Tumushuke

On the western edge of the Taklamakan Desert, Tumxuk is a city administered by the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, with both desert and lake scenery. Commercial development is relatively restrained, everyday local life remains prominent, and the Silk Road has left a wealth of historical remains. It suits travelers looking to slow down and explore in peace.

• Yong'an Lake Ecotourism Area: The lake borders the desert, with reflections of Euphrates poplars and dunes forming its main scenery. Visitors can take a sightseeing boat or ride a camel, and the hours around sunset are good for photography.

• Tangwangcheng Ruins: Once an important military stronghold on the ancient Silk Road, this site still has earthen city walls and the remains of Buddhist temples. Relatively few visitors come here, making it a quiet place to learn about history. Aerial photography is also possible where regulations permit.

• Xinjiang Military Reclamation History Museum: This is China's only museum dedicated to the more than 2,000-year history of military farming settlements in the Western Regions. Its collection includes artifacts excavated at Tangwangcheng, along with material tracing the development of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.

• Baisha Mountain: Stretches of white dunes have fine, soft sand, and climbing to higher ground offers views over the surrounding Gobi and desert. It is also a good place to capture the shapes and scale of the dunes with a drone.

• 51st Regiment Pottery Craft Center: The center showcases traditional pottery techniques unique to the Western Regions, passed down for more than 2,000 years. Visitors can learn about traditional firing methods up close and try making pottery by hand, gaining insight into the craft traditions of the Silk Road.

Suggested 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival and City Sightseeing
  • Afternoon: Arrive at Tumxuk Tangwangcheng Airport, head into the city, and check in to your hotel.
  • Early evening: Take a walk in Jinxiu Park or City Government Square, watch locals enjoying their leisure time, and take in the lake views, mountain scenery, and sunset colors.
  • Evening: Have a late meal at Tangwangcheng Night Market or the 51st Regiment Food Court. Try Yarkand grilled fish, tamarisk-skewered grilled meat, and liangpi cold noodles for a taste of the local night dining scene.
• Day 2: Lakes and Desert
  • Morning: Visit Yong'an Lake Ecotourism Area and walk along the wooden boardwalks, where reeds meet sand dunes. You can also take a sightseeing boat or ride a camel.
  • Afternoon: Continue to Baisha Mountain to hike among the white dunes, try sand sliding, and use a drone to photograph the desert scenery.
  • Evening: Back in the city, stroll around Jinguan Square or Qianhai Shopping Mall and buy some affordable, fresh local fruit.
• Day 3: History and Traditional Crafts
  • Morning: Start at the Xinjiang Military Reclamation History Museum to learn about military farming settlements in the Western Regions and the development of the Corps. Then visit the Tangwangcheng Ruins to see the thousand-year-old earthen walls up close and learn about the area's Silk Road history.

• Afternoon: Visit the 51st Regiment Pottery Craft Center for a hands-on clay-making activity, or shop at the Central Farmers' Market for almonds, walnut kernels, and other dried nuts and fruit to take home as gifts.
  • Early evening: Finish your sightseeing and head to the airport or railway station for your return journey.

Local Food Guide

Local dining combines southern Xinjiang specialties with flavors from other provinces across China. Seasoning tends to be bold, and portions are generally generous.

• Yarkand Grilled Fish: Wild cold-water fish are skewered on tamarisk branches and grilled over a Euphrates poplar wood fire. The skin becomes crisp and fragrant while the flesh stays tender, with a distinctive aroma and a slightly bitter note.
• Rack-Roasted Lamb: Locally raised, free-range lamb ribs are marinated in a special seasoned liquid, then hung inside a naan oven and slow-roasted over fruitwood. The ribs develop a fragrant, browned exterior while remaining tender and juicy inside.
• Lamb Pilaf: Rice is cooked together with lamb, carrots, and raisins, giving it a savory flavor with a touch of sweetness. It is one of the area's signature staple dishes.

• Kumaqi: These meat pies are made by wrapping lamb and onion filling in dough, then burying them in sand heated by charcoal to bake slowly. The finished crust is crisp, while the filling stays richly juicy.
• Thin-Skinned Steamed Buns: These steamed buns have thin wrappers and generous fillings, usually made with lamb and onions. They are juicy, with a pleasing contrast between the wrapper and filling.

Transport and Accommodation Guide

• Getting There and Away:
  • By air: Tumxuk Tangwangcheng Airport is about 15 kilometers from the city center. A taxi or airport bus takes around 25 minutes. Connections through Urumqi or Kashgar are common options, and at certain times, fares to Tumxuk may be lower than those to Kashgar.
  • By train: The train from Aksu to Tumxuk takes about 2 hours and costs CNY 32.50, making it an affordable option. Daily services are limited, so check the timetable before planning your departure.
• Getting Around the City and Between Sights: Attractions are spread out, and public transport connections are relatively limited, so consider hiring a car with a driver or driving yourself. If taking a taxi, save the driver's contact details and arrange a return pickup, or agree on a fixed price for the full trip in advance.
• Where to Stay: City hotels are generally affordable. The areas around Nongfa International Plaza and Qianhai Shopping Mall are convenient for dining and shopping. Properties such as Vienna International Hotel offer a good range of facilities, with rates usually around CNY 200.

Travel Tips

• Climate and Clothing: Temperatures vary considerably between day and night. Short sleeves may be comfortable at midday, while a down jacket may be needed by nightfall. Pack layers to suit the forecast, and carry sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and lip balm.
• Wind, Sand, and Planning: With the desert nearby, suspended dust or blowing sand occurs occasionally, so check the weather forecast before setting out. Strong winds can affect the scenery and experience at Yong'an Lake and Baisha Mountain; adjust your plans accordingly.
• Buying Local Specialties: Dried nuts and fruit sold at attraction entrances can cost twice as much as in the city. For gifts such as almonds, walnuts, and raisins, compare prices at the Central Farmers' Market and Bairun Supermarket, and bargain where appropriate.
• Drone Use: The Tangwangcheng Ruins and Yong'an Lake offer scenery suited to aerial photography, but some areas may be military zones or subject to other restrictions. Check local requirements before flying a drone and follow the rules at each attraction.