Live Your Best Lives
Located in Makit County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang, the N39° Desert, known as the "Road of Life" that traverses the Taklamakan Desert, is well-known to archaeologists, explorers, and off-road enthusiasts. Located at the western end of the Taklamakan Desert, the N39° Desert stretches approximately 1,000 kilometers from east to west, with its longest axis running between 1,200 and 1,400 kilometers east to west. This route coincides with the 39° north latitude, hence the name "N39°." Due to its extreme treacherous terrain, it's nicknamed "Ta 1 Route" and the "Sea of Death," attracting numerous off-road enthusiasts. In recent years, several new energy vehicles have successfully traversed the route, setting new world records.
The N39° Desert boasts rolling sand dunes, some reaching over 100 meters, and boasts fine, white sand. Visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery of "smoke rising from the desert" and enjoy activities such as sandboarding, desert surfing, and camel riding. The N39° Desert Tourist Scenic Area in Maigaiti County has built supporting infrastructure such as a tourist service center, dining area, race track, camel station, and observation tower, providing tourists with a variety of leisure and entertainment services.
The best time to visit the N39 Desert is May, June, and September. During these months, the climate is relatively mild, with fewer sandstorms and mosquitoes, making it ideal for activities like desert trekking.
【Recommended Activities】
→Rolling sand dunes
There are sand dunes as high as 100 meters in the scenic area, with fine and white sand. Visitors can engage in sand sliding, desert surfing and other activities here to experience speed and passion.
→Desert Adventure
For tourists who like challenges, they can participate in activities such as desert off-roading and adventure camping to experience a thrilling desert trip.
→Folk performances
The scenic area will hold folk performances from time to time, where tourists can enjoy the local Daolang cultural performances and learn about Xinjiang’s folk customs.
【Recommended Play Time】
About 1 day
Ticket prices for the N39° Desert Tourist Area may vary depending on the season and activities.
The reference price of the scenic spot ticket is 30 yuan per person, including shuttle bus and sand sliding and sand burial activities (free for children under 6 years old, half price for children aged 6-12)
The opening hours of N39° Desert Tourist Area are 10:00-20:00.
It should be noted that the opening hours of scenic spots may be adjusted due to factors such as season and weather. Therefore, before planning a visit to a scenic spot, it is recommended that you check the official website of the scenic spot or other reliable channels for the latest opening hours information.
N39 Desert is part of the Xinjiang region near Kashgar, known for its vast sandy landscapes and unique desert ecosystem. It is significant as a natural desert environment in northwest China and is popular for adventure tourism and cultural experiences linked to Silk Road history.
The desert is located about 40–50 km from Kashgar city center. Visitors typically travel by private car, taxi, or tour bus from Kashgar. Public transport is limited, and guided tours are the easiest way to reach the desert safely.
The desert is open year-round. The best times to visit are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) when temperatures are milder and sandstorms are less frequent.
Entrance fees vary depending on tour operators or desert camps. Tickets are typically purchased through local travel agencies or online booking platforms.
Booking tours or desert activities in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, ideally 1–2 weeks ahead.
A full day or overnight stay is ideal to experience dune activities, sunset/sunrise views, and desert camping.
Guided tours are available, usually in Mandarin and English. Audio guides are uncommon.
Night visits and camping are popular. Special desert tours may include cultural performances, stargazing, or night photography sessions.
The desert is generally uncrowded. Weekdays and non-holiday periods have the fewest visitors.
Facilities are limited. Desert camps provide basic amenities like toilets, tents, food, and water. Bring extra supplies if self-exploring.
Access may be challenging due to sand dunes and terrain. Children can participate with supervision, but elderly or disabled visitors may need assistance or specialized transport.
Cash is generally preferred for small services in desert camps. Larger tour operators may accept cards or mobile payments.
Restaurants are limited inside the desert. Nearby Kashgar city provides numerous local eateries, cafes, and traditional Uyghur cuisine.
Halal food is widely available in Kashgar. Vegetarian and vegan options are more limited but can be found in some city restaurants.
Accommodations are available in Kashgar city, ranging from budget hotels to mid-range and boutique stays. Desert camps provide temporary lodging for overnight experiences.
Souvenir shops are mainly in Kashgar city, offering traditional handicrafts, carpets, jewelry, and local textiles.
