#Kumtag Desert Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
#1 of Best Things to Do in Shanshan
Deserts
Address:
Shanshan, Turpan, Xinjiang, China
Opening times:
Opens at 08:30-22:00(Tickets available until 20:00; admission ends at 20:00)Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
2-3 hour
Phone:
0995-8389389
Click to enter the healing world of Altay
"To love, to live, to get hurt"
"My Altay" has imprinted the mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas of Altay in many people's hearts, and has also given another possibility for life. The vast wilderness of Xinjiang seems to be able to accommodate the joys and sorrows of many people. Although everyone's life is not easy and smooth, nature seems to have such magic that can temporarily heal us, and then we set off again
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Snow mountains, lakes, forests, grasslands, canyons, streams, summer flowers
🌲Summer is really suitable for going to Xinjiang, the summer in Xinjiang will refresh your cognition, and it's beautiful like the scenes in comics
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✅Recommended itinerary and route:
Day1: Urumqi—Shanshan Kumtag Desert—Stay in Shanshan
Day2: Shanshan—Tuyugou Scenic Western Region Architectural Area—Stay in Hejing
Day3: Hejing—Nalati Sky Prairie—Valley Scenery—Stay in Nalati
Day4: Nalati—Qiaxi—Stay in Tekes
Day5: Tekes—Qiongkushitai—Stay in Qiongkushitai
Day6: Qiongkushitai—Xiaota Luxury Trekking—Stay in Xiaota
Day7: Xiaota—Guozigou Bridge—Sailimu Lake Scenic Loop—The Lonely Tower—Stay at Sailimu Lake
Day8: Sailimu Lake—Stay in Urumqi
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🌲Recommended must-visit attractions in Xinjiang:
Nalati + Qiaxi Forest + Qiongkushitai + Sailimu Lake
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💡Travel tips:
1. In addition to the large temperature difference between morning and evening in Xinjiang, there is also a large temperature difference in the mountains
2. The attractions in Xinjiang are far apart, so prepare some dry food. There may be no signal in some sections of self-driving, and the prices are higher if you stay in scenic areas. The hotels in the county are all around two to three hundred, and our trip cost about five hundred per person excluding airfare
3. Those who do not self-drive can consider finding a reliable leader to arrange the itinerary, if you need, you can ask me
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The meaning of travel is not to tell others that I have been here, but that there was a story about me here. It lets me know that there are many ways to live life, you can have a wandering soul, the joy and innocence of a child, and also the courage to see the world's prosperity
Food Trails and Travels
The Kumutage Desert, the third largest desert in Xinjiang, and the only desert connected to the city. The mirage, which is 20 kilometers away from the scenic spot, is a free view point, has a free desert, and can camp for free. The best time to shoot in
the desert is sunrise and sunset. At this time, the light of the sun is soft and not glaring, and the desert will show multiple changes of light and shadow.
aramifish.
The Kumutage Desert is located on the eastern edge of the Turpan Basin. It is the only desert in the world that is connected to the city. It is a desert in the city. Green does not retreat and sand does not enter. The wind from the Tianjiao Qijiaojing vent and the Dabancheng vents, with a lot of sand, finally collided and deposited in the Kumutage area, forming this desert with sand mountains.
This desert on the edge of Shanshan City, the terrain is sand nest, honeycomb sand, flat sand, wavy sand dune, fish scale sand slope, desert Gobi mixed land. The dunes are clear and well-defined; the ridgeline is smooth and smooth, the windward slope is like water, and the leeward slope is like sand. It is a pity that you can't wait until sunset, in the depths of the desert, in the depths of the sand, watching the magnificent scenery of "the desert is solitary, the long river is falling into the sun" is also regrettable.
onenone.
Xinjiang is worth checking in countless times
After many years, I have come to the beautiful Xinjiang once again. The summer in Yili is as beautiful as Hayao Miyazaki's animations, frame by frame, step by step, all so touching. This time, a 7-day trip was arranged, which was enjoyable, free, and happy.
DAY1: Urumqi—Turpan—Kumtag Desert
Coming to Turpan to feel the hottest sun, the uniform red brick and mud buildings, the cultural streets with strong Western Region style, eating the sweetest watermelons in Turpan in summer, running freely in the desert, the fine soft sand, leaving footprints with every step, the stacked sand sea in the distance, the blue sky, and the intermittent small green plants in the sand sea complement each other, creating a picturesque scene.
DAY2: Turpan—Flaming Mountains—Shihezi
1. The story of Journey to the West has accompanied me since childhood. Visiting the scenic spot, I personally experienced every scene in the drama, so real and yet so dreamy. I never thought that one day I could be so immersed in the scenes of the master and disciples' journey to the West from TV dramas and storybooks, fulfilling a small childhood dream.
2. I've heard of Shihezi University, and this is my first visit to Shihezi, a lively city with a sense of life. By chance, I arrived on June 1st, and had some beer with friends at yue pub, listened to the live singing, and spent a special Children's Day together. The happiness among friends is just that simple.
DAY3: Turpan—Duku Highway—Tangbula Fairy Lake
1. Lucky baby, I caught up with the opening of the Duku Highway. This year, Duku opened early, and I was shocked by the natural landscapes along the way. The Duku Highway is indeed a masterpiece of nature, and the martyrs sacrificed their wisdom and hardworking hands to fully present this natural magic and beauty for us to stop and admire, inspiring awe.
2. Tangbula Fairy Lake, my friends rode horses up the mountain, and we caught a small hailstorm, which was a unique experience in life.
DAY4: Narat—Valley Grassland—Sky Grassland
Driving into the scenic area was really cool. The valley grassland of Narat is so beautiful, with snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, blue sky, and sunshine—all the good elements of travel gathered in one day. Cattle, sheep, and horses running freely, nature showed us a series of vivid and dreamy paintings, the green grassland, the snow-capped mountains with unthawed snow on the distant peaks shining in the sunlight, showing their beauty. Under the sunset glow, the freely running horses were so unrestrained and handsome. At this moment, I felt that this trip was worth it, and I was happy.
DAY5: Narat—Kazanqi—Six-Star Street
The blue of Kazanqi is its unique signature, the healing blue. Taking photos against the blue walls and red and blue windows, super photogenic. Of course, what surprised me even more was Six-Star Street, with lots of delicious food. Different from Kazanqi, its windows and walls are blue, green, and red, with more colorful and diverse colors, making it more suitable for checking in and taking photos.
DAY6: Sayram Lake
The last tear of the Atlantic, a dazzling pearl, the azure blue lake water, driving on the road of Sayram Lake, I exclaimed how beautiful it was. The colorful words of this world are not enough to praise it. It is so pure and beautiful, like a dignified and calm lady, like a cute and exquisite girl, like an elder quietly telling stories about it, peaceful and beautiful, loved and cherished.
DAY7: Anjihai Grand Canyon
The fractured canyon area still deeply shocked me. This place is suitable for drone photography to capture the grandeur of the canyon.
Just like that, the 7-day journey covered only a small part of Xinjiang. The last time I came to Yili, I also visited Kanas and Bayinbuluk, with the same surprises that remain in my mind and heart. I really love this land so much.
Xinjiang is truly worth checking in countless times. Its beauty needs every stopping person to experience and feel with their heart. The distance is far, but it's worth it.
Accommodation:
Narat Liao Xin Homestay
Turpan City Boutique Home Hotel
Cuisine:
Narat Mr. Chen's Small Restaurant
Yining City Qing Zhi Kou Xinjiang Cuisine Valley Secret Roast
Flaming Mountain Famous Yellow Noodles Barbecue
henry ZZZZ
Kumtag Desert
The Kumtag Desert, located at the junction of western Gansu Province and southeastern Xinjiang (briefly referred to as the Gansu-Xinjiang Kumtag Desert), roughly borders the Achik Valley-Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark to the north, the Altun Mountains to the south, the Lop Nur Big Ears to the west, and the Dunhuang Mingsha Mountain and Annanba National Nature Reserve to the east, covering an area of about 22,000 square kilometers. This region has an extremely arid climate, with annual precipitation below 30 millimeters, and the highest temperature in a day can reach 80°, making it the most intensely dry and eroded plateau area, where almost no vegetation can survive on the ground. Also, due to its proximity to Anxi, it is influenced by the strong winds of Anxi, with howling winds throughout the seasons. Moreover, the widespread distribution of the Kumtag sand ridges and Yardangs adds to its ever-changing atmosphere. Going for four nights and five days without a drop of water to wet one's throat, with a parched mouth and stomach, one is almost at the brink of death. The eight hundred li of the Moheyan quicksand dunes stretching between Yiwu and Guazhou are a nightmare for anyone who recalls them. After surviving this perilous river of moving sands, Xuanzang still had lingering fears when reminiscing about the Moheyan quicksand dunes: 'The Moheyan quicksand dunes stretch for eight hundred li, anciently called the Sand River. (In 'Journey to the West', it was turned into the turbulent Flowing Sands River, where the Sand Monk awaited Xuanzang's arrival.) Above, no birds fly; below, no beasts roam; lying down, no water or grass, only one's shadow for company. For four nights and five days, with a parched mouth and stomach, one is almost at the brink of death. All around is a vast expanse, at night, demons raise fires, shining like numerous stars; by day, frightening winds carry sand, scattering like a timely rain.' Kumtag Desert
Smith_1*Olivias
Imagine standing at the edge of a city, facing a golden sea of sand
The Kumtag Desert—the only desert in the world that connects with a city, is known as the 'Desert in the City.' Here, the city and nature blend together, the desert embraces the oasis, offering an adventure experience not to be missed.
🛑 Desert activities are diverse and exciting! From sand sliding to desert surfing, from camel riding to soaring in the sky with a glider, the Kumtag Desert offers a variety of entertainment options for every visitor. Whether you're looking for a thrill or a peaceful retreat, you'll find it here.
🚂 Departing from Urumqi, a desert adventure can be completed and returned within a single day, making it an excellent choice for a weekend short trip.
🚦 Transportation methods:
- 🚄 Train: It takes only 1.5 hours from Urumqi to Shanshan North, followed by a 20-minute taxi ride to the desert scenic area, costing about 15 yuan. With frequent train services, it's convenient for tourists to arrange flexibly.
- 🚗 Self-driving: Although it takes 4 hours one way by car, it is recommended to choose the train for a time-saving round trip.
🎟️ Tickets and transportation:
- Admission: 30 yuan, available for purchase at the entrance of the scenic area.
- Shuttle service: Offers Line 1 and Line 2 services, with varying prices. After the end of Line 1, you can continue on Line 2 for deeper exploration.
📸 Photography and outfit suggestions:
1️⃣ To capture the serene beauty of the desert, it's recommended to find secluded spots for a clean, simple background.
2️⃣ The light and shadow effects in the desert are mesmerizing; choose a clear day for better photography results.
3️⃣ Desert hiking can be physically demanding, but it's worth it for the magnificent views of the dunes.
4️⃣ Select locations with distinctive terrain to better showcase the desert's textures and lines.
5️⃣ Even with just a smartphone, you can capture the grandeur of the desert, while drones offer a unique perspective.
6️⃣ Outfit suggestions: Whether it's a flowing dress or trendy workwear, you can take photos with different styles in the desert. Don't forget to wear sunglasses to add a touch of fashion.
7️⃣ The desert has strong UV radiation, so take precautions against sunburn, and since the sand can be hot, it's not recommended to walk barefoot.
🌟 The Kumtag Desert, a place full of mystery and challenges! 🧭📷👣
David Radcliffe
day in the dessert
this was the Kumtag dessert in a town called Turpan in the xinjiang province. the price to get in is quite pricey however it does come with many great facilities such as bus ride to and from the main view point. the dessert has nice soft sands and sand skiing was amazing there very worth the trip.
D35***09
Xinjiang | Kumtag Desert: A solitary smoke in the vast desert aligns with the long river as the setting sun forms a perfect circle
| Kumtag Desert: A solitary smoke in the vast desert aligns with the long river as the setting sun forms a perfect circle.⭐️
A half-month journey through Northern Xinjiang took me around a great loop, covering thousands of miles. The pristine snow of the Tianshan Mountains, the colorful beaches carved by the Irtysh River, the paradise of Kanas, the tranquil starry sky and sunrise at Sayram Lake, the evening howls of the Ghost City, the boundless grasslands of Bayinbuluke, the lonely smoke over the desert of Shanshan... A year has passed, but the longing for those magnificent landscapes remains.
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As one of China's eight great deserts, the Kumtag Desert is located at the southern end of the ancient city of Shanshan in Turpan, stretching over eight hundred miles. 'Kumtag' in the Uyghur language means 'sand mountain'. It was once known as the Sand River, a place without birds in the sky, beasts on the ground, or vegetation, and with an extremely harsh natural environment.
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Standing at the edge of the desert, one side reveals an endless sea of sand, while the other side is an oasis-like city. This is one of the rare deserts in the world that is in close proximity to a city. For thousands of years, the Kumtag Desert and Shanshan County have met at the southern end of the old city, never moving northward or encroaching upon the city even by half a step. 'The sand does not advance, the green does not retreat, and the people do not relocate.' It is truly a miracle in the history of desert control.
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In the afternoon, start climbing the dunes under the scorching sun, with feet on the burning yellow sand, struggling to ascend the hill to watch a sunset.
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I suddenly recall a line from 'Ashes of Time' by the recluse Ouyang Feng in the desert town: 'People always have to go through a process. When you see a mountain, you want to know what's on the other side. I really want to tell him that you might find nothing special after crossing over, and you might feel that this side is even better.'
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Having watched too many martial arts films in my youth, I have too many indelible emotions about the vast deserts filled with yellow sand, the bamboo forests fraught with danger, and the remote peach blossoms... There are just too many lingering sentiments.
Tips:
Ticket price: 30 RMB per person, sightseeing train 30 RMB per person (includes round trip). Entertainment activities include sand sliding, camel riding, desert surfing, etc.
It is recommended to enter the scenic area after 5 pm to avoid the severe heat and to pay attention to sun protection and hydration.
thora_8193
Explore the desert closest to the city—the Kumtag Desert
The Kumtag Desert is connected to the city and is known as the 'Desert in the City'. The setting sun sprinkles golden light on the sand grains, making the contours of the dunes more gentle and layered. The natural curves of the sand mountains and the patterns left by the wind are traces of nature's breath. The changing lines are clear between light and shadow without being deliberate, as smooth as chocolate. Come into the desert and feel the tenacity of the wind and sand and the miracle of life.
📍Address: 999 Park Road, Shanshan County, Turpan, Xinjiang
🚗Transportation:
1️⃣🚄Train
Take a direct train from Urumqi to Shanshan North, 1.5 hours, and then take a taxi directly to the entrance of the desert scenic area
2️⃣🚘Self-drive or chartered car
It takes about 4 hours to drive from Urumqi
🎫Ticket: Scenic area ticket 30
🛵Shuttle bus ticket: Line 1️⃣ 30, Line 2️⃣ 35
Line 1️⃣ goes directly from the entrance of the scenic area to , about 10 minutes
Line 2️⃣ goes from to , stopping at a sand sculpture area in between (you can get off the bus to take photos and then get back on), the whole journey of Line 2️⃣ is about 30 minutes
🎏Attractions:
🏜️Climbing sand mountains
The vast expanse of yellow sand
🐫Camel riding
Camel riding in the Kumtag Desert is a highlight. Riding a camel through the desert is like traveling through time and space, back to the ancient Silk Road
🎫: 80
🚙Off-road vehicle surfing
Feel the real speed and passion with the velocity of a racing wind
🎫: 160
HEAVEN HARRELL
That is the image of a desert as you envision it
The closest desert to a city in the world, with a desert on one side and an oasis on the other, and a bustling city not far away, this magical phenomenon can only be seen in Xinjiang, China! The sunset in the Kumtag Desert is very photogenic, it really makes for great pictures! Magnificent 🐫🐫
For friends who want to come over, it is recommended to arrive after 5 pm. In Xinjiang, the days are long, and the sun usually sets around 10 pm. This way, you won't have to endure the scorching sun in the desert for too long!
Also, the sandstorms in the desert are really strong, so be sure to bring sunglasses! Protect your camera from the sand!
clever_deeanna
Turpan Kumutage Desert|Do you like the color of gold?
|Do you like the color of gold? . Kumutage Desert is the nearest desert to the city in China. You can take a high-speed train to Shanshan Station or Shanshan North, or you can take a high-speed train from Turpan or Hami or even Urumqi. I took a high-speed train from Hami to Shanshan North Station, took a taxi (15r) from the high-speed train station to the city center, and went to the desert the next day.
Turpan North Station-Flaming Mountain-Mazha Village-Kumutage Desert🏜️
You can check in when you pass by the Flaming Mountain, there is no need to buy a ticket to go in, Mazha Village is backed by the Flaming Mountain, the ticket is 30 yuan, there are no businesses in winter, the photos are very good, because there is no one🙈🙈, there is construction inside recently, the location is not big, little sisters who like to take pictures can enter
The desert ticket is 30, the desert minibus🚌30, you can walk into the desert along the lake, there is no need to take a bus🚌, it is only about 1 kilometer, the camels in the desert in winter seem to be not very active, after all, they love the cool summer.
Turpan strongly recommends the famous yellow-faced barbecue near the Flaming Mountain
Lamb skewers are 4 yuan each, super invincible fragrant, realizing the freedom of lamb skewers
The baked buns are also delicious, the pilaf is absolutely good, and the environment is affordable
Turpan 1-2 days is enough, it is best to drive by yourself or charter a car🚗
Because the attractions are relatively far from the city, basically 1 hour drive
InternationalJetsetter#444
Turpan Self-Drive/Private Car One-Day Tour Detailed Guide, with a Map of Turpan Attractions Distribution
Turpan travel guide, this article is enough: what to eat, what to play, introduction to attractions, travel transportation | with a map of Turpan attractions distribution.
1⃣ Transportation
For a day trip to Turpan via Urumqi, you can choose to arrive at Turpan North Station (the new station is closer to the downtown area). For the return trip, you can choose from Shanshan North Station to Urumqi.
2⃣ One-Day Itinerary (for reference only)
Turpan North Station ➡️ Jiaohe Ancient City ➡️ Local market next to Karez Well Park (free) ➡️ Turpan Museum ➡️ Internet-famous antique shop (free to take photos outside) ➡️ Flaming Mountains ➡️ Tuyugou Mazha Village ➡️ Kumtag Desert ➡️ Return from Shanshan North Station to Urumqi
3⃣ Cuisine
There aren't many food options along the way, but you can find breakfast and lunch near the downtown area and Tuyugou Mazha Village. If the itinerary includes the desert, dinner can be had in Shanshan County.
Downtown: The baked buns opposite the Turpan Museum are very delicious, with thin skin and juicy filling, and not greasy at 3 yuan each. After visiting the museum, you can buy some to try (locals buy them by the box, and you can pick up the last one or two left from the oven).
4⃣ About the Attractions
① Karez Well Park
The attraction is relatively old, with vineyards inside. Before the grapes grow, it takes 5-10 minutes to visit, and 10-25 minutes for photos and play when the grapes are out. The free market across the street is more interesting.
② Flaming Mountains
You can drive by from the outside, the view from the outside is enough, and you can take photos there. If you want to mimic the shadow with a banana fan, you can buy a ticket to go inside.
③ Kumtag Desert
It's recommended to wear shoe covers, buy a ticket, and casually climb a small sand dune for photos and to watch the sunset. If you've been to other deserts, you can skip this one as they all look quite similar.
④ Tuyugou Mazha Village
Mazha Village is the filming location of Dilraba's 'Anarhan'. Continuing towards the desert from the village leads to Tuyugou.
⑤ Thousand Buddha Caves
Free to visit, recommended by other bloggers as good, but it was under repair when I visited. It should be open by May Day.
5⃣ Other
① Attractions in Turpan downtown are relatively scattered, so renting a car for self-driving or sharing a private car is more convenient.
② Xinjiang's cold skin noodles have a sour taste.
③ The best photo spot in Mazha Village is at the parking lot at the entrance of the scenic area.
④ Aerial photography spots: Tuyugou, Kumtag Desert. Remember to hand-launch and catch when flying over the desert.
COLEMAN HENRY
Kumtag Desert Adventures 🐪
We visited Kumtag Desert near Turpan. We payed for the 600¥ option and got a 60minute Jeep ride and got to sand slide. It was such a fun experience and well worth the money!
Natasha Sanders
Hami's Kumutage Desert
has a self-driving camp
300 tickets for a car into the desert
no traffic lights
no limit
only unrestrained
free
You can
enjoy the wild
a world that belongs to you completely
contract the feeling of the whole desert, it is almost like this
this silky desert
is also the nearest to the village in China Desert
centuries
desert and village peaceful coexistence
mutual non-aggression
close your eyes
no noisy tourists
you can arbitrarily wild
along the sand ridge Deep
seven_trip
Some people describe the desert as a yellow carpet that nature has laid out. A gust of wind, like someone raised the carpet is slowly shaking, the sand is moving with the wind, layered. Starting from Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, 280 kilometers east, it came to Shanshan County, Turpan City, where there is the desert closest to the city, the Kumutage Desert in Xinjiang. The
Kumutago Desert is located on the eastern edge of the Turpan Basin. It is 62 kilometers from east to west, 40 kilometers from north to south, and 2,500 square kilometers from desert. It is the closest desert in the world to the city. Mounted on the golden sands of the mountains, the ocean is boundless and the oasis is lush.
The scenic spot can ride a camel, as well as a cross-country sand washing machine. It is very tired to climb up in the desert. When it comes down, it is like skating. It is easy to get stuck. Be careful of the plants on the side and cut your legs.