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Best Things to Do
Top 10 Best Things to Do near Barkol [2025]
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Flaming Mountain Scenic Area
4.1
/5
2550 reviews
7.4
From HK$ 43.71
Based on 194 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609958687885
Address: North of National Highway 312, Gaochang District, Turpan City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Journey to the West experience
Microlight flight over Flaming Mountains
Saved by 144 users1417 positive reviews
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I went there in winter, but it wasn't cold even when the sun was shining. I always have to check in at famous attractions. It was cold and there weren't many people. I just walked around and looked around. There were many extra activities, but I didn't participate due to time constraints.
The Flaming Mountains are located in Turpan and stretch across the central Turpan Basin, starting from Taoergou in the west and ending at Baishugou in the east. It is bordered by Aydingkol Lake in the southwest, Kumtagh in the southeast, and the sloping plain in front of Bogda Mountain in the north.
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Dahaidao
4.7
/5
809 reviews
7.0
From HK$ 49.17
85.9 km from downtown
Phone +8609026581888
Address: Qijiajing Town, Yizhou District, Hami City, Uygur Autonomous Region
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
Highlights:
Stargazing feels like a secret
Fossil mirage & wild camels
737 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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The shock of the desolate Dahaidao No Man's Land is worth a visit. It is beautiful no matter how you take pictures. However, after the Hongliutan Service Area, you can get on the highway at the North Gate. The dozens of kilometers of bad roads are heartbreaking. There is no way to go to the no man's land.
The entrance fee to the Dahaidao Trail is 45 yuan, while the self-driving fee is 100 yuan. The scenic area is divided into the Eastern and Northern Scenic Areas. The Eastern Scenic Area includes attractions such as the Divine Turtle of the Vast Sea, the Two-Headed Horse, the Eskaixiaer Castle, the Golden Barn, the Melon-Fragrant Girl, and the Noer Tribe. It stretches approximately 33 kilometers, and after the castle, the road becomes gravel. The Northern Scenic Area includes Red Willow Beach, the Pterosaur Grand Canyon, the Water Source, the Echo Wall, and the Tongtian Cave. Between the Eastern Two-Headed Horse and the castle, there's a fork in the road that leads to the Northern Scenic Area. The road from the fork to Red Willow Beach is approximately 50 kilometers, and the road is in good condition. However, the next 36 kilometers after Red Willow Beach are gravel. The scenery is quite beautiful, but the vehicle and driving skills are also quite demanding. Also, make sure to keep your gas tank full, as gravel roads consume fuel quickly, measured three times more than regular roads. There's also no cell phone signal in the scenic area, and you'll need to sign a safety notice before entering.
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Kumtag Desert
4.6
/5
1923 reviews
7.0
From HK$ 32.78
Based on 21 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609958389389
Address: Shanshan, Turpan, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Desert off-road & sand sliding
Experience ancient Uyghur sand therapy
Saved by 152 users1283 positive reviews
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The Kumtag Desert Scenic Area, located in Shanshan County, Turpan City, Xinjiang, is one of the world's closest deserts to a city and is renowned for its spectacular "city-sand symbiosis" phenomenon.
Admission: 30 RMB (adult).
Opening Hours: Peak Season (May-October): 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM. Off-Season (November-April): 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM.
Must-See Activities:
Camel Riding: The camel guide will assist with photo opportunities.
Desert Surfing: Ride the dunes like a roller coaster.
Sandboarding: Slide down a river on sand waves.
Sand Therapy: Experience hot sand baths in the summer to relieve fatigue.
The Kumtag Desert Scenic Area, located in Shanshan County, Turpan City, Xinjiang, is the only desert in the world closely connected to a city, earning it the nickname "the desert within the city." It lies south of the old town of Shanshan County, Xinjiang.
Attractions:
Desert surfing, sandboarding, camel riding, dune scooters/go-karts
Camping: Tent rentals, star-studded rooms, bonfire parties, and a live performance of "Night in Loulan" are available.
Photography Tips: A red dress and ethnic-style accessories are particularly effective in photos. Mornings and evenings are recommended for optimal lighting and shadows.
Opening Hours: Peak Season (April 21–October 20): 8:00 AM–8:30 PM. Off-Season (October 21–April 20): 9:30 AM–6:30 PM.
Ticket Price: Peak Season: 60 RMB, Off-Season: 30 RMB
No.
4
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Jiangbulak
4.7
/5
1914 reviews
7.0
From HK$ 60.09
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609947325888
Address: Qitai, Changji, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Tianshan views & unique slopes
Oasis culture on Silk Road
1682 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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Although it's autumn, the scenic area's autumn fields undulate against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains, like beautiful paintings. The first day I visited, it was closed due to snow, but the next day I heard it was open, so I went back immediately. Although the snow-capped mountains were covered in mist, it was still beautiful. You must drive there.
The mountains are covered with green, but it is by no means a monotonous green. There are tender green, emerald green, dark green... It is like a huge palette, painted on the hillside by an invisible hand, dotted with countless unknown wild flowers, yellow, purple, and white, like scattered stars.
No.
5
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Tuyugou
4.3
/5
96 reviews
5.9
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609958687666
Address: Tuyugou, Shanshan, Turpan, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 4 hours
Highlights:
Explore the charm of yellow clay culture in Maza Village
Tuyugou Thousand Buddha Caves Religious Culture Intersection
69% positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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Located in Shanshan County, Turpan City, Xinjiang, the Tuyugou Scenic Area is a national 4A-level tourist attraction that blends natural beauty, history, culture, and folk customs. It is known as a "living fossil where the cultures of the Silk Road meet."
Key Highlights
Tuyugou Grand Canyon: Stretching 8 kilometers, home to the highest peak of Huoyan Mountain (831.7 meters), the canyon boasts vibrant colors and breathtaking scenery, making it a photographer's paradise.
Mazar Village: Xinjiang's oldest Uyghur village, with a history of over 1,700 years, retains a complete collection of earthen buildings and primitive folk customs, earning it the nickname "a living fossil of folklore."
Tuyugou Thousand Buddha Caves (Dinggu Temple): One of Xinjiang's earliest Buddhist caves, the 94 caves remain, some dating back to the Jin Dynasty. Remaining murals and Uighur inscriptions bear witness to the intersection of Buddhist and Islamic cultures.
Khojamu Mazar: An Islamic holy site, it is said to house the tomb of the first Muslim elders and their followers who came to Xinjiang to preach, attracting numerous Muslim pilgrims.
Opening Hours: Peak Season (April 21st - October 20th): 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Off-Season (October 21st - April 20th): 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM.
Ticket Price: Adults: 30 RMB.
The scenery is quite nice and has historical value. However, the weather was a little cloudy. It would have been much better if it were sunny. I'd definitely come back next time. There's also a grotto nearby that you could spend some time exploring.
No.
6
Mazar Village of Tuyuk Valley
4.2
/5
227 reviews
5.9
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609958360032
Address: Shanshan, Turpan, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Experience traditional life sleeping on a summer rooftop
Stroll an ancient village and experience Xinjiang's cultural style
142 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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It's not far from Huoyan Mountain, and with the recent high temperature, it's too hot. After entering the scenic area, I first cooled down in the visitor center for a long time, got off the sightseeing bus, and went straight to the place where I could take pictures. I drank four bottles of water in 40 minutes, left the scenic area, and then cooled down in the visitor center for a long time. I felt like I would get heatstroke if I stayed any longer. If you don't take pictures, it's not recommended to run all the way there with young children.
Houses made of sand are warm in winter and cool in summer. This is the architectural wisdom of the ancients. Although it is at the foot of Huoyan Mountain, it is not directly exposed to the sun. There is a breeze, which is still quite cool. Guangdong people say that this climate is acceptable and not as terrible as what is said on the Internet. It is said on the Internet that it is not fun because of commercialization. In fact, if there were not so many lively people here, they would present the local characteristics. It would be boring if it were just a bunch of houses.
No.
7
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Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
4.2
/5
271 reviews
5.7
Based on 147 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609958687885
Address: 45 kilometers east of Turpan City in Turpan
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
1400-year-old Silk Road caves
Ancient Silk Road Buddhist art
148 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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This attraction is small but has great historical value. Many murals have been cut and stolen by foreigners, and some have been vandalized by local people. It is heartbreaking for the cultural relics. If you like history, you can come and take a look. It only takes half an hour to complete the tour.
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves is a real treasure! Although the murals have been destroyed, the remaining Buddha statues and murals can still be seen as exquisite in those days, and the colors are particularly bright. The caves are opened on the cliff and are very spectacular. Friends who like history and culture must not miss it. However, the scenic area is not big, and one hour is enough to visit!
No.
8
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Guide Map of Populus Euphratica Forest Ecological Garden
4.3
/5
79 reviews
5.6
From HK$ 31.69
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609026730005
Address: Maomaohu Town, Yiwu County, Hami Region
Recommended sightseeing time: 4-5 hours
Highlights:
Panoramic view of poplar forest
Paradise for photography & art
47% positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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I stopped by a scenic spot and took a look. The primeval poplar forest is worth seeing. Driving by the trees, they've experienced nine thousand years, six thousand years, three thousand years, and one thousand years. The trees have endured extreme cold, heat, drought, and high salinity, yet they still stand tall. This spirit is truly worth learning from! I recommend visiting in autumn; the scenery is definitely more beautiful. The scenic area's services could be improved, such as providing guide maps and placing more trees along the roadside, especially special trees, with more markers to provide a better visitor experience.
During the National Day holiday, I visited the Yiwu Populus euphratica forest scenic spot. When I arrived at the ticket hall of the scenic spot, I was shocked. The ticket hall is spacious and bright, and the photos and introductions displayed inside allow people to see and understand the situation of the scenic spot. I set off with excitement and a desire to explore.
No.
9
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tu yu gou shi ku
4.7
/5
42 reviews
5.4
>100 km from downtown
Address: 新疆维吾尔自治区吐鲁番市吐峪沟景区内
Highlights:
Explore the Gaochang Buddhist Grottoes Historical Site Group
Unique grotto experience with Huchuang Buddha seats
91% positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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The Tuyugou Grottoes, located in Shanshan County, Turpan City, Xinjiang, are one of the earliest, largest, and longest-standing Buddhist cave temple complexes along the Silk Road, dating back over 1,700 years. There are 94 numbered caves remaining, 46 of which have murals, though only eight have survived in good condition. Construction began during the Jin Dynasty and the Sixteen Kingdoms period, with a peak in construction around the 5th century. During the Tang Dynasty's Xizhou and Uighur Gaochang periods, the site underwent repeated expansion and renovation, resulting in nine areas in the east and west of the gully, encompassing a grand complex of caves and ground-level temples.
The caves offer a wide range of types, including central pillar caves, pagoda-temple caves, Buddha hall caves, monk's quarters caves, meditation caves, and storage caves, allowing for the restoration of the complete functions of Gaochang Buddhist temples. Nearly 10,000 multilingual documents, including the Chinese Lotus Sutra and the Vajra Sutra, a Uighur manuscript of the Beidou Faith, Buddhist scriptures in Sanskrit, Sogdian, and ancient Tibetan, and secular account books, provide primary material for the study of the diverse religions, monastic economy, and ethnic integration along the Silk Road.
Manichaeism Relics: The first Manichaeism document was discovered in Cave 66 in the Western Zone, filling a gap in the archaeological record of Manichaeism in the Eastern Tianshan Mountains.
Latest Discovery (2024): A large official temple from the Gaochang Uighur period was uncovered in the southern part of the Eastern Zone, revealing gold-bronze Buddha statues, painted Buddhist scriptures, and 15 monks' quarters. This confirms for the first time that the caves were directly managed by the royal family.
Address: Maza Village, Tuyugou Township, Shanshan County, Turpan City
Opening Hours: May–October, 9:30 AM–6:00 PM (Closed Mondays for maintenance)
Reservations: Free, book with real name through the "Tuyugou Grottoes" app; ID verification required on-site
The grottoes are located within the Tuyugou Grand Canyon, where the sound of a gurgling river and steep red cliffs on either side of the canyon create a spectacular scene. The unique topography makes the mountains on either side of the canyon vibrant with color under the sunlight. The scenic area is large, so some walking is required. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and take sun protection and hydrate according to weather conditions.
No.
10
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The Ancient City of Gaochang
4.4
/5
234 reviews
5.1
From HK$ 76.48
Based on 93 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609958687885
Address: Gaochang, Turpan, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 3 hours
116 positive reviews
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The scenic spot is unexpectedly good, with few people and very close to the Flaming Mountain. You can take photos with the Flaming Mountain. It would be nice to ask a scenic spot to explain it, but you can come back to make up for it...
The ancient city of Gaochang was once a crucial hub on the Silk Road, witnessing the cultural exchange and collision between East and West. Today, its ruins still stand, telling of its former prosperity and vicissitudes. Within the city, the ruins of Buddhist temples and residential buildings showcase the wisdom of the ancient Gaochang people. Millennia later, the ancient city of Gaochang continues to attract countless visitors seeking to explore its history.
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