Kizilgaha Beacon Tower is located on the Gobi about 13 kilometers northwest of Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is a key national cultural relic protection unit and a World Cultural Heritage site. The beacon tower is built with rammed earth in a hopper shape, 6.5 meters long from east to west, 4.5 meters wide from north to south, and about 16 meters high. It is one of the best-preserved ancient beacon towers in Xinjiang. Its architectural features reflect the combination of the Han Dynasty military defense system and the local natural environment. Surrounded by Gobi deserts, it has an open terrain, facilitating enemy observation.
History and Culture
Built in the Han Dynasty, Kizilgaha Beacon Tower served as a military early-warning facility on the northern route of the ancient Silk Road, mainly used for transmitting military information and protecting caravan safety. "Kizilgaha" means "red-billed crow" in Uyghur, named after the frequent habitation of such birds nearby. According to textual research, the beacon tower was still in use during the Tang Dynasty and gradually abandoned with the decline of the Silk Road. As an important physical witness of the Han Dynasty's management of the Western Regions, it reflects ancient border defense systems and military architectural techniques, holding significant value for studying Silk Road history and Sino-Western cultural exchanges. In 2014, Kizilgaha Beacon Tower was inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage List as part of the "Silk Road: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor."
Main Attractions
Beacon Tower Main Body
The main body of the beacon tower is of rammed earth structure, with a bottom side length of about 6.5m×4.5m, a top side length of about 3.5m×2.5m, and a height of 16m. The rammed layers are 12-15 cm thick, reinforced with interlayered red willow and reed. Remains of wooden framework structures are preserved at the top, speculated to have been observation towers or houses. Ancient residential sites and ash pits can be seen around the beacon tower, where cultural relics such as pottery shards and animal bones have been unearthed.
Surrounding Gobi Landscape
The area around the beacon tower features typical Gobi desert landforms, with a broad view and distant views of the Kuqa Oasis. At sunset, the beacon tower takes on an ochre red color under the setting sun, forming a striking contrast with the Gobi, making it a popular shooting spot for photographers.
Delicacies
Kuqa Naan
A special food in Kuqa, with a diameter of 40-60 cm and a thickness of about 2-3 cm. It is made from wheat flour, yeast, salt water, etc., with patterns poked on the surface and sprinkled with sesame seeds or chopped onions, baked in a naan pit. The outer skin is crispy, the inside is soft, with a rich wheat aroma, and can be stored for many days, being one of the staple foods of local residents.
Roasted Buns
Stuffed with mutton dices, onions, pepper, etc., wrapped in dough into a square shape and baked on the inner wall of a naan pit. The outer skin is golden and crispy, the filling is fresh and juicy, fragrant when hot, commonly seen in snack stalls on Kuqa streets.
Uyghur Ice Cream
Locally handmade ice cream, made from milk, eggs, sugar, with pistachio crumbs or raisins added, featuring a dense texture, rich milk flavor, and a light nutty aroma. It is a summer heat-relief delicacy commonly found in Kuqa Old Town shops.
Admission Ticket
The admission ticket price is 15 yuan per person. As of June 7, 2025, no official WeChat public account has been found.
Opening Hours
Open from 10:00 to 19:00 throughout the year, with entry stopped at 18:30. The scenic area is normally open on legal holidays, and specific times may be slightly adjusted by season.
Tour Route
Visitors can walk about 500 meters from the scenic area entrance to reach the main body of the beacon tower, where they can tour around to understand its architectural structure and historical background. It is recommended to first learn about the beacon tower's history from the introduction board at the entrance, then observe the rammed earth structure and top remains up close, and finally shoot panoramic views of the beacon tower in the surrounding Gobi. The entire tour is recommended to take 1-1.5 hours.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Drive about 13 kilometers north along G217 National Highway from Kuqa urban area, with obvious signposts at the intersection, about 20 minutes' drive.
- Chartered car: Charter a car from Kuqa urban area, with round-trip fees of about 100-150 yuan, suitable for group travel.
- Tourist special line: Some travel agencies offer one-day tour special line to Kizilgaha Beacon Tower from Kuqa, including tickets and transportation, priced at about 150-200 yuan per person.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Beacon Tower Main Body: The best-preserved ancient beacon tower in Xinjiang, a 16-meter-high rammed earth building, witnessing the Han Dynasty military defense system, a core landscape of the World Cultural Heritage.
- Gobi Sunset: The beacon tower presents an ochre red color in the setting sun in the evening, forming a unique landscape with the desert, with the best shooting time being 19:00-20:30 (summer).
Tour Tips
- It is recommended to carry a sunhat, sunscreen, and drinking water. The Gobi area has strong sunshine, so avoid heatstroke.
- Wear comfortable sports shoes. The scenic area has Gobi dirt roads, and some sections have gravel.
- For summer visits, it is recommended to enter the park after 16:00 to avoid midday high temperatures; keep warm in winter, as there are no shelters in the park and the wind is strong.
- Combine visits with attractions such as Kuqa Grand Canyon and Kizil Caves to arrange a one-day loop tour.
Notes
- The scenic area is a cultural relic protection unit. Climbing the beacon tower or carving on the wall is prohibited, and violators will face penalties.
- There are no shelters in the Gobi area. Pay attention to heatstroke prevention in summer, and it is recommended to carry heatstroke prevention medicines with you.
- There are no stores or restrooms in the scenic area, only simple toilets at the entrance. Please prepare in advance.
- Drone flight requires prior application to the scenic area management office. Aerial photography is prohibited without permission to avoid affecting cultural relic safety.
- Respect local customs and habits, keep quiet after entering the scenic area, and do not litter.