Tumushuke

Tumxuk lies in southern Xinjiang, on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert. This small city has a distinctive Corps character. It preserves traces of ancient Silk Road city ruins while offering the quiet atmosphere of a desert oasis, making for a generally relaxed sightseeing pace.

• Tangwang City Ruins: This thousand-year-old Silk Road city is best known for its reddish-brown rammed-earth walls, with the settlement unfolding in tiers along the mountain slopes. The interplay of light and shadow at sunset in the desert is especially photogenic.

• Yongan Lake Ecotourism Area: Located on the edge of the desert, the lake covers 150 square kilometers, with poplars and distant mountains reflected in its waters. The area is suitable for camping, stargazing, and backlit landscape photography.

• Tumxuk Museum: Exhibitions here introduce the history of agricultural development by the Production and Construction Corps and Silk Road culture, as well as the struggles of the “Mother of the Gobi” and other pioneers.

• Terracotta Craft Center: Visitors can use clay from the Yarkand River to make pottery by hand using traditional intangible cultural heritage molding techniques. Finished pieces can be taken home as souvenirs.

• Tukun Highway: The road passes through poplar forests and offers golden desert scenery along the way. In the slanting afternoon light, you can stop to photograph poplars, fallen leaves, and the road woven together in one scene.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival and an Introduction to the City
  • Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Tumxuk and check in at your hotel.
  • Evening: Take a stroll through Jinxiu Park or People’s Square to observe local daily life, then dine at a nearby night market.
• Day 2: Exploring the Ancient City and Desert Scenery
  • Morning: Visit the Tangwang City Ruins and climb the raised platform along the wooden boardwalk for views over the desert watchtowers. Hanfu or retro-style clothing works well for photographs.
  • Afternoon: Drive to Yongan Lake, stroll along the lakeside boardwalk, and consider arranging desert camping and stargazing.
• Day 3: Cultural Experiences and Natural Scenery
  • Morning: Visit the Tumxuk Museum to learn about the history of agricultural development, then head to the Terracotta Craft Center to learn about and try pottery making.
  • Afternoon: Drive along the Tukun Highway through the poplar forests, then continue to the Yarkand River Bridge to photograph poplars reflected in the water.

Local Food Recommendations

Tumxuk cuisine combines the flavors of southern Xinjiang with the food traditions of the inland Production and Construction Corps. Flavors are generally rich, and portions are generous.

• Yarkand Grilled Fish: Wild cold-water fish is prepared, secured with tamarisk skewers, and grilled over firewood from poplar trees. The skin is crisp and fragrant, the flesh tender, and the fish has a light woody aroma.
• Kumaiqi: This charcoal-grilled meat pie is made by wrapping lamb and onions in dough, then burying it in hot sand to cook slowly. The outside is crisp, while the filling is juicy.
• Rack-Hung Lamb: Locally raised lamb ribs are marinated, hung in a naan oven, and slow-roasted over fruitwood. They are served with cumin and chili, allowing the lamb’s aroma to stand out.
• Pigeon-Roasted Bread: A whole pigeon is roasted in a naan oven. The meat is juicy and eaten with bread that has absorbed the cooking juices, creating several layers of flavor.
• Pumpkin Polo: Local Tumxuk lamb, rice, carrots, and pumpkin are braised together. The lamb is tender, while the pumpkin adds a sweet, soft texture.
• Night-Market Dining: Visit 51st Regiment Food City or Tangwang City Night Market. At around 30–60 yuan per person, you can sample grilled fish, thin-skinned steamed buns, cold rice noodles, and flavors from different regions.

Transportation and Accommodation

• Getting There:
  • By air: Fly directly to Tumxuk Tangwang City Airport, or arrive in Kashgar first and continue to Tumxuk by train (about 2 hours) or long-distance bus.
  • By car: Driving from Kashgar to Tumxuk takes about 3–4 hours. The route offers southern Xinjiang scenery and generally has good road conditions.
• Getting Around Locally: After arriving, you can rent a car or hire a car and driver. Yongan Lake is about 15 kilometers from the city center, while Tangwang City is farther away, so driving makes it easier to arrange your itinerary.
• Where to Stay:
  • Good Value: Haiyou Hotel (University of Political Science and Law branch) or Home Inn Selected, both reasonably priced and close to night markets and shops.
  • Comfortable Upscale Options: Kunlun Yingbin Hotel or Vienna International Hotel (Nongfa International Plaza branch). They offer more complete facilities, including self-service laundry rooms and gyms, along with attentive service.

Practical Tips

• Best Times to Visit: Spring (March–April) is ideal for viewing apricot blossoms, while autumn (October–November) is best for golden poplars. Desert areas can be very hot in summer, so prepare for the heat; in winter, you can enjoy snow and ice activities.
• Sun and Wind Protection: Tumxuk lies on the edge of the desert, where ultraviolet rays are strong and blowing sand is common. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a windproof face covering, and a hat, and wear comfortable sports shoes.
• Prepare for Temperature Changes: Summer mornings and evenings can still be cool, so bring a light jacket. In autumn, prepare a coat and sweater.
• Respect Local Customs: Many local residents belong to ethnic minority groups. Respect local customs and dietary restrictions when sightseeing and dining.
• Check Regulations in Advance: Some sites, including Tangwang City, may require tickets for shuttle vehicles. Scenic areas may also impose protective rules against walking on sand, so follow staff instructions during your visit.