction, and then go to the East Kalajun. The One-way journey takes about 1 hour. The junction of East and West Kalajun is located at the World Heritage Exhibition Center. Generally, tourists start to visit the Attraction at noon. You can visit West Kalajun on the first day, get off at the World Heritage Exhibition Center, return to the World Heritage Exhibition Center on the second day, and take a bus to visit the East Kalajun Attraction before leaving. The main scenic spots in Xikalajun Attraction include Wangyutai, Marmot Habitat, Liangyitai, Dielanggu, Shiquan, Yinmawan, Yikeshu, etc. You can take a bus to visit them one by one. Liangyitai, Dielanggu and Shiquan are still some distance away from the shuttle bus stop, and it takes about half an hour to walk from the stop. Xikalajun Scenic Attraction is dominated by rolling hills. Dielanggu is a typical hilly grassland. In summer, it is a good place for photography with layers of green. Dongkalajun is located deep in the grassland and is also the essence of the entire grassland. The characteristic attractions here include the Five-Flower Meadow, Flower Platform, Kuerdai Forest Grand Canyon, Sanji Planation Observation Deck and Falcon Platform Observation Deck. There are snow-capped mountains, grassland scenery, forest canyons, etc. The scenery is diverse and very beautiful. However, the five attractions are a little far from the parking spot of the sightseeing bus. You can reach them by hiking from the parking spot for about 0.5-1 hour. The Five-Flower Meadow and Flower Platform are the wonderful attractions. One is an open meadow full of colorful wild flowers, and the other is where you can take pictures of the snow-capped mountains behind the grassland. They are all very beautiful and are the essence of the Attraction that cannot be missed.China · Tekes County
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon is also calledTianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, located in northern Kuqa, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang. "Kizilia" means "red cliffs" in Uyghur, as the grand canyon is composed of massive red-brown mountain formations. The red-brown peaks of Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon soar into the sky, appearing like clusters of burning flames under sunlight. Entering the canyon and walking among the reddish-brown mountains feels like stepping into a tranquil, cool world. The canyon mouth is quite open, but as you venture deeper, the path winds through peaks, alternating between wide and narrow sections—some spots are barely wide enough for one person to pass sideways. The canyon floor is relatively flat, allowing for leisurely strolls most of the time, flanked by towering rock walls. Looking up, against the backdrop of the blue sky, countless bizarre peaks and rocks take on myriad forms: the divine dog guarding the valley, the swirling ancient castle, the apparition cave, the jade maiden spring, and views like the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon's resting camel peak—each vividly lifelike. Hidden in the canyon, the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon-Ai Grotto is less than 2 km from the valley entrance, perched high on a sheer cliff. Research indicates the grotto was built during the mid-Tang dynasty. The small cave measures less than 5 m in depth and approx. one person's height, with an arched ceiling. Fragments of murals remain on three walls, unusually featuring Chinese characters—a stark contrast to hundreds of other grottoes in ancient Western Regions, clearly showcasing traces of Han culture.China · Kuqa
Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon
The Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area was once the essential passage of the ancient Muzart Post Road connecting the northern and southern Tianshan Mountains, locally known as "Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area Grand Canyon", meaning 'thrilling and mysterious' in Uyghur. Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area Grand Canyon is located in Wensu County, Aksu City, approximately 30 km from National Highway 314, covering a total area of 200 square kilometers. Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area is one of the most stunning Danxia geological wonders in western China and the largest rock salt karst landscape in the country. It features rare ancient rock salt formations, unique Yardang landforms, and China's only giant karst erosion geological marvel, earning its reputation as Xinjiang's "living museum of geological evolution." Entering the scenic area feels like stepping into a magnificent natural gallery. At Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area Grand Canyon, the clearly visible rock layers showcase dramatic folds formed by tectonic compression, with fractured rocks embedded between them. After billions of years of wind and water erosion, the canyon now displays towering cliffs, jagged peaks, and bizarre formations in vibrant colors—creating a spectacular array of peculiar and colorful views. To the northwest of Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area Grand Canyon, you can see the famous snow-capped Tomur Peak. Heading west leads to Wensu Sacred Tree Garden, while the east neighbors the renowned Ancient Xia Route and Kucha Cultural Tourism Zone. To the south lies the vast Taklamakan Desert.China · Wensu
Kuqa Prince's Mansion
King Palace In Kuqa is located in the old town of Kuqa County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang. It served as the residence for generations of Kuqa's local Uyghur princes since 1759. The original palace was reduced to ruins, and the current structure was meticulously reconstructed on its original site based on the memories of the last Kuqa prince, Dawut Mahsut. Covering a vast area of approximately 200–300 meters in length and width, the palace complex features multiple Uyghur-style buildings with vibrant interior designs, offering excellent photo opportunities throughout. The grounds include beautifully landscaped gardens and green spaces, creating a pleasant environment. The palace tour is divided into three main sections: the Kucha cultural exhibition area, the palace visiting area, and the ancient city wall. Visitors can explore the site on foot, with a recommended visiting time of around 2 hours. The Qiuci Culture Exhibition Area showcases the cultural customs of the ancient Qiuci Kingdom in Xinjiang's history, featuring numerous textual and pictorial descriptions, precious artifacts of Qiuci Buddhism, as well as exhibits of production tools, coins, and folk crafts from the ancient Qiuci Kingdom. The old city wall is an ancient structure within the princely residence and can be briefly viewed. The key visiting area is the princely residence section, which is displayed in its original form, including items once used by successive Kuqa kings. Wax figures recreate the daily life scenes of the princely family, allowing visitors to explore and experience the atmosphere of the Kuqa kings' lives. It's important to note that Dawut Mahsut, the last Kuqa king (also the last prince officially recognized by China's central government) who once resided in the princely residence, passed away on July 30, 2014. Visitors today can no longer meet him but can only tour the princely residence.China · Kuqa
Xiata Tourist Attraction
Xiata is located more than 70 kilometers southwest of Zhaosu County. Xiata means "stairs" in Mongolian. It was a transportation station from Ili to Aksu in ancient times. Today, it is a mountain pass, ancient road, and ancient It is a unique ancient cultural tourism area composed of ruins, folk customs and natural landscape. Legend has it that the "Lingshan Mountain" that Tang Xuanzang crossed on his westward journey was the most important channel connecting the North and South Poles on the Silk Road at that time - the ancient Shata Road. The ancient road is basically full of stone steps, most of which are left over from ancient times. Wonderful attractions include grassland stone figures, the large-scale Wusun ancient tombs and the ruins of the ancient city of Xiata, all of which are distributed on the alluvial plain formed by the Xiata River. Cross Muzarte on the main ridge of Tianshan Mountain from Xiata Canyon, more than 30 kilometers away from the mouth of the gorge, is the famous Xiata Hot Spring Sanatorium in Yili. The environment here is quiet and the water temperature is different, which is praised by many tourists.China · Zhaosu
Free things to do in Alar
Desert Gate Scenic Area
Alar · 32 km from downtownSleep Populus Euphratica Park
Alar · 47 km from downtownTarim River Bridge, Alear
Alar · 5.1 km from downtownQianniao Lake
Alar · >100 km from downtownAral Desert Gate Self-Drive RV Campground
Alar · 31.6 km from downtownKalajun National Park
China · Tekes CountyTianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon
China · KuqaTianshan Tomur Grand Canyon
China · WensuBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeKuqa Prince's Mansion
China · KuqaXiata Tourist Attraction
China · Zhaosu
What travellers say about Alar
吟夏June 2, 2025
4.0
I felt shocked, lonely, desolate, and time flies. There were endless sleeping poplars, and the sand was dry. Let's rain on the tenacious poplars! I admired those tenacious poplars and felt the stubbornness of life.
Sleep Populus Euphratica Park
不是有事June 2, 2023
5.0
When you come here to play, you must be careful because the river is quite deep.
Tarim River Bridge, Alear
M44***63August 10, 2023
5.0
The conditions at Desert Gate 318 RV Camp are very good. You can cook and barbecue. The car has a separate toilet, separate shower and air conditioning. The camp has more than a dozen RVs and cabins of various sizes to choose from. The vast desert is truly a place where people are in the scenery and home is in the car.
Aral Desert Gate Self-Drive RV Campground
M41***17October 5, 2026
5.0
The vast grasslands and the clearly visible snow-capped mountains in the distance are truly breathtaking, like stepping into a fairyland. The entire walk takes quite a while, so I recommend horseback riding; you can enjoy the ride while admiring the scenery.
Kalajun National Park
设拉子楚庄王October 5, 2026
5.0
Tickets are cheap, the attraction is located on the Duku Highway, and the scenery is decent.
The sightseeing bus within the scenic area costs 35 yuan per person round trip, and camel riding costs 145 yuan one way.
If you've seen Danxia landforms before, you might skip this one, but if you haven't, it's worth a look.
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon
110***68October 10, 2026
5.0
Wensu Grand Canyon, also known as Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon
In the afternoon, while we were at the scenic area, thunder started and heavy rain began in the distance. Fearing flash floods, the scenic area staff asked us to leave. We could only hurriedly fly a couple of planes.
Comparing several canyons in the Tianshan Mountains (Dushanzi, Kuqa, etc.), this canyon is the most beautiful and highly recommended.
Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon
Anonymous userOctober 10, 2026
5.0
This modern-day princely mansion, built in the last century based on the oral recollections of the last prince, is a somewhat lackluster attraction—you can't really skip it since you're already there. However, it's still quite pleasant to stroll around when connected to the old alleyways outside. The basic infrastructure of the scenic area is quite good; the restrooms are very clean, and the cleaning staff are always on hand. The staff are also very friendly.
Kuqa Prince's Mansion
