Tarim River

Historical Overview

The river’s history spans 2,000 years of human adaptation:

• Han–Tang Eras: Served as a caravan route linking Chang’an (Xi’an) to Central Asia, with posts like Loulan and KHotan.
• 1950s: Construction of the Kariz (qanat) irrigation system, enabling cotton cultivation in arid regions.
• 2000s: Launch of the "Great Green Wall" project, planting 300,000 hectares of Huyang forests to stabilize dunes.
• 2022: Completion of the Alar–Hotan Canal, diverting water to southern Xinjiang’s oases.

Structural Layout

The river system comprises three zones:

• Upper Reaches: Glacier-fed headwaters near Aksu, with Kariz networks.
• Middle Reaches: Arid stretches through the Taklamakan Desert, lined with Huyang forests.
• Lower Reaches: Delta wetlands near Lop Nur, now a seasonal lake.
  Key landmarks include the Aksu River confluence, Kariz wells, and the Tarim Bridge (China’s longest desert bridge, 3.3 km).

Major Attractions

1. Huyang Forests: autumn visits reveal golden canopies; accessible via retro trains in Luntai County.
2. Kariz Wells: Explore 2,000-year-old underground irrigation channels in Turpan.
3. Tarim Bridge: Walk China’s longest desert bridge (3.3 km) with views of mobile dunes.
4. Loulan Ancient City: A 1st-century BCE Silk Road hub, now a UNESCO-nominated ruin.
5. Alar–Hotan Canal: Ride the 400-km "water-transfer highway" connecting southern oases.
6. Lop Nur People’s Village: Experience fishing and camel-herding traditions at the river’s end.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (3–4 hours):
   Korla → Tarim Bridge → Luntai Huyang Forest → Return to Korla
   Highlights: Forest canopy walks and desert bridge views.

2. Extended Route (2 Days):
   Day 1: Urumqi → Turpan (Kariz wells) → Korla
   Day 2: Korla → Tarim Bridge → Lop Nur People’s Village (night stay)
   Highlights: Ancient irrigation, desert fisheries, and sunset dune views.

3. Comprehensive Route (3 Days):
   Day 1: Urumqi → Turpan (flame mountains) → Korla
   Day 2: Korla → Tarim Bridge → Luntai Huyang Forest → Alar (cotton fields)
   Day 3: Alar → Hotan (jade market) → Kashgar (Sunday market)
   Highlights: Full river-oasis-Silk Road immersion.

Ticket Purchase

• Entry Fees: Free for general access. Guided tours (e.g., Huyang Forest) cost ¥200–400/person.
• Kariz Wells: ¥30 entry; ¥150 for guided underground tours.
• Alar–Hotan Canal: Free viewing points; canal cruises ¥100–200/person.
  Purchase: Book tours via Ctrip or local agencies in Korla/Turpan.

Transportation

• By Air: Fly to Urumqi (URC), then take a 1-hour flight to Korla (KRL).
• By Train: High-speed rail from Urumqi to Korla (4 hours), then bus to Tarim River sites.
• By Car: Self-drive on the G218 Desert Highway (Korla to Hotan, 8 hours).
• Local Transport: 4x4 rentals (¥800–1,200/day) required for remote areas like Lop Nur.

Best Time & Tips

• Ideal Season: October–November (mild temperatures, golden Huyang, fewer sandstorms).
• Avoid: July–August (scorching heat, 47°C surface temperatures).
• Essentials:
  • Pack 3+ liters of water, sun protection (SPF 50+), and sturdy boots.
  • Rent a satellite phone for remote areas (¥50/day).
  • Visit the Lop Nur People’s Village for fish skewers (salt-grilled) and folk dances.
• Eco-Tip: Support reforestation by purchasing "Green Tarim" certificates (¥100/tree).