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Wuqia, meaning "fork in the great mountain ravine," gets its name from the fact that the Kizil River divides into three ravines there. It lies at the western end of the Tarim Basin, at the junction of the southern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains and the Kunlun Mountains. It borders Atushi City to the east, Shufu County in Kashgar Prefecture to the southeast, Akto County to the southwest, and Kyrgyzstan to the west and north.
Wuqia County is surrounded by mountains on three sides. To the north of the Kizilsu River lies the southern range of the Tianshan Mountains, to the south are the Pamir Plateau and the Kunlun Mountains, and to the southeast lies the Kashgar Delta Plain. The county boasts unique pastoral resources, including the Yuqitash natural grasslands, the intersection of the Tianshan and Kunlun Mountains, the ancient sea ruins Shell Mountain, the Five-Colored Mountain, and the Aktash forest pasture.
Wuqia County belongs to the temperate arid climate zone
Recommended play time: 1 day
Wuqia is a small town in the Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, historically significant for its role along the ancient Silk Road. It has a rich heritage influenced by the Kirgiz people, and its location in a mountainous area adds to its natural beauty.
Wuqia is located in the Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang. The best way to reach it is by bus or private car from the nearby city of Kashgar. There is no metro service in this region, and taxis are available for local transport.
The area is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from May to October when the weather is milder. Most attractions are open during daylight hours from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
There are minimal entry fees for local attractions, typically around ¥20-¥50. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but it’s a good idea to check availability for larger attractions in advance.
For major attractions, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Booking a few days ahead should suffice.
It usually takes about 1-2 days to fully explore Wuqia, including outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Longer stays are recommended for those wishing to hike or explore surrounding areas.
Guided tours are available, particularly for those interested in exploring the cultural aspects of Wuqia and the nearby natural areas. Tours are mostly available in Mandarin, with limited English-speaking guides.
A suggested itinerary could start with a morning visit to a local village, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, explore the nearby mountains or historical sites, and conclude with a visit to any local markets in the evening.
Night visits are not common, though some local events or performances may take place in the evening during festivals.
Wuqia is generally less crowded than larger cities in Xinjiang. The least crowded times to visit are during the spring and autumn, especially on weekdays.
Basic facilities are available in the town and at major tourist spots, including toilets, food stalls, water, and rest areas. Shops are available for purchasing local crafts and snacks.
Most attractions are accessible for elderly and children, though some areas, particularly the mountain trails, may be difficult for those with mobility challenges.
Cash is commonly accepted, but mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay) are also widely used in this region, especially in larger towns like Kashgar.
Many restaurants in Wuqia offer halal food, with vegetarian and vegan options available, especially in traditional Uyghur cuisine.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling traditional Uyghur crafts such as woven carpets, jewelry, and handmade textiles.
