Famous Pilgrimage Routes & Religious Sites in Aksu, Xinjiang, China
1. Id Kah Mosque
Largest mosque in China and a significant cultural and religious site.
- Architectural Wonders: Features Uighur, Chinese and Islamic architecture styles.
- Spiritual Center: Serves as the spiritual center of Muslims in Xinjiang.
- Cultural Preservation: Helps preserve Uighur culture and traditions.
2. Tomb of Ezidwan Isa
Final resting place of the Prophet Ezidwan Isa, an important figure in Islam.
- Historical Significance: Considered one of the oldest mosques in Xinjiang.
- Religious Pilgrimage: Attracts Muslims from around the world for pilgrimage.
- Architectural Beauty: Features beautiful Uighur and Islamic architecture.
3. Aksu Karez Well System
An ancient irrigation system used in Aksu for centuries.
- Engineering Marvel: Ingenious system of underground canals and wells.
- Agricultural Importance: Supports agriculture in the arid region of Aksu.
- Historical Preservation: Represents an important part of Xinjiang's history and culture.
4. Burhan Sultan Tomb
Tomb of Burhan Sultan, a famous scholar and imam in the Islamic world.
- Historical Significance: Symbolizes the rich Islamic heritage of Xinjiang.
- Architectural Beauty: Features beautiful Uighur and Islamic architecture.
- Religious Pilgrimage: Attracts Muslims from around the world for pilgrimage.
5. Abul Kasim Tomb
Tomb of Abul Kasim, a famous scholar and imam in the Islamic world.
- Historical Significance: Symbolizes the rich Islamic heritage of Xinjiang.
- Architectural Beauty: Features beautiful Uighur and Islamic architecture.
- Religious Pilgrimage: Attracts Muslims from around the world for pilgrimage.
6. Emin Minaret
Tallest ancient Islamic structure in Xinjiang dating back to the 11th century.
- Architectural Wonders: Combines Uighur, Turkish and Persian architectural styles.
- Historical Significance: An important part of Xinjiang's history and culture.
- Tourist Attraction: A popular destination for tourists and photographers.
7. Karakul Lake
Beautiful alpine lake known for its stunning turquoise waters.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush pastures.
- Cultural Experience: Offers a glimpse into the life of nomadic tribes in Xinjiang.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for landscape photography and capturing stunning sunrises and sunsets.
8. Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County
Historic Tajik autonomous county with rich cultural heritage.
- Cultural Diversity: Home to the ancient Tajik people and their unique culture.
- Historical Significance: Strategic location on the ancient Silk Road.
- Mountain Scenery: Surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains.
9. Kumtura Tombs
Ancient underground tombs from the Kushan Kingdom, dating back to the 1st century.
- Historical Significance: Provides insights into the Kushan Kingdom's culture and history.
- Archaeological Site: One of the most important archaeological sites in Xinjiang.
- Cultural Preservation: Helps preserve the history and culture of the Kushan Kingdom.
10. Panshan Temple
Ancient Buddhist temple situated on Mount Panshan.
- Cultural Significance: Represents the rich Buddhist heritage of Xinjiang.
- Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful mountains and lush forests.
- Spiritual Experience: Offers a peaceful and serene environment for reflection.
11. Mogao Caves
Famous Buddhist cave complex dating back to the 4th century.
- Historical Significance: One of the most important cultural sites in China.
- Artistic Masterpieces: Houses thousands of Buddhist murals and sculptures.
- Cultural Preservation: Helps preserve the art and history of Buddhism.
12. Yurunkashi Ruins
Remains of an ancient city dating back to the Han Dynasty.
- Historical Significance: Provides insights into the history and culture of the Han Dynasty.
- Archaeological Site: One of the most important archaeological sites in Xinjiang.
- Cultural Preservation: Helps preserve the history and culture of the Han Dynasty.
13. Bayanbuluk Grassland
Beautiful grassland with nomadic tribes living in yurts.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by vast grasslands and snow-capped mountains.
- Cultural Experience: Offers a glimpse into the life of nomadic tribes in Xinjiang.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for landscape photography and capturing stunning sunrises and sunsets.
14. Karakax County
Historical county in Xinjiang with a rich cultural heritage.
- Cultural Diversity: Home to the ancient Kyrgyz people and their unique culture.
- Historical Significance: Strategic location on the ancient Silk Road.
- Mountain Scenery: Surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains.
15. Kashgar Old Town
Historic city center with a rich cultural heritage.
- Cultural Diversity: Represents the rich cultural heritage of the Uighur people.
- Historical Significance: An important part of Xinjiang's history and culture.
- Tourist Attraction: A popular destination for tourists and photographers.