Things to do in Kuqa

Tickets are cheap, the attraction is located on the Duku Highway, and the scenery is decent. The sightseeing bus within the scenic area costs 35 yuan per person round trip, and camel riding costs 145 yuan one way. If you've seen Danxia landforms before, you might skip this one, but if you haven't, it's worth a look.

This modern-day princely mansion, built in the last century based on the oral recollections of the last prince, is a somewhat lackluster attraction—you can't really skip it since you're already there. However, it's still quite pleasant to stroll around when connected to the old alleyways outside. The basic infrastructure of the scenic area is quite good; the restrooms are very clean, and the cleaning staff are always on hand. The staff are also very friendly.

Kuqa Finally, I can smell the scent of the Western Regions Protectorate! Two World Heritage Sites: Kizilgaha Beacon Tower (Han Dynasty) and Subashi Buddhist Temple Ruins (Tang Dynasty). Kizilgaha Beacon Tower is known as the Red Outpost, guarding the Han Dynasty. Subashi Buddhist Temple witnessed the Tripitaka Master preaching and propagating Buddhism. The temple ruins are not large; you can finish in an hour. Driving is recommended. Drones are not allowed.

Unless you're a professional or an enthusiast, there's no need to make a special trip here, and the price isn't great. However, it was very quiet during the National Day holiday, and the walk in and out took no more than 20 minutes. It's just one floor with a few excavation sites of Wei and Jin dynasty tombs, so you can see the fusion of Kucha and Central Plains cultures. I did manage to buy some Kucha travel-themed fridge magnets here, but the ones from other places weren't particularly special.

The Kuqa Grand Mosque is the second largest mosque in Xinjiang after the Kashgar Id Kah Mosque. It is located at the highest point of the Heidun Bazaar in the old city of Kuqa, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, about 4 kilometers from the new city of Kuqa. The following is a brief introduction:

It's OK. There are performances. If I hadn't been with a tour group, I probably wouldn't have come! The main reason is that the time is not good. It's the hottest time in the afternoon. I don't want to do anything but lie down! I suggest that the scenic spot sell bags. People who come to visit will definitely buy them!

The ticket price is cheap and the price is high. It's one of Xinjiang's six World Cultural Heritage Sites, though the adjacent grottoes are unfortunately closed. The staff were very friendly. There weren't many tourists, so there weren't any crowds.

The old city of Kuqa is not well preserved, but it is very flavorful, with a strong ethnic color and bright colors. However, the naan shop here is really attractive, and the freshly baked safflower naan costs only 4 yuan each.

The alleyways of Kuqa are beautiful at night, perfect for a stroll and experiencing the lively atmosphere of an old town. It's one of the most interesting places in Kuqa.

The Kuqa Grand Canyon in Xinjiang offers numerous attractions, making it a worthwhile destination. Here are some of its key highlights: - Unique Geology [__LINK_ICON]: The Kuqa Grand Canyon is one of China's ten most beautiful canyons and a designated National Geopark. It boasts a diverse array of landforms, including Yadan and Danxia formations. Its rock walls are composed of vibrant sandstone and mudstone, a vibrant array of red, yellow, and green, formed during the Cretaceous period 140 million years ago. The canyon's width varies greatly, reaching a minimum width of just 0.4 meters, requiring sideways movement. The canyon's pronounced folds and fault lines showcase the wonders of nature. - Magnificent Natural Landscapes [__LINK_ICON]: The rock formations shift colors depending on the angle of the sunlight, appearing in a variety of hues, from golden to dark red. The canyon boasts vividly portrayed landscapes such as "Gods and Ghosts Gazing at the Moon" and "Tower Bamboo Shoots Pointing to the Sky," as well as breathtaking and unique attractions like "A Line of Sky" and "Hanging Heart Rock." Furthermore, the Jade Maiden Spring drips year-round, freezing in winter to form giant icicles, while in summer, the stream gurgles, creating a breathtaking spectacle in all four seasons. - Rich Cultural Heritage [__LINK_ICON]: The canyon boasts the A'ai Grottoes, site of the Tang Dynasty Thousand Buddha Caves. The murals within the grottoes blend Han culture with Kucha art, featuring 23 inscriptions in Chinese ink and Kucha script. These are important testaments to the eastward spread of Buddhism and showcase the early integration of Han and Kucha cultures. - Diverse Tour Options [__LINK_ICON]: The scenic area offers three tour routes. Two self-driving routes offer long, narrow canyon paths, making driving through them quite stressful. The third route offers a variety of options, including canyon train rides, camel rides, and go-karts, offering diverse views of the canyon from various perspectives. - Film and TV shooting location: This is the filming location for many TV series and movies such as "Heroes of Heaven and Earth", "Seven Swordsmen from Tianshan", and "Legend of Kyushu". Its spectacular scenery has attracted many film and television crews to come here for filming, and has also allowed more people to understand the charm of the Kuqa Grand Canyon.