Kuqa Travel Guide

Located at the southern periphery of the Tianshan Mountains, Kuqa is a county in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region under the administration of Aksu Prefecture. Covering an area of 15,200 km² and with a population of 450,000, it was once the home of an ancient Buddhist Kingdom Qiuci, the only place where ancient cultures of India, Persia, Greek-Roman and China met.
 

History

Qiuci Kingdom was one of the biggest among the 36 kingdoms in Western Regions. Anxi Protectorate was established here by Tang Dynasty in 640. At that time, it was the Politic, economy, military, culture and business center of Western Regions. Before Muslim took control here, it was the most famous Buddhism place in Xinjiang as the home to Kumarajiva, the first great translator of Buddhist sutras from Sanskrit into Chinese. The county got its name in 1758 in Qing Dynasty and is now an important base of China Western Development.
 

Attractions

Kuqa tourism is noted for Qiuci Culture, Buddhism and Silk Road. The tourist attractions include Kezi'er Thousand-Buddha Grottoes, Subashi Ruins, Kuqa Mosque, Kuqa Grand Canyon and Qiuci Ancient City.

Kezi'er Thousand-Buddha Grottoes is One of China's four grottoes and was built earlier than Mogao Grottoes. Subashi Ruins is a lost city located in the Taklamakan Desert on the ancient Silk Road. Kuqa Mosque is the center of the local community open for free. The Grand Canyon with the red rocks on both sides is a must see when you visit Kuqa. Qiuci Ancient City in the shape of an irregular square is all that left of the capital of Qiuci Kingdom.
 

Transportation

Kuqa is the lifeline road between south and north Xinjiang.

By Air: Kuqa Airport is situated on the northeast Kuqa with daily flights to Urumqi. Inquiry: +86 0997 7129390

By Train:Kuqa Railway Station is 7km southeast of the center of the New Town with limited choices from Urumqi, Hotan, Aksu and Kashgar.
Kashgar - takes about 9-11 hours
Urumqi - takes about 12-18 hours

By long-distance Bus
Kuqa Bus Station is at Tianshan Road. Inquiry: +86 0997 7122379. There are buses to Urumqi, Hotan, Kashgar, Korla and Yining.
Kashgar - takes about 16 hours,
Korla - takes about 4 hours, 5 buses every day.
Urumqi - takes about 17 hours
Yining - takes about 22 hours

City Transport: There are public buses in Kuqa. Bus No.1 stops at the long-distance bus station. Bus No.6 passes both railway station and long-distance bus station. Bus No.705 connects the old town and new town of Kuqa. The coach in Old Town costs CNY1 per person. The flag-fall price for a taxi is CNY5. The price can be bargained if you rent a car to the scenic spots.
 

Weather and Climate

Located in warm temperate zone, Kuqa has a continental dry climate. The day and night’s temperature has a big difference. Summer is extremely hot while winter is cold and dry. Average annual temperature is around 11.4 °C with most clear days in China.
 

Food and Restaurants

Local snacks include Nang, Roast Mutton Kebab, and Zhuafan.etc. Kuqa Apricot and the preserved apricot made by it are famous home and abroad.

Recommended Restaurants
Wumai'erhong Meishi Cheng: kabobs, rice pilaf and laohu cai
Address: Around the town
Opening Hours: 8:00am – 11:00pm
Price: Meal for 2 CNY40 - CNY100

Wuqia Guoyuan Canting: dapan ji, spicy beef strips
Address: Wuqia Lu, Around Town
Opening Hours: 6:30pm-12:30am
Phone: 0997 7133665
Price: Meal for 2 CNY60 - CNY150

Best Food Burger: Top western choice in Kuqa.
Address: North side of Wenhua Road, west of the junction with Tuanjie Road.
 

Shopping

Kuqa Apricot is the most famous local products. You can buy preserved ones and almond at Kuqa Gudu Bazaar.
 

Nightlife and Entertainment

You can enjoy Ancient Qiuci dance & music performance and do not miss the Friday Bazaar in the Old Town.
 

Accommodation

Kuqa has plenty of hotels but only a few allow foreigners to stay.

Recommended hotels in Kuqa
Jinqiao Hotel
Address: No.1 Youyi Road, Kuqa County

Kuqa Restaurant
Address: Tianshan Road

Ku Che Hotel: Good food especially for a vegetarian. Nice location
Address: No.17 Jiefang North Road, Kuqa County
 

Travel Tips

1. July, August and September is the best time to visit Kuqa.
2. There are plenty of internet cafes on Tianshan Road near the junction of Wuyi Road, charging CNY2 per hour.
3. The Bank of China at No.25 Tianshan Road has an ATM which can change cash. Opening: Mon-Fri, 9:30am-8pm. Another branch with an ATM is on the southeast corner of the intersection of Wenhua Zhonglu Road and Youyi Road.
4. Post office is at No.8 Wenhua Road. Opening Hours: 10am – 7:30 pm.