The Takia Makan N39° Desert Tourist Scenic Area is located 22 kilometers southeast of Kumukusar Township, Maigaiti County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It lies on the southwestern edge of the Taklimakan Desert, along the 39th parallel north, and is one of the areas richest in desert tourism resources in the world. It is a national 4A-level scenic area. The scenic area covers a total area of 32,000 square meters. The vast sea of sand rolls in endless waves, with sand dunes reaching as high as one hundred meters and fine, white sand. The scenic area is equipped with a visitor service center, dining area, racetrack, camel station, observation tower, and other infrastructure. It has also developed numerous entertainment projects, making it a comprehensive tourism and vacation resort integrating leisure, vacation, entertainment, and experience.
Historical Culture
At the end of the 19th century, the famous Swedish explorer Sven Hedin set out three times from Maigaiti County, advancing along the 39th parallel north into the hinterland of the Taklimakan Desert for archaeological exploration, and discovered the ancient city of Loulan, shocking the world. Since then, the N39° desert exploration route has become the "road of life" across the Taklimakan Desert, known to many archaeologists, explorers, and off-road enthusiasts. In addition, this place was once a route of the ancient Silk Road, carrying the historical memory of trade exchanges between the East and the West.
Main Attractions
Sunrise Market
A distinctive market within the scenic area, where tourists can buy souvenirs and handicrafts with local characteristics, and also taste various foods while experiencing a rich folk customs atmosphere.
Gate of Time
A landscape gate with a unique design, symbolizing leading tourists through time and space into the mysterious world of the desert, beginning an unforgettable desert journey.
Time Tunnel
A creative passage that creates a sense of time and space transformation through lighting, decorations, and other means, making tourists feel as if they have experienced the flow of time while walking, adding fun and mystery to the tour.
N39° Road of the Brave
A route designed for adventure enthusiasts and off-road drivers. Along the way there are various terrains and challenges, such as tall sand dunes and complex sand valleys, allowing tourists to fully experience the thrill and fun of desert off-roading.
Brave Traveler's Station
A rest stop along the Road of the Brave, providing rest and supplies for tourists. It is also a good place to enjoy desert scenery. Tourists can stop here briefly and admire the magnificent surrounding views.
Starry Sky Camp
A camp built in the hinterland of the desert, offering tourists an excellent opportunity to experience the charm of the sand sea up close, listen to the whispers of the desert, and enjoy the brilliant starry sky. With little light pollution and a wide field of view, it is a paradise for stargazing enthusiasts.
Food
Kumaqi
Commonly known as "desert baked pancake," it is a food created by local residents according to the desert environment. Baked using sand and red willow branches, it has a crisp outer layer and a soft interior. The freshness of the mutton and the richness of the flatbread are perfectly blended.
Desert Stomach-Wrapped Meat
Made with selected meat from specially raised young lambs, marinated with scallions, ginger, garlic, red dates, salt, cumin powder, and other seasonings, wrapped in sheep stomach, and then roasted using the high temperature of the desert. The mutton is tender and delicious, and the sheep stomach is fragrant and chewy, preserving the freshness of the mutton.
Lop Roasted Fish
Also known as red willow roasted fish, it uses wild grass carp from the Tarim River as the raw material and is skewered with red willow branches for roasting. During roasting, the red willow branches secrete a special juice that makes the fish more tender and delicious, giving off an enticing aroma.
Tickets：
The ticket price is 140 yuan per person. As of 2025-06-15, no official WeChat public account was found.
Opening Hours：
Open all year from 10:00 to 20:00.
Suggested Tour Route：
In the morning, you can first go to the visitor service center to learn about the scenic area, then head to Sunrise Market to experience the folk atmosphere and buy special souvenirs; next, challenge the N39° Road of the Brave and experience the thrill of desert off-roading; at noon, dine in the dining area. In the afternoon, you can go to the Gate of Time and the Time Tunnel to take photos and check in, experiencing the unique designs; afterward, go to the Brave Traveler's Station to rest and enjoy the desert scenery; in the evening, go to the Starry Sky Camp and wait for nightfall to enjoy the beautiful starry sky. If time permits, you can also participate in the scenic area's in-depth desert camping tour, taking a shuttle bus deep into the camp 30 kilometers away, enjoying sunrise and sunset during the day, watching the stars at night, tasting delicious food, and experiencing a different kind of desert life.
Transportation：
By plane, you can arrive at Kashgar Airport, then transfer to a Maigaiti County bus or charter a car, arriving at the scenic area in about 2.5 hours.
Charter a car from Kashgar City to the scenic area.
Join a one-day group tour from Kashgar City to the N39° Desert Tourist Scenic Area on apps such as Meituan and Ctrip.
Must-Visit Attractions：
Starry Sky Camp: With little light pollution and a wide field of view, it is an excellent place for stargazing, allowing tourists to experience the vastness and mystery of the desert up close.
N39° Road of the Brave: Suitable for tourists who enjoy excitement and challenges. Desert off-roading brings a strong sensory experience and a feeling of speed and passion.
Travel Tips：
Spring and autumn have relatively mild climates and are the best seasons to visit. Avoid traveling during the high-temperature period in summer.
Prepare sun protection items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat to prevent sunburn.
Carry enough drinking water and food. Although the scenic area has a dining area, it is important to replenish water and energy at any time while walking in the desert.
If you want to experience desert camping, it is recommended to bring warm clothing. The temperature difference between day and night in the desert is large, and the temperature is lower at night.
When participating in activities such as desert off-roading, follow the instructions of the staff to ensure your own safety.
Precautions：
Respect local cultural customs and avoid conflicts caused by cultural differences.
When walking in the desert, observe the surrounding environment to avoid dangerous areas such as quicksand.
Observe the regulations of the scenic area and do not damage the ecological environment or public facilities at will.
If encountering severe weather such as sandstorms, promptly seek a safe place to take shelter and do not linger in the desert.
If you want to go deep into the hinterland of the desert, it is best to be accompanied by a professional guide to ensure your own safety.