The Taklimakan N39° Desert Tourist Scenic Area is located 22 kilometers southeast of Kumkuxar Township, Maigaiti County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, at the southwestern edge of the Taklimakan Desert, along the 39th parallel north. It is one of the regions with the richest desert tourism resources in the world and a national 4A-level scenic area. The total area of the scenic area is 32,000 square meters. The sand sea stretches with rolling dunes, vast and boundless, featuring sand dunes up to 100 meters high and fine white sand. The scenic area has supporting infrastructure such as a tourist service center, dining area, track, camel station, observation deck, etc., and has developed numerous entertainment projects, making it a comprehensive tourist resort integrating leisure, vacation, entertainment, and experience.
History and Culture
In the late 19th century, the famous Swedish explorer Sven Hedin set out from Maigaiti County three times, entered the hinterland of the Taklimakan Desert along 39° north latitude for archaeological exploration, and discovered the ancient city of Loulan, shocking the world. Since then, the N39° desert exploration route has become the "Road of Life" across the Taklimakan Desert, known to many archaeologists, explorers, and off-road enthusiasts. In addition, this place was once a passage of the ancient Silk Road, carrying the historical memory of trade between the East and the West.
Main Attractions
Xuri Bazaar
A characteristic bazaar in the scenic area where visitors can purchase local characteristic souvenirs, handicrafts, etc., taste various delicacies, and feel the strong folk customs.
Time Gate
A landscape gate with a unique design, symbolizing leading visitors through time and space into the mysterious world of the desert, starting an unforgettable desert journey.
Time Tunnel
A creative passage that creates a feeling of time travel through lighting, decorations, etc., making visitors seem to experience the flow of time while walking, adding fun and mystery to the tour.
N39° Brave Man's Road
A route designed for adventure enthusiasts and off-road drivers, with various terrains and challenges along the way, such as tall sand dunes and complex sand valleys, allowing visitors to fully experience the excitement and fun of desert off-roading.
Brave Man's Station
A rest point along the Brave Man's Road, providing visitors with rest, supplies, etc., and also a good place to enjoy the desert scenery. Visitors can stay here for a while to admire the magnificent surrounding scenery.
Starry Sky Camp
A camp built in the desert hinterland, providing visitors with an excellent opportunity to feel the charm of the sand sea up close, listen to the whispers of the desert, and enjoy the bright starry sky. With less light pollution and a wide view, it is a paradise for stargazing enthusiasts.
Delicacies
Kumachi
Commonly known as the "Desert Baked Cake," it is a delicacy created by local residents according to the desert environment. Baked with sand and red willow branches, it has a crispy outer skin and a soft inner layer, perfectly combining the fresh aroma of mutton with the mellow taste of the cake.
Desert Stomach-wrapped Meat
Selected meat from selected domestic lamb, marinated with various seasonings such as green onions, ginger, garlic, red dates, salt, cumin powder, etc., wrapped in sheep's stomach, and baked using the high temperature of the desert. The mutton is tender and delicious, the sheep's stomach is fragrant and glutinous, retaining the freshness of the mutton.
Lop Nur Grilled Fish
Also known as red willow grilled fish, it uses wild grass carp from the Tarim River as raw material, skewered with red willow branches and grilled. The red willow branches secrete a unique juice during the grilling process, making the fish more tender and delicious, exuding an attractive aroma.
Admission Ticket
The admission ticket is 140 yuan per person. As of 2025-06-15, no official WeChat public account has been found.
Opening Hours
Open from 10:00 to 20:00 throughout the year.
Tour Route
In the morning, you can first go to the tourist service center to learn about the scenic area, then go to Xuri Bazaar to feel the folk atmosphere and buy characteristic souvenirs; then challenge the N39° Brave Man's Road to experience the excitement of desert off-roading; have lunch in the dining area. In the afternoon, you can go to the Time Gate and Time Tunnel to take photos and punch in, feeling the unique design; then go to the Brave Man's Station to rest and enjoy the desert scenery; in the evening, go to the Starry Sky Camp, wait for night to fall, and enjoy the beautiful starry sky. If time permits, you can also participate in the scenic area's desert camping in-depth tour project, take a shuttle bus to the camping ground 30 kilometers deep, enjoy the sunrise and sunset during the day, observe the starry sky at night, taste delicacies, and experience a different desert life.
Transportation
- By plane, you can arrive at Kashgar Airport, transfer to a bus or chartered car to Maigaiti County, and reach the scenic area in about 2.5 hours.
- Charter a car from Kashgar City to the scenic area.
- Book a one-day group tour from Kashgar City to N39° Desert Tourist Scenic Area on apps like Meituan and Ctrip.
Must-visit Attractions
- Starry Sky Camp: With less light pollution and a wide view, it is an excellent place for stargazing, allowing visitors to feel the vastness and mystery of the desert up close.
- N39° Brave Man's Road: Suitable for visitors who like excitement and challenges. Desert off-roading can bring a strong sensory experience, feeling speed and passion.
Tour Tips
- Spring and autumn have mild climates and are the best seasons for visiting. Avoid going during the high-temperature period in summer.
- Prepare sunscreen products such as sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, etc., to prevent sunburn.
- Carry enough drinking water and food. Although there is a dining area in the scenic area, it is important to replenish water and energy at any time when walking in the desert.
- If you want to experience desert camping, it is recommended to carry warm clothes. The temperature difference between day and night in the desert is large, and the temperature at night is low.
- When participating in projects such as desert off-roading, follow the guidance of staff to ensure your own safety.
Notes
- Respect local cultural customs to avoid conflicts due to cultural differences.
- When walking in the desert, pay attention to observing the surrounding environment to avoid dangerous areas such as quicksand.
- Abide by the regulations of the scenic area and do not arbitrarily damage the ecological environment and public facilities of the scenic area.
- In case of bad weather such as sandstorms, promptly find a safe place to take shelter and do not stay in the desert.
- If you want to go deep into the desert hinterland, it is best to be accompanied by a professional guide to ensure your own safety.