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Zepu County, short for "Zepuleshan," is named after the Zelekushan River, which in Uyghur means "the river where gold floats." Zepu is located in southwestern Xinjiang, at the foot of the towering Kunlun Mountains. It's known as "Jiangnan outside the Great Wall, a land of fish and rice," and "China's premier county for its sycamore trees."
Located 40 kilometers southwest of Zepu County, deep in the Gobi Desert, lies Pujinhuyang National Forest Park, home to 18,000 mu (approximately 1,000 hectares) of natural poplar forest. In summer, dense shade and a profusion of flowers blanket the trees; in autumn, the leaves turn yellow, creating a picturesque scene. This unique blend of poplars, water, oasis, and Gobi desert creates a unique landscape beyond the Great Wall, making it a rare tourist destination on the western edge of the Tarim Basin.
Jimunai County has a continental northern temperate cold climate.
Recommended play time: 1 day
Zep is a historical region in Kashgar, Xinjiang, with a rich cultural heritage. It has been an important center for the Silk Road trade and a significant location for the spread of Islam in the region. The area's traditional Uyghur culture is still prevalent in its architecture, cuisine, and way of life.
Zep is located in Kashgar, Xinjiang, China. The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or private vehicle from Kashgar, which is approximately 50 km away. There are also buses available that connect the town with Kashgar.
Zep is open year-round, but the best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months (April to June and September to November) when the weather is mild and suitable for outdoor activities.
There is no general entrance fee for visiting Zep itself. However, certain attractions like desert tours or cultural performances may charge a fee, which can be paid on-site.
Booking in advance is not generally required unless you are planning to participate in a special tour or event, in which case booking 1-2 weeks in advance is recommended.
Visiting Zep typically takes a day, allowing time to explore the local villages, enjoy desert landscapes, and experience the culture. If you wish to take part in more extensive tours, additional time may be needed.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, Uyghur, and sometimes English. Audio guides are not commonly offered, but local guides provide valuable insights into the history and culture of Zep.
There are no light shows or night visits available in Zep. However, stargazing in the desert is a popular activity due to the clear skies at night.
Zep is generally not crowded, with fewer tourists compared to other cities in Xinjiang. The least crowded times are during weekdays in the off-season, such as winter or late autumn.
Basic facilities are available, including public toilets, food stalls offering local snacks, and small shops selling traditional Uyghur crafts and goods.
The area is accessible for most visitors, though some parts of the desert and villages may involve walking on uneven terrain, which might be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Cash is still commonly used in Zep, although mobile payment options like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted in larger establishments. It is advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases.
There are several local restaurants and cafes serving Uyghur cuisine, including kebabs, pilaf, and traditional flatbreads. More options are available in Kashgar, which is nearby.
Halal food is widely available in Zep, and vegetarian options like vegetable pilaf, salads, and flatbreads can be found in local restaurants.
There are guesthouses and small hotels in Zep, but for more comfortable accommodations, travelers may want to stay in Kashgar, which offers a wider range of hotels and resorts.
Nearby attractions include Kashgar's Old City, the Id Kah Mosque, and the Sunday Bazaar. These can be easily combined into a day trip with Zep.
Souvenir shops sell traditional Uyghur textiles, carpets, spices, and jewelry. Popular items include embroidered fabrics, local pottery, and handwoven rugs.
After visiting Zep, taxis or buses are the best transportation options to continue the trip to Kashgar, where there are more connections to other parts of Xinjiang by train, bus, or flight.
