Aksu Prefecture

An oasis land on the southern slopes of the Tianshan, where ancient Kucha culture, the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and the Tianshan Grand Canyon complement each other.

Aksu Prefecture lies in central-western Xinjiang between the southern slopes of the Tianshan and the northern edge of the Tarim Basin, with well-developed oasis agriculture and the well-known rock-sugar-heart apples. Kuqa was the seat of the ancient Kingdom of Kucha; the Kuqa Palace, the Kizilgaha Beacon Tower and the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves in Baicheng reveal Buddhist art and Silk Road civilization, and Kuqa is also the southern end of the Duku Highway. The Tianshan Mystic Grand Canyon has spectacular red mountain walls, and Wensu has canyon scenery connected with Tomur Peak. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit. Gateways are Aksu Airport and Kuqa Qiuci Airport.

Destinations

• Kuqa
• Aksu

Itineraries

• Duku Highway: North-to-South Tianshan Crossing – Drive the entire Duku Highway from Dushanzi to Kuqa, experiencing grasslands, mountain passes, the Nine Curves and Eigh…
• South Xinjiang, Pamir & Desert Highway Grand Loop – Ascend the Pamirs from Kashgar, travel through Yarkand and Hotan, cross the Desert Highway, and return to Urumqi via Ku…
• Tarim Golden Autumn: Korla to Kuqa – Witness the spectacular autumn colors of the Lop Nur People Village and Luntai Populus Forest, then drive the northern…