• Aksu

• Name in Chinese characters: 阿克苏地区
• Name in Pinyin: Ākèsū Dìqū
• Status: Prefecture
• Name in local script: ئاقسۇ ۋىلايىتى
• Name in local Latin script: Ak̡su Vilayiti

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• General Overview

  Aksu has been known by many names thoughout history including Gumo, Baluka and Mangalai. The current name is variously written with Ak, Ake or Aq for the first syllable and either Su or Shu for the second. The name means 'White Water' in Turkic - a reference to the river running down from the mountains. The name is applied to the town and also to the wider prefecture which includes much of the marginal lands between the Tian Shan (Heavenly Mountains) and Taklamakan Desert. Interestingly, this administrative area now includes Kuqa which was far more important in ancient times.

  The reason for Aksu's importance lies in its water supply. This made it a natural stop on the northern route of the ancient Silk Road and, even today, that water is essential for the main cash crop - cotton.

  In the past mining was also important with the hills behind supplying copper and iron ores as well as orpiment. Despite its toxicity this arsenic-based mineral was used as a yellow pigment and by alchemists seeking to make gold.

  Aksu has at times been controlled by Tibetans, Uyghurs and the Chinese; it was even part of Kashgaria, an independent state declared by one Yakub Beg in the late 19th century.

  Attractions For Visitors

  Aksu town is little visited by modern tourists though it does have a carpet factory and a bazaar. Those looking for unspoilt Xinjiang are more likely to find wandering around of interest.

  Kuqa has considerably more options, even though it now plays second-fiddle in the modern political setup.

  The main sites in Kuqa are:

  • Kizil Thousand Buddha Grottoes;
  • Subashi Ancient City;
  • Kumtura Grottoes;
  • the Ancient Watch-tower;
  and
  • Kuqa Grand Canyon.

  The following China Journey passes through Aksu Prefecture:

  • Land of the setting Sun
  
  
  
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