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Located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains and the northern edge of the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aksu, named after the Aksu River, boasts not only beautiful natural scenery but also cultural landscapes with distinct ethnic characteristics.
The ruins of the ancient Kucha Kingdom, one of the Thirty-Six Kingdoms of the Western Regions, are located in Kuqa County. The Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and the Kumtura Thousand Buddha Caves, both renowned as one of China's four great grotto temples and dating back to the Jin Dynasty, represent a fusion of foreign influences with traditional Chinese culture. Other attractions include the renowned Zhaohuli Grand Temple, Han Dynasty beacon towers, ancient smelting sites, and the Kuqa Grand Temple, an Islamic site.
Aksu has a warm temperate continental arid climate. Spring is dry and windy, accompanied by blowing dust and sand. Summer is characterized by frequent thunderstorms, with occasional heavy rain, hail, and other localized severe convective weather. Autumn is better, with significantly less rainfall and more comfortable temperatures.
Recommended play time: 1 day
Aksu is an important historical city on the ancient Silk Road, serving as a key trade hub connecting East and West. It has rich cultural heritage, blending Uyghur, Han, and Central Asian influences, and features historical architecture and ancient trade routes.
Aksu is located in southern Xinjiang, near the northern edge of the Taklamakan Desert. It can be reached by Aksu Airport (domestic flights), trains from Urumqi and Kashgar, and long-distance buses. Local taxis or rideshare can navigate the city and surrounding areas.
Entrance fees vary by site. Historical and cultural attractions typically cost 20–80 CNY per person. Tickets can be bought offline at site entrances or online through local tourism platforms.
Booking is recommended for popular sites or guided tours, ideally 1–3 days in advance.
2–3 days to cover main city attractions and nearby natural sites; longer if including desert excursions.
Guided tours are available in Chinese; some local agencies provide English-speaking guides with prior booking.
Night visits are mostly limited to city streets and markets. Special cultural performances may be available seasonally.
Aksu is generally not crowded. Weekdays are quieter, and spring or autumn sees moderate tourist traffic.
Facilities are available at major sites, including toilets, small restaurants, water, and souvenir shops. Remote areas require self-preparation.
Main city attractions are accessible for elderly and children. Some outdoor and mountainous sites may have limited accessibility for disabled visitors.
Cash is useful, though most city sites and larger shops accept mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat) and cards.
Local Uyghur restaurants, small cafes, and street food stalls are available in the city center and around cultural sites.
Halal options are widely available; vegetarian options exist but may be limited in smaller eateries.
Several mid-range hotels and guesthouses are in Aksu city, including business hotels near the city center.
Souvenir shops in the city sell Uyghur crafts, carpets, textiles, dried fruits, and local snacks.
