Famous Pilgrimage Routes & Religious Sites in Karamay, Xinjiang, China

1. Id Kah Mosque

One of the largest mosques in China with stunning architectural designs, it attracts many Muslim pilgrims.

Size: Spans over 48,000 square meters
Architecture: Features a unique blend of traditional Uighur and Islamic architecture
Significance: Served as the religious, cultural and educational center for Muslims in Xinjiang

A holy lake believed by Tibetan Buddhists to be the source of Tianshi (Heavenly River), surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

An important Buddhist cave temple with over 500 Buddha statues and intricate carvings.

Number of Statues: Has more than 500 Buddha statues
Carvings: Features beautiful carvings and murals depicting the life of Buddha
Location: Located in Burqin County, about 90 km from Karamay city

The tallest ancient tower in Xinjiang and an important historical site for Muslims.

A beautiful alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with a Tajik mosque on its eastern shore.

An ancient temple with a history of over 2,000 years, featuring Buddhist scriptures and murals.

Home to the Tajik people and their unique culture, it boasts ancient tombs, mosques, and fortresses.

Culture: Showcases Tajik culture, language, music, dance, and cuisine
Architecture: Features ancient tombs, mosques, and fortresses dating back to the Han Dynasty
Location: Located in the Pamir plateau, bordering Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan

Another significant Buddhist cave temple in Karamay, featuring around 200 Buddha statues and murals.

Number of Statues: Has approximately 200 Buddha statues
Carvings: Features beautiful carvings and murals depicting the life of Buddha
Location: Located in Burqin County, about 90 km from Karamay city

A picturesque grape valley that attracts pilgrims who believe it to be the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad's maternal ancestor.

Scenic Beauty: Lush green vineyards and beautiful landscapes
Religious Significance: Believed to be the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad's maternal ancestor
Climate: Hot and dry climate, ideal for grape cultivation

An ancient tomb complex dating back to the Han Dynasty, showcasing Uighur art and culture.

The final resting place of Abakh Hoja, a famous Muslim saint and poet, known for his teachings on Sufism.

Historical Figure: Final resting place of Abakh Hoja, a renowned Muslim saint and poet
Architecture: Features stunning architectural designs and beautiful calligraphy
Location: Located in Turpan city, about 200 km from Karamay city

An ancient city ruins dating back to the Han Dynasty, with well-preserved buildings and unique Buddhist architecture.

Age: Dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD)
Architecture: Features unique Buddhist architecture and well-preserved buildings
Location: Located in Turpan city, about 200 km from Karamay city

A group of cave temples with over 40,000 Buddhist statues and murals, depicting various scenes from Buddhism.

Number of Statues: Has over 40,000 Buddha statues
Carvings: Features beautiful carvings and murals depicting various scenes from Buddhism
Location: Located in Turpan city, about 200 km from Karamay city

An ancient system of underground canals that provide water to the oasis and support agriculture in the desert.

Age: Dates back over 2,000 years
Functionality: Still providing water to the oasis and supporting agriculture in the desert
Location: Found throughout Turpan city, about 200 km from Karamay city

A unique way to explore the Gobi desert on camelback, offering stunning views and a taste of nomadic life.