Tarim River
The Tarim River, derived from the Uyghur word for "inland river," is Asia’s longest inland river, flowing 2,179 km through Xinjiang’s Tarim Basin. Fed by glaciers from the Tianshan and Kunlun Mountains, it sustains 1.2 million hectares of farmland and 12 million residents. The river’s delta hosts the world’s largest wild Huyang forest (200,000 hectares), a UNESCO-protected "living fossil" species. Since the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), it has been a Silk Road corridor, with modern engineering projects like the Tarim River Basin Comprehensive Rehabilitation Project (2001) combating desertification.
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
- Huyang Forests: Autumn visits reveal golden canopies; accessible via retro trains in Luntai County.
- Kariz Wells: Explore 2,000-year-old underground irrigation channels in Turpan.
- Tarim Bridge: Walk China’s longest desert bridge (3.3 km) with views of mobile dunes.
- Loulan Ancient City: A 1st-century BCE Silk Road hub, now a UNESCO-nominated ruin.
- Alar–Hotan Canal: Ride the 400-km "water-transfer highway" connecting southern oases.
- Lop Nur People’s Village: Experience fishing and camel-herding traditions at the river’s end.
Suggested Itineraries
-
Classic Route (3–4 hours):
Korla → Tarim Bridge → Luntai Huyang Forest → Return to Korla
Highlights: Forest canopy walks and desert bridge views. -
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. -
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).
