About US
Xinjiang Tours
2006 - 2026 © All Right Reserved www.xinjiangtravel.org
Aksu
Aksu is not famous, but when it comes to Kuqa's small white apricots and bingtangxin apples, they are big names of Akesu's specialties with a juicy and sweet flavor that everyone knows them. Aksu is located in the central part of Xinjiang, sandwiched between Urumqi up north and Kashgar down south, at the southern foot of the Middle Tianshan Mountains and the northern edge of Tarim Basin. In the east, it is adjacent to Bayingolin MAR, and Ili Prefecture in the north. The total area is 132500 square kilometers.
Aksu belongs to the typical continental arid climate zone. It less rains and has sufficient sunshine and heat resources. The weather can be decoded why fruits of Akesu are so yummy. By a bite, the small white apricot will honestly tell you how happy you are when your mouth is full of apricot syrup.
Like most cities in Xinjiang, the big temperature differs between day and night.
Why visit Aksu
1. Marvelous natural scenery
Aksu means "clear flowing river" in Uyghur language. Due to the location at the south foot of Tianshan Mountains, melting snow brings a lot of water resources. Therefore, Aksu has large oases. The nearest National Wetland Park is an ideal place for leisure and smelling flowers and talking to birds. Among rivers and deserts, large or small Yadan landforms in rusty red look spectacular.
2. Strong historical background
We might as well say the history and culture of Xinjiang start from Qiuci culture and grottoes temple. Otherwise, there will be faults in Xinjiang history. Back in 109BC, King Qiuci presented the Buddhist Bath Jar to Emperor Liu Che of Han Dynasty, which was the earliest historical Buddhist event in the ancient kingdom of Kuqa. Since the 3rd Century, Buddhism was wildly spread in Kuqa, and eastward along the Silk Road to Dunhuang Grottoes. On the way of Buddhism spreading, grotto temples became temples of Buddhist Art combining with Chinese traditional culture and art.
In addition to Kizil Grottoes, one of China's "four famous caves," Akesu also has other grottoes. The ancient Qiuci witnessed the rise and fall of Buddhist culture. I wish we all act following the "Great Enlightenment" advocated by Buddhism.
Top attractions
1. Kuqa Grand Canyon National Geopark
More than 60 kilometers north of the city, it is surrounded by Tianshan Mountain, known as one of the Top Ten canyons in China. The Grand Canyons are well arranged. Sometimes they are wide and sometimes narrow, making the impression of "it is seen as a peak on the other side of the ridge". In terms of color, most of the rocks in the canyon are either red or yellow. In particular, when the setting sun casts light on the canyon layer by layer, the fantastic shape, and dreamlike color produce the gorgeous scenery of Kuqa Grand Canyon.
2. Kizil Grottoes
Its location is at Mingwutag Mountain Cliff Baicheng County, Qizir Town, stretching for several kilometers long. At present, there are 236 grottoes. Of them, more than 80 caves are preserved with wall paintings occupying 10000 square meters. It was excavated in the 3rd century and gradually stopped in the 8th-9th century. It is the largest group of grottoes.
The murals in Kizil Grottoes can be regarded as the first appearance of Buddhism spreading to China and with the ancient Qiuci style. The most special feature of Kizil Grottoes is the diamond story painting. Each diamond has a story. It is the image of Sakyamuni himself. It is a picture of real life. It is a picture of animals, etc. They are all valuable.
The colors of the murals in the cave are all-natural pigments. White is gypsum, and green is turquoise, black ones used to be dark red cinnabar, while blue ones are more expensive turquoise. It is said that they are all imported from Afghanistan and Pakistan.
3. Kuqa Mosque
It is the second-largest Mosque in Xinjiang, only 4km away from Kuqa new city. It was first built in the 15th century. The grand Mosque is 18.3 meters high, all of which are made of traditional Uighur green bricks. I am very fond of the green bricks. They look quite warm and inviting. The upright minaret is solemn. Inside, the pillars are carved in Islamic style. The carpets for disciples seem to tell Islamic creed. I have to say the traditional Islamic turquoise matches very well with red. They emphasize the charm of Mosque.
When to come
In the early summer, Kuqa's small white apricots are very sweet and watery. I can eat them as many as I want, and am secretly happy. Only Xinjiang has such a delicious fruit. In golden Autumn, Akesu's bingtangxin apples are the most crisp and sweet fruit to entertain visitors from far away. Therefore, the season of fruits is also the Time to travel.
Transportation
Aksu connects North Urumqi to South Kashgar. It plays a very important role in transportation. Aksu Airport provides flights to Urumqi, Xi'an, Chongqi, Hangzhou, etc. Passengers also choose trains and coaches to travel. They are convenient and cheaper. Of course, direct railways to go North and South of Xinjiang are available.
Accommodation
I would like to recommend a few of hotels in Akesu as a reference. Please have a check.
Kuqa Hotel (five-star)
Kuqa Tianyuan International Hotel
The Map of Akesu you might need
Are you interested in this tour?
This tour can be tailored.
Kashgar - Taxkorgan county (Pamir Plateau) - Kuqa - Turpan - Urumqi
Southern Xinjiang Memorable Tour starts from the famous Kashgar which is the culture center of Uighur people. Take the train to Kuqa with the sightseeing of the vast desert. Discover the fireland of Turpan. We bring you a different Xinjiang Travel Experience.
Urumqi - Turpan - Korler - Kuqa - Hotan - Yarkent - Kashgar
Southern Xinjiang and Taklamkan Desert highway Adventure starts from Urumqi, drive through the Taklamakan Desert to Kashgar which is the west most city of China. We will also visit Turpan, Korler, Kuqa and Hotan. Travel with locals enjoy excellent service.
Urumqi--Turpan--Korler--Kuqa--Aksu--Kashgar-Dunhuang
Silk Road Xinjiang Tour bring you to the Southern Xinjiang to explore the featured customer and profound history of ancient Silk Route. You will also experience the Sunday livestock market in Kashgar and the Pamir Plateau.
Urumqi → Kanas → Karamay → Sarym Lake → Yili → Bayinbuluk → Kuqa → Aksu → Kashgar → Khotan → Taklamkan Desert → Korler → Turpan
Xinjiang Grand Tour to both North and South Part. Xinjiang is divided into two parts by the Taklamakan desert. Northern Xinjiang -the nature is very unique and fascinating, the most remarkable peak,vast grassland,untouched fairyland,inland lake and river,great mountain ranges. Southern Xinjiang-the folklore is very attractive and impressive, it is also great to know the history of great silk road. Take the Panaoramic Xinjiang Tour. Enjoy the both Northern Xinjiang Nature and Southern Xinjiang colorful customers.
Urumqi - Burqin - Kanas - Hemu - Karamay - Yining - Naraty - Bayinbuluk - Kuqa - Kolar - Turpan - Heavenly Lake
12 Days North Xinjiang Travel with Kuqa via Duku Highway will take you to visit the Great Grassland, the maginificent scenery in the middle of Tianshan Mountain. Experience Xinjiang Folklore of Kuqa and Fireland of Turpan
Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Yarkent - Hotan - Minfeng - Kuqa - Turpan - Fukang - Urumqi
This 13 days south xinjiang tour is for you to have a very in-depth experience of southern Xinjiang. To know its custom, ethnic culture and history. The nature landscapes are also amazing. Drive across the famous Taklamakan Desert Highway and lost youself in the breathtaking scenery of golden populu forests...
Urumqi - Kuitun - Yining - Gongliu - Naraty - Kuqa - Alar - Makit - Kashgar - Taxkorgan
Yili Grassland and South Xinjiang Adventure to Kuqa & Kashgar, Stroll around the lakes and mountains in west Xinjiang and then drive accross Duku Highway to run into southern Xinjiang. Taste the flavor of the unique culture and customs of Kashgar. Then visit the magnificent Pamir Plateau along the Karakoram Highway!
Urumqi - Turpan-Korler- Kuqa- Aksu- Kashgar-Taxkorgan-Kashgar
Embark on a South Xinjiang adventure, exploring the legendary Silk Road towns of Kashgar and Kuche. Experience the stunning landscapes of the Pamir Plateau, where nature and history blend into an unforgettable journey.
Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Aksu - Kuqa - Korla
Welcome to join our South Xinjiang Tour, Oytagh Glacier Park which is the summer resort for the locals, Panlong Road where you can enjoy the splendid Kunlun Mountain, and Grand Bazaar for a taste of the strong exotic flavor.
Urumqi-Turpan-Kashgar-Tashkurgan-Kuqa
The China Oriental Express is designed to provide passengers with an unforgettable travel experience, combining scenic routes, exquisite dining, and exceptional service. The train will take you to traverse breathtaking landscapes, enjoy cultural landmarks and experience local landmarks.
Urumqi-Yining-Korla-Kashgar-Tashkurgan-Kuqa
The Oriental Express is designed to provide passengers with an unforgettable travel experience, combining scenic routes, exquisite dining, and exceptional service. The train will take you to traverse breathtaking landscapes, connecting major cities and cultural landmarks.
Urumqi - Yining - Korla - Kashgar - Tashkurgan - Kuqa
The Oriental Express is designed to provide passengers with an unforgettable travel experience, combining scenic routes, exquisite dining, and exceptional service. The train will take you to traverse breathtaking landscapes, connecting major cities and cultural landmarks.
Xining-Ruoqiang-Kuqa-Kashgar
Silk Road Express Dream Tour offers passengers a unique journey through stunning landscapes, combining modern comforts with a nostalgic ambiance. Whether crossing vast plains, majestic mountains, or picturesque countryside, the Express promises a timeless voyage steeped in luxury and charm.
Kashgar-Hotan-Ruoqiang-Kuqa
Silk Road Express Dream Tour offers passengers a unique journey through stunning landscapes, combining modern comforts with a nostalgic ambiance. Whether crossing vast plains, majestic mountains, or picturesque countryside, the Express promises a timeless voyage steeped in luxury and charm.
Urumqi-Turpan-Altay-Korla-Kashgar-Tashkurgan-Kuqa
The New Orient Express is designed to provide passengers with an unforgettable travel experience, combining scenic routes, exquisite dining, and exceptional service. The train will take you to traverse breathtaking landscapes, connecting major cities and cultural landmarks.
Kuitun-Qiaoerma-Nalati-Bayinbuluke-Kuqa
Embark on a 7-day biking adventure along the Duku Highway, from Kuitun to Kuqa. Enjoy thrilling descents, scenic climbs, and the unique sensation of passing through four seasons in one day. This journey blends adventure, culture, and stunning natural beauty into an unforgettable experience.
Hotan-Kashgar-Kuqa-Turpan-Urumqi
Uncover South Xinjiang’s gems on 8 days epic road trip! From Kashgar’s bustling markets to Karakul Lake’s mirror-like waters, traverse the Taklamakan Desert’s edge and marvel at amazing White Sand Lake. Experience Silk Road caravanserais and Tashkurgan’s Tajik culture. Reserve your ultimate Pamirs adventure now!
Yili-Qiongkusitai-Wusun Ancient Trail-Kuqa
Embark on an epic 7-day horseback riding tour along Xinjiang's Wusun Ancient Trail, where rugged mountain passes, emerald valleys, and the breathtaking Heavenly Lake await. Conquer the 3,900m Akebulak Pass, gallop through pristine grasslands, and immerse yourself in Silk Road history amid Kucha's ancient ruins.
