Kizilsu Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 克孜勒苏柯尔克孜族自治州 (kè zī lè sū kē ěr kè zī zú zì zhì zhōu)
Population: 624,496
Area: 72,500 square kilometers (27,992 square miles)
Location: in the west of Xijiang, northwest China
Administrative Division: 3 counties (Akto, Akqi, Wlugqat); 1 county-level city (Artux)
Area Code: 0909
Zip Code: 845350
GDP (2018): CNY 12.889 billion (USD 1.948 billion)
Nationalities: Uygur, Kirgiz, Han, Tagik

Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture is located in the west of Xinjiang, bordered by Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the north and west. It shares a boundary of 1,195 kilometers (743 miles) with these two countries. In addition, it is bounded to the east by the Aksu and in the neighborhood of Kashgar to the south. No visitors to Kizilsu can fail to be attracted by the 7,546-meter high (24,757-feet) Muztag Ata Peak which is covered by snow and shining glaciers, earning the name of the Father of Ice Mountains; deep-blue Lake Karakuri reflecting surrounding snow mountains; magic White Sand Mountain; and colorful Yardang landform in the Red Valley Scenic Area. A custom street is situated in Artux where visitors can taste all kinds of local food, fresh or dried fruit, purchase handicrafts such as the national instrument and embroidery duty-free goods including honey, red wine and chocolate.

 Muztagata Peak: It is situated in Akto County capped with snow and ice all the year round. The formidable peak stands in the Pamir Plateau setting off perfectly with the Karakul Lake. When summer and autumn come on, the resort became the base camp of climbers. The peak and the alpine lake surrounded by snow mountains are the most famous sights of Kizilsu prefecture.

 Other Scenic Spots: Auyitagh Scenic Area

Sultan Mausoleum, Artux

Beating the drum, Manas

Artux is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) north of Kashgar Airport. Apart from flights to Urumqi, it also operates some international flight to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. As to the railway station, Kizilsu also rely on the Kashgar Railway Station in the city proper which is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Artux. 

Kizilsi Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture' tourist bus station is seated in 19, Tianshan Lu, Artux City.

Situated in the hinterland far away from the sea, this area bears a typical temperate continental climate. The weather of the prefecture is characterized by strong sunlight and aridity. It is chilly in winter and the temperature is unstable in summer. Summer and autumn are best seasons to visit this place.

 History: When Central China had entered its golden age of the slave society three thousand years ago, the Kizilsu was still governed by tribe union in matrilineal society. Nomads had established several kingdoms in this region before it was brought into the domain of the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD).
 
 Physical Features: The region is situated at the southwest foot of Tianshan Mountains and the north foot of the Kunlun Mountains and lies in the east of Pamir Plateau and northwest Tarim Basin. Mountains constitute the main framework of its terrain with basins and valleys interleaving among those mountains. Duo to several rivers in the region, plains make up the main part of central Kizilsu.

 Local Highlights: Kizilsu is the only prefecture with the Kirgiz ethnic minority as the main body in China. Furthermore, Uygur has the largest population among eleven minority groups in the prefecture. Folklore and exotic flavor of local ethnic minorities must be attractive.

 Special Local Products: fig, apricot, grape

Horse Race, Kizilsu

Horse Race, Kizilsu