Unlock the ultimate romance of the Dawakun Desert
Preparation
· Documents: Carry valid identification such as your ID card.
· Clothing: Bring long-sleeved jackets and light sweaters for spring and autumn, breathable and lightweight clothing with sun-protective wear for summer, and thick cotton coats or down jackets for winter.
· Sun protection: Prepare high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and sun umbrellas.
· Other essentials: Comfortable shoes, windproof jackets, scarves, cameras, power banks, personal medications, sufficient water, and snacks.
Introduction to Dawakun Desert
· Basic Information
○ Location: Situated in Tierenmu Town, Yuepuhu County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang, 6 kilometers from Provincial Highway 310 and 110 kilometers from Kashgar City, on the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert.
○ Scenic Level: Rated as a national 4A-level tourist attraction, a national water scenic area, and a national desert park.
○ Area and Composition: Covers approximately 158 square kilometers, consisting of the 1,500-acre Dawakun Lake and the 30,000-acre Bulimankum Desert. The unique scenery features the coexistence of sand and water.
· Natural Landscapes
○ Desert Scenery: Endless seas of sand with undulating dunes of various shapes, such as crescent-shaped and pyramid-shaped dunes. Under the sunlight, the golden sand glimmers magnificently.
○ Dawakun Lake: The lake boasts crystal-clear blue waters contrasting sharply with the surrounding desert. Its fine sandy beaches and shimmering lake are often referred to as the "Pearl of the Desert."
○ Poplar and Willow Trees: The site is home to the "King of Poplars," an 1,800-year-old tree requiring five people to encircle its trunk, and the "King of Willows," a 300-year-old tree with a canopy covering 1.2 acres and a trunk circumference of 7 meters.
· Cultural and Historical Attractions
○ Dastan Ancient City Palace Ruins: Located on the edge of the desert, the ruins span 1,000 square meters. After strong winds, colorful pottery shards and ancient coins often emerge from the sand.
○ Ancient Tombs and Mummies: Visit thousand-year-old tombs and mummies to trace the cultural roots of the Uyghur people over millennia.
· Tourism Activities
○ Leisure and Entertainment: Enjoy diverse desert activities such as off-road adventures, sand sliding, and camel riding. New additions include professional off-road routes and nighttime bonfire parties.
○ Ethnic Cultural Experiences: Surrounding areas are home to Uyghur and Tajik ethnic groups. Visitors can enjoy traditional dances, experience ethnic wrestling, horse racing, and goat-grabbing games, and savor local delicacies.