Things To Do
in Toqsu
Toqsu (托克逊) is an oasis county on the northern rim of the Turpan Basin in Xinjiang, China, where desert landscapes meet irrigated fruit orchards and traditional Uyghur villages. The area is known for its hot, dry climate, expansive sand dunes, and long history of irrigated agriculture using ancient karez canals. Local life blends Uyghur culture, Islamic customs, and Han-Chinese influences, visible in markets, mosques, and roadside tea houses. Toqsu is a quieter alternative to larger Xinjiang destinations, offering photographic desert scenery, grape and melon orchards, and off-the-beaten-path cultural encounters.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Upon arrival in Toqsu, take some time to acclimatize to the beautiful landscapes that surround the town. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional dishes. Stroll through the vibrant streets to soak in the unique cultural vibe of the region.
Explore the nearby Toqsu Historical Museum, where you can learn about the rich history and culture of the area. Take part in a guided tour that reveals fascinating anecdotes and lesser-known stories. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a nearby market, sampling local delicacies.
As the sun sets, enjoy a peaceful walk along the Toqsu riverbanks, watching the colors of the sunset. Dine at a restaurant that boasts local cuisine, perhaps trying the famous lamb skewers. After dinner, relax with a cup of herbal tea at a nearby tea house, reflecting on your first day.
Embark on a trip to the Great Salt Lake, an incredible natural wonder in the region. Enjoy the stunning morning views as you take photographs of the vast, shimmering landscape. Participate in a guided hike to understand the ecology and geology of this unique environment.
Spend time at the lakeshore, where you can try the fascinating experience of floating in the super-salty water. Have a picnic lunch amidst the picturesque scenery, surrounded by beautiful salt formations. Engage with local guides who can share engaging stories about the lake's significance.
Return to Toqsu in the evening, stopping for a scenic viewpoint to watch the sunset over the lake. Enjoy an outdoor barbecue dinner while mingling with fellow travelers and locals. Under the stars, share stories and experiences of the day’s adventure.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| 🍷Bottle of local tea or soft drink | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🧾One-way local bus or shared taxi | $0.50-2 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse/night | $15-40 |
| 🚗Private day car hire (shared) | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique desert-oasis landscapes and dramatic photography opportunities
- Strong local culture, markets and fresh fruit (grapes, melons) in season
- Less crowded and more authentic feel than major tourist hubs
- Opportunities to learn about ancient karez irrigation and traditional agriculture
- Very hot summers and strong sun; limited services in remote areas
- Language barrier outside larger towns; fewer tourist amenities
- Heightened security and travel restrictions in the region — check advisories
- Limited nightlife and few entertainment options after dark
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "请问厕所在哪里？ (Qǐngwèn cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the toilet?
- "可以拍照吗？ (Kěyǐ pāizhào ma?)" - May I take a photo?
- "ياخشىمۇسىز (Yaxşimusiz) — Uyghur" - Hello (Uyghur greeting)
Places to Visit in Toqsu
Visit one of these nice places.
Low to medium dunes adjacent to agricultural areas provide dramatic contrasts between golden sand and green orchards, ideal at sunrise or sunset.
Stone-lined karez channels and wells make for evocative images of traditional water management and oasis life.
Colorful stalls selling dried fruits, spices, textiles and local produce — great for portrait and detail shots (always ask permission before photographing people).
Narrow lanes, courtyard homes and working streets capture everyday life and architecture of the region.
If accessible from the area, the red rock slopes and nearby ancient ruins offer wide desert panoramas and geological contrast.
Food in Toqsu
Toqsu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A signature dish of rice cooked with lamb, carrots and onions — often found at family-run restaurants and market stalls.
Must-Try!
Skewered, grilled lamb or beef seasoned with cumin and chili; ubiquitous at night stalls and small eateries.
Hand-pulled noodles served in a savory stir-fried or soupy topping with vegetables and meat; common in local noodle shops.
Baked savory pastries filled with minced lamb or beef and onions — popular as a snack or breakfast item.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market where vendors sell fresh fruit, dried grapes and raisins, nuts, spices, and quick cooked snacks like kebabs and samsa — ideal for tasting local flavors and photographing vivid stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress conservatively in public—cover shoulders and knees; women may prefer to avoid very tight or revealing clothing, especially near mosques.
Observe silence in mosques; remove shoes if required and do not enter during prayer times unless invited.
Always request permission before taking close-up photos of people, particularly women and elders.
Carry your passport or a photocopy as identification; expect occasional identity checks at train stations and checkpoints.
Safety
Tipping in Toqsu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory in most local eateries and markets; small tips for exceptional service are appreciated but not expected. For tour guides or drivers, a modest tip is common if service was good.
Cash (Chinese yuan, CNY) is widely used in markets and small restaurants. Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat) are common in China but may be less accessible to foreign cards/accounts — keep enough cash on hand. Major hotels and larger vendors may accept credit cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days and cool nights; orchards begin to green and markets carry early fruit — a comfortable time for outdoor exploration, though occasional sandstorms can occur.
Very hot and dry, especially in July–August; daytime heat can be intense (often over 35°C/95°F), so plan early-morning or late-afternoon activities and carry sun protection and water.
Harvest season with pleasant temperatures and colorful orchards; great time to sample fresh grapes and melons and for photography in softer light.
Cold and dry with freezing nights; daylight is crisp and clear, but some rural services are limited and roads can be chilly — dress warmly.
Toqsu at Night
Hiking in Toqsu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short hikes and viewpoints on oxidized red slopes with panoramic desert views; best visited early or late in the day for cooler temperatures and dramatic light.
Gentle walking routes along ancient underground-water channels and oasis edges—informative and accessible for most visitors.
Informal routes across dune fields for sunrise/sunset walks and photography; carry water and avoid the hottest hours.
Airports
How to reach Toqsu by plane.
The closest regional airport serving Turpan and surrounding counties; offers limited domestic flights and is the quickest gateway for reaching the Turpan Basin area by road.
The major international and domestic hub for northern Xinjiang, offering frequent flights to other Chinese cities and international connections; about a few hours by road or rail from Toqsu depending on exact location.
Other regional airports in southern/northern Xinjiang that may be used depending on travel routes; overland transfers or trains can link to local destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic and cultural group in the area, practicing Islam and maintaining distinct language, music, cuisine and dress traditions.
A significant minority involved in government, commerce and services; Mandarin is widely used in official contexts and signage.
Smaller populations of other ethnic groups contribute to the cultural mosaic and may be present in markets and towns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed across Xinjiang; local youth and amateur matches are common.
Traditional equestrian activities and folk sports can be found in rural areas and festivals.
Traditional wrestling and strength contests are part of local festival culture in some communities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Toqsu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited; dishes based on noodles, bread, eggplant, beans, and vegetable stews can work. Ask for vegetable-only versions of laghman or noodle soups, and be explicit that no meat or meat broth is wanted. Carry snacks if you have strict needs.
Most local eateries follow halal practices due to the Muslim-majority population; however, confirm with vendors if in doubt. Pork is uncommon in local Uyghur cuisine.
Wheat is a staple (breads and noodles), so gluten-free options are sparse — prepare and carry supplies or ask carefully about ingredients.