Kumtagh Desert
Location: Turpan, Xinjiang
Best Time: May-October
Activities:
· Camel Riding
· Sandboarding
· Desert Off-Roading & ATV Riding
· Sunset Watching
This is the only desert directly connected to a city. From the top of the dunes, you could see a stunning blend of desert and oasis. Some believe that the legendary ancient city of Loulan might be buried beneath these sands.
Beyond the usual desert activities, you could also admire sand sculptures. To avoid the heat, it's best to visit in summer around 7–8 pm, as Xinjiang operates on a two-hour time difference, and the sun sets late.
If you're only visiting the desert, you could return to Urumqi the same day. The high-speed train takes just 1.5 hours to Shanshan County, where the desert is located.
Itinerary Tips:
As one of Xinjiang's most popular tourist destinations, Turpan offers much more than just the desert. Other must-visit sites include:
· Jiaohe Ancient City – Explore the remains of an underground village.
· Karez Water System – Discover Xinjiang's famous ancient irrigation system.
· Flaming Mountains – Visit the legendary, fiery-red landscape.
Suggested 2-Day Turpan Itinerary:
Day 1: Emin Minaret→Jiaohe Ancient City→Karez Well System
Day 2: Flaming Mountains → Tuyugou Village → Kumtag Desert
See 12-Day Yunnan and Xinjiang Scenic Tour that includes the Kumtagh Desert
