Things to do in Yopurga County

Dawakun Desert Tourist Scenic Area

Dawakun Desert Scenic Area has a natural flowing lake with an area of ​​more than 20,000 mu, and 2 million mu of desert surrounds the lake. It can be said that the sand and water are interdependent, and the blue waves are rippling. Newly built European-style villas, Uyghur-style yurts and ethnic style gardens dot the lakeside. In summer, the lake is shimmering, and the shadows of boats are dotted on the vast lake. The sound of yacht motors and the laughter of tourists break the eternal silence. On both sides of the lake, unique European-style villas and Xinjiang Uyghur-style yurts, ethnic restaurants, tourist Souvenir shops, and style gardens have been built. In summer, the lake is shimmering, and the shadows of boats are dotted on the vast lake. The motors of yachts and the laughter of tourists break the eternal silence of the desert. On the beach by the lake, people enjoy sunbathing to their heart's content, and under colorful parasols, tourists enjoy their time. In this vast desert, riding a camel to watch the sunrise and sunset is a great experience. Standing at the edge of the desert, the 1,000-square-meter Dastan Ancient City Palace Ruins, after a strong wind, reveal red, yellow, and blue pottery fragments and ancient coins from the quicksand, giving people a sense of treasure hunting in the quiet and nostalgic atmosphere. Here, you can fully appreciate the magical desert scenery; enjoy the Uyghur and Tajik folk songs and dances; visit the unique animal husbandry base; see the thousand-year-old willow king, thousand-year-old poplar king, Dawakun Lake and other natural and cultural landscapes, and feel the beautiful and moving stories of various scenic spots and folk tales. Undoubtedly, the vast desert and the lake lying quietly in the desert are the dazzling scenery of Yuepuhu County in the southwestern border of Xinjiang. On the land of Yuepu Lake, there is the "Willow King" with a crown coverage area of ​​1.2 acres and a tree circumference of 7 meters. It has survived for more than 300 years; there is the "Poplar King" that has grown for 1,800 years and it takes five people holding hands to surround its trunk; and there is a primitive poplar forest with groups of hares, foxes, and birds leaping around.

Populus Euphratica King Scenic Area

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Southern Xinjiang

Ancient City of Kashi

The Ancient City of Kashi is located in the center of Kashgar City. Known in ancient times as Shule, it was an important trading port on the ancient Silk Road, boasts a history of over 2,000 years, and is one of the best-preserved labyrinthine districts in the ancient Western Regions style in China. The movie "The Kite Runner" was filmed here, and the earthy yellow rooftops where children ran chasing kites in the film are just ordinary street scenes of the ancient city. Unlike most attractions, the ancient city is still inhabited by residents today, with Atlas silk drying in the sun and seniors playing chess at the alley entrances, creating a vibrant atmosphere of daily life everywhere. The essence of the ancient town lies in its streets and alleys. Centered around the square in front of the Id Kah Mosque, over twenty crisscrossing lanes feature earth-yellow walls, carved wooden doors, arched windows, and overhead bridges, sketching a classic Central Asian streetscape. Along the approx. 600 m-long Arheyah Road, bazaars like the Flowerpot Bazaar, Kettmen Bazaar (Blacksmith Street), Doppa Bazaar, and Uyghur Medicine Bazaar unfold one after another—"bazaar" means market in Uyghur. Bread bakers, potters, and woodturners often craft their wares right at their shopfronts, allowing visitors to watch the process while strolling. The adjacent Kumdarwaza Road, also called Artisan Street, gathers traditional workshops for musical instruments, copperware, and more. When tired, stop by the century-old teahouse on Ostangboyi Road for a pot of tea, paired with street views and the Maixirap folk dances of regular patrons. The morning gate-opening ceremony at the east gate is the first stop for many travelers. After watching the welcome dance performance, stroll slowly inward along the main street. Rainbow Lane, Cloth Bag Lane, and the Hanging Gardens are popular photo spots, but expect narrow alleys and crowds requiring patient queuing. In fact, turning into lesser-known side lanes often leads to quieter corners perfect for photos. Kashgar operates on a roughly two-hour time difference from inland China, with late sunsets. The slanting evening light on adobe walls creates ideal photo conditions, and it's never too late to visit Han Bazaar Food Street at night for baked buns, stewed meat in jars, and hand-churned ice cream. If time permits, the ancient dwellings on the high cliff east of the old town are worth a visit, featuring clusters of traditional earthen houses built along the cliff; across the Tuman River, the grand bazaar is packed with stalls selling dried fruits and atlas silk, offering a glimpse into the enduring bazaar tradition.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Southern Xinjiang

Xiang Fei Park

Xiang Fei Park is located in Haohan Township on the eastern outskirts of Kashgar City. Its core structure, the tomb of Xiang Fei, was built around 1640 and was originally the mausoleum of the Apaq Khoja family, descendants of Islamic saints. Legend has it that Rong Fei (commonly known as Xiang Fei), a Uyghur concubine of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, came from this family, hence the name of the mausoleum. The current park was expanded around this legendary story. The garden is roughly divided into two areas: the front area features reconstructed historical sites such as Xiangfei's former residence and the Baoyue Tower, complemented by scenes like the relief wall, love tree, and mirror pool, narrating Xiangfei's life from birth to her entry into the imperial palace in Beijing. The rear area consists of solemn ancient architectural complexes, with the main tomb chamber featuring a square base and round dome, its exterior walls clad in green glazed tiles. Together with the scripture hall and high-low mosques, they form a typical Islamic-style architectural complex. The glazed dome and mirror pool reflections are highly popular photo spots in the garden. Beyond sightseeing, the park's performance experiences set it apart from ordinary mausoleum attractions: the entrance features a welcoming ceremony with actors portraying Xiang Fei, followed by Uyghur folk wedding performances and the musical "Joyful Xiang Fei," showcasing Uyghur dance, music, and costume culture. The intangible cultural heritage exhibition area, Xiang Fei teahouse, and food court invite visitors to slow down and enjoy handicrafts or local snacks. Historically, the real Xiang Fei (Consort Rong) was buried in the Eastern Qing Tombs, while this Kashi cemetery holds her family's remains. The tomb chamber attributed to her reflects more of a folkloric imagination, adding a layer of intrigue to the visit.

Dawakun Desert Camp

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Southern Xinjiang

Khunjerab Pass

Khunjerab Pass is located in Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang, nestled among the icy peaks of the Pamir Plateau. It serves as a land route between China and Pakistan. With an average elevation of over 5,000 meters, it is a vital gateway connecting China to South Asia and Europe, as well as the highest-altitude border crossing in the world. It was also a commemorative project for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Khunjerab Pass is a Class I port approved by the state for opening to the outside world and was officially opened on May 1, 1985. On June 25, 2021, Khunjerab Pass was rated as a national AAAA-level attraction.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Southern Xinjiang

Baisha Mountain - Baisha Lake

Baisha Mountain - Baisha Lake, located in Bulunkou Township, Akto County, 150 km from the Akto County seat. It is one of the unique views in Xinjiang, also known as "Xiangsha Mountain," which emits a sound whenever strong winds blow. In front of the mountain isBu Lunkule, and behind it is Qiakelake Lake, with lush aquatic plants and gathering water birds. The green mountain body is covered by white sand, partially hidden and undulating. Together with the snow-capped mountains at the peak and the lakes and rivers below, it forms a magnificent spectacle, breathtaking and reminiscent of a fairyland.Bu Lunkuleis a wetland natural and cultural view in Xinjiang, which means "lake at the foot of the mountain" in the Kyrgyz language.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Kizilsu Prefecture

Muztagh Glacier Park

Glacier Park is at a higher altitude and has many well-developed glaciers. You can see ice towers, ice caves and other landscapes here, as well as wild animals and plants, the scenery is beautiful and spectacular.

Selected for Night Attractions in Xinjiang

Rendezvous with Kashi International Performing Arts Center

Introduction to the immersive performance at Kashgar International Performing Arts Center Performance format: walking + seated Duration: approx. 100 mins Amidst the interplay of light and shadow, the "gate of time and space" emerges, Embark on a journey through time. Step into the "Ancient City of Shule," The sound of camel bells echoes as merchants bustle about, Recreating the glorious prosperity of Kashgar's ancient city in its heyday. Crossing the vast, sand-swept Taklamakan Desert, Encounter the majestic and spectacular Muztagh Ata Glacier Park, as if stepping onto the ancient Silk Road from a thousand years ago, No sandstorm can bury the vibrant vitality of cultural exchange. "The Soul of Music Theater" comes to life with vivid performances Three legendary stories spanning different eras, all revolving around the Twelve Muqam. Every line and every movement, They all seem to tell the joys and sorrows passed down through millennia on this land, Immerse yourself in an artistic spectacle where stunning visuals intertwine with profound cultural depth... Introduction to the Soul of Music performance at Kashgar International Performing Arts Center Seating style Duration: approx. 70 mins Across the vast and boundless sea of sand in the Taklamakan Desert, Encounter the pristine and magnificent views of Muztagh Glacier Park. It's like stepping into a dazzling pearl shining along the Silk Road. The symphony of joy begins, Step into a dazzling dreamscape of intangible cultural heritage Inspired by the mystical and timeless tales of the Twelve Muqam, Vividly portraying legendary stories across three different eras. Amidst the interplay of light and shadow, The perfect fusion of historical charm and artistic vitality Transporting you back a thousand years, Immerse yourself in the captivating charm of this intangible cultural heritage.

Id Kah Mosque

Id Kah MosqueLocated in the heart of Kashgar's Old Town, this is one of the largest mosques. The complex features many magnificent Islamic-style buildings that visitors can explore. Witnessing the five daily prayer sessions outside the mosque offers a chance to observe grand worship scenes and experience profound religious devotion. Designed as a courtyard-style complex, the mosque's eastern main entrance is flanked by massive...Kashgar Id Kah SquareIt is a landmark of Kashgar. The large square is usually filled with people relaxing and playing games, where bearded elders and children sit together basking in the sun, creating a peaceful and leisurely atmosphere. On the western side of the square stands the eastern gate of the mosque, which serves as its main entrance. The gate features a soft yellow facade flanked by two minarets with graceful curved designs, and a large plaque inscribed with Arabic calligraphy of the Islamic creed hangs above the entrance. Many visitors take photos here. After purchasing tickets at the eastern gate, you can enter the mosque's expansive courtyard, which stretches over 100 meters in both length and width. The area is shaded by numerous trees, offering a rare oasis of greenery and comfort in the arid climate of Kashgar. Within the courtyard, you'll find over a dozen structures, including prayer halls, lecture halls, and domed shrines, all adorned in green and showcasing distinct Islamic architectural styles. A central pool and gardens add to the serene ambiance. The main attraction is the prayer hall, located deep within the complex. Stretching over 100 meters, the hall is dominated by green hues and supported by more than a hundred towering green columns, each seven meters high. Rows of prayer mats mark the worship area. Inside, the hall is devoid of any human imagery, adhering to Islamic traditions. After exploring the courtyard and its structures, visitors can exit through the eastern gate. Beyond admiring the architecture, witnessing the grand prayer ceremonies is a highlight of visiting the mosque. Five daily prayers are held, during which the mosque is closed to visitors, but the rituals can be observed from outside. Before each prayer, the mosque's broadcast system fills the air with the hauntingly beautiful call to prayer. Soon after, two to three thousand worshippers gather—so many that some spill onto the square and surrounding areas when the mosque reaches capacity. The scene is both solemn and awe-inspiring. On Fridays, the Islamic day of congregational prayer (Jumu'ah), the number of worshippers swells to six or seven thousand, sometimes even exceeding ten thousand, creating an unforgettable spectacle. Additionally, during major Islamic festivals like Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr, tens of thousands gather here to celebrate with music and dance. If your visit coincides with these events, don't miss the chance to witness the vibrant festivities.