Akesu

Aksu has a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring a light jacket even in summer.

At the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, Aksu combines geological scenery, relics of Kucha culture and everyday life in southern Xinjiang. You can plan a trip that brings together canyons, Buddhist caves, desert poplar forests and city sightseeing.

• Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon: Known for its varied geological features, this canyon is often called a “living geological museum.” Its deep-red Danxia rock walls meet the Gobi landscape. Visitors can drive in or take a shuttle bus deeper into the canyon.

• Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves: Carved before the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, these caves were the first stop in the eastward spread of Buddhist art from the Western Regions. The caves and murals preserve important evidence of Kucha culture and are valuable for historical and artistic research.

• Dolan Tribe Scenic Area: Set amid an ancient desert poplar forest with trees dating back a thousand years, this scenic area showcases Dolan folk culture. Activities include watching Muqam music performances and group dances, as well as trying traditional crafts recognized as intangible cultural heritage.

• Aksu Regional Museum: This national second-tier museum holds more than 10,000 cultural artifacts. The “Beauty of Xiaohe,” a mummy several thousand years old displayed on the ground floor, is a key exhibit for understanding the region’s ancient history.

• Tianshan Sacred Tree Garden: In woodland on the edge of the Gobi, thousand-year-old trees stand among wind-felled trunks. The trees take many different forms, and the setting is generally quiet.

• Shayanzhou Scenic Area: Along the Tarim River, you can see desert poplars in four settings: wetlands, the Gobi, sandy desert and water. The vivid autumn colors make this a good spot for photography.

Suggested Itineraries

• 3-Day Relaxed Getaway:
  • Day 1: Rest after arriving in Aksu, then take an afternoon walk in Duolang River National Wetland Park and stay for sunset. In the evening, visit Wangsan Street Night Market or Aksu Old Street to try baked stuffed buns and pilaf.

• Day 2: Spend most of the day at Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon, taking in landscapes shaped by hundreds of millions of years of geological change. In the afternoon, visit Tianshan Sacred Tree Garden to see its thousand-year-old trees.
  • Day 3: Learn about Silk Road history at Aksu Regional Museum in the morning. Around noon, visit the Apple Morning Market for a look at everyday local life, then head home.
• 5-Day In-Depth Tour:
  • Day 1-2: Explore central Aksu and Wensu Grand Canyon.
  • Day 3: Travel to the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves in Baicheng to see Kucha cave art. Return in the afternoon or stay overnight in Kuqa.
  • Day 4: Visit Kuqa Royal Palace, Kuqa Grand Mosque and the Subashi Buddhist Temple Ruins in that order during the day, then stroll through Kuqa Old Town in the evening.

• Day 5: Visit Shayanzhou Scenic Area in Shaya County to see the desert poplar forests, or opt for the Gate to the Taklamakan Desert experience. Head home after sightseeing.

Local Food

• Keping Lamb: Local lambs are raised free-range on saline-alkaline pasture, producing tender meat with a relatively mild flavor. Lamb stewed with turnips is a representative dish.

• Aksu Pilaf: Yellow carrots give the rice a sweet aroma, while the grains are rich and glossy and the lamb leg is cooked until the meat comes easily off the bone. Meals can include more than a dozen varieties of complimentary self-service pickles. Arrive early to avoid finding the stalls closed.

• Kuqa Giant Naan and Old Town Baked Stuffed Buns: Kuqa’s giant naan can measure more than half a meter across and has a fragrant sesame and wheat flavor. The old town’s baked stuffed buns are known for being freshly baked, with thin wrappers and juicy fillings.

• Dolan Grilled Fish: Try it at Dolan Tribe Scenic Area or a night market. The fish is grilled until fragrant and crisp on the outside while remaining tender inside, then served with special sauces and spices for a distinctive local flavor.

• Night Market Snacks: As you browse the night markets, sample Wushi cream pancakes, yogurt-topped sticky rice dumplings, grilled meat wraps and cold starch jelly for a taste of everyday food in southern Xinjiang.

Accommodation and Transport

• Where to Stay: The areas around Century Square and Jinlan Square in central Aksu are convenient for dining and getting around. For good value, consider chains such as Ji Hotel and Lavande. For a higher standard of accommodation, consider Minghua Grand Hotel. You can also stay in Wensu County’s town center to be closer to the scenic areas, though dining options there are more limited.

• Getting There: Fly directly to Aksu Hongqipo Airport or take a train to Aksu Railway Station.
• Local Transport: Attractions such as Tomur Grand Canyon and the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves are far from the city center. Options include driving yourself, hiring a car with a driver or sharing a ride. Some canyon road sections require a four-wheel-drive SUV. Use licensed transport services and avoid unlicensed taxis.

Travel Tips

• Daily Schedule: Daylight in Xinjiang arrives about two hours later than in inland China, so sightseeing and meals can be shifted later accordingly. Lunch is often around 14:00, while dinner is generally after 20:00.
• Temperature Changes and Sun Exposure: Temperatures vary considerably between day and night, so bring a light jacket even in summer. UV levels are high; pack a sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Dry Conditions: Southern Xinjiang has dry air. Bring lip balm, moisturizing skincare products and a facial mist, and drink plenty of water.
• Dining Customs: Many ethnic communities live in the area. Respect halal dietary practices and do not bring non-halal food into halal restaurants.
• Identification: Security checks in Xinjiang are strict. Keep your ID card with you, as it must be scanned when entering or leaving scenic areas, petrol stations and checkpoints.
• Apple Morning Market: The market usually runs from 9:00 to around 13:30. Aim to arrive around 9:30, as many stalls pack up before the official closing time.