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Tumxuk City is located in the Yarkand River and Kashgar River basins in the western part of the Tarim Basin. It is adjacent to the Taklamakan Desert in the east, connected to the Pamir Plateau in the west, backed by the Tianshan Mountains in the north, and connected to the Karakoram Mountains in the south. It is an important thoroughfare on the ancient Silk Road.
Tumushuke City is a "virgin land" that is in urgent need of development. It has diverse tourism resources, unique oasis style, desert style and rich ethnic customs and culture.
The Xihaiwan Tourist Area comprises Xiaohaizi Reservoir, Yong'anba Reservoir, Xihaiwan Unnamed Island, Xihaiwan Beach, and a botanical garden. It is the largest plain reservoir in Northwest China. The artificial botanical garden, covering over 6,000 mu (approximately 1,000 acres), is the largest in Xinjiang. The area surrounding Xiaohaizi Reservoir also provides a favorable habitat for waterfowl, home to dozens of wild animal species and offering significant tourism development potential.
In addition, there are many ancient city ruins in the Tumushuke Reclamation Area, which can be roughly divided into three areas: the first is Tokuzisalayi at the foot of Tumushuke Mountain; the second is the ruins in the desert not far from Xiaheying, the 50th Regiment of the Reclamation Area; and the third is the city ruins 50 kilometers away from the 51st Regiment of the Reclamation Area.
Tumxuk has a temperate extremely arid desert climate with long sunshine hours and large temperature differences between day and night.
Recommended play time: 1 day
Tumxuk is a historical town in southern Xinjiang, part of the ancient Silk Road. It has long been a hub for trade and culture, with a rich history influenced by both Uyghur and Mongol traditions. Tumxuk's agricultural significance is also notable, as it serves as a vital center for farming and irrigation in the region.
Tumxuk is located in the southern part of Xinjiang, within the Kashi (Kashgar) region. It can be reached by bus or taxi from Kashgar, which is approximately 100 km away. There are no metro services in the area.
Tumxuk is open year-round, but the best times to visit are in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.
There is generally no entrance fee for visiting Tumxuk, but certain activities such as guided tours or desert excursions may have associated costs. Tickets for special tours or events can usually be purchased on-site.
Advance booking is not usually required for general visits, but it’s advisable to book desert tours or agricultural activities 1-2 weeks in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
A full day is sufficient to explore Tumxuk, including visits to local cultural sites, natural landscapes, and agricultural areas.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and Uyghur. Some tours may offer English-speaking guides during peak tourist seasons.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available, but star-gazing in the desert is a popular evening activity due to the clear skies.
Tumxuk is not overly crowded. Weekdays outside of major holidays are the least crowded times to visit.
Basic facilities such as toilets, food stalls, and water are available in and around the town. Local shops sell snacks, drinks, and traditional Uyghur crafts.
Tumxuk's town area is generally accessible to elderly and children. However, some natural areas, especially the desert, may require more effort to navigate and may not be suitable for visitors with disabilities.
Cash is widely accepted in Tumxuk. Some larger establishments may accept mobile payments, but it’s recommended to carry cash when visiting local markets and small businesses.
Local Uyghur restaurants offer traditional dishes such as kebabs, pilaf, and naan bread. There are also a few cafes where you can enjoy local tea and snacks.
Halal food is widely available in Tumxuk, and vegetarian options such as vegetable pilaf and salads can be found in local restaurants.
There are guesthouses and inns available in Tumxuk. For more luxurious accommodations, visitors may prefer staying in Kashgar, which is nearby.
Nearby attractions include the historical city of Kashgar and its famous markets, as well as the nearby desert areas, which are perfect for a combined day trip.
There are souvenir shops offering traditional Uyghur textiles, carpets, jewelry, and spices. Popular souvenirs include embroidered fabrics and unique local pottery.
After visiting Tumxuk, the best way to continue traveling is by bus or taxi to Kashgar, where further transportation options, including trains and flights, are available.