Taklamakan desert highway - an unforgotten Silk Road adventure

Introduction

Do you want to travel across a huge desert? If the answer is yes, then you can't miss the unforgotten Taklamakan Desert Highway trip. The Taklamakan Desert was called the "Sea of Death" which means once you go into this desert you'll never come back! The highway is built in a tough desert environment. Many travelers regard crossing the mysterious Taklamakan Desert as the ideal Xinjiang tourism experience. During your time on the highway, you'll appreciate the unique desert and oasis scenery and feel a big change in temperature between day and night in the desert. Once you decide to try this adventurous trip, the Silk Road Adventure will show more details about travel to Xinjiang tour.

The Infrastructure of Adventure 

Two highways built on the Taklamakan Desert conveniently link south and north villages in Xinjiang. The world's longest and most famous cross-desert highway from Luntai to Minfeng was completed in 1995 and is 565 km. (351 mi.) long. The latest highway from Hotan to Arael is 424 km. (263 mi.) long and has been open to the public since 2008. 

Thanks to the two highways, travelers' itineraries have become fantastic and easy as well as they can personally enjoy real desert scenery when they travel to Xinjiang. Besides, visiting the four counties at the start of the two highways is a good chance to see the locals' daily life in Xinjiang. You can get more information about Xinjiang tourism at Travel to Xinjiang Tour.

These monumental feats of engineering have not only made the daunting expanse of the Taklamakan Desert accessible but have also transformed it into an avenue of adventure and discovery. The highways traverse through some of the most inhospitable terrains on Earth, turning what was once an insurmountable barrier into a path that invites exploration. The construction of these roads represents a significant investment in infrastructure that has opened up new possibilities for tourism and cultural exchange in the region.

The Luntai to Minfeng highway, in particular, is a marvel of modern engineering. Its completion marked a significant milestone in connecting the remote parts of Xinjiang, facilitating not just the movement of people but also the exchange of goods and culture. This highway has become a lifeline for the communities it serves, bringing economic opportunities to areas that were previously isolated.

Similarly, the Hotan to Arael highway has played a crucial role in enhancing the accessibility of the southern regions of the Taklamakan Desert. Opening up in 2008, it has allowed for a smoother journey through the desert's landscapes, making trips quicker and safer for travelers and locals alike. The road has significantly contributed to the ease of accessing some of Xinjiang's most remote and beautiful spots, encouraging more people to venture into the desert.

Both highways have drastically changed the way travelers experience the Taklamakan Desert. They offer a unique vantage point to witness the stunning beauty of the desert's vastness, with its endless dunes and the occasional oasis springing up to offer respite. These roads are more than just transportation routes; they are corridors through time, showcasing the history of the Silk Road and the natural beauty of one of the world's most extraordinary landscapes.

Moreover, the presence of these highways has made it easier for tourists to visit the four counties that mark their beginnings and ends. These areas provide a rich tapestry of Xinjiang's diverse cultures and traditions. Visitors have the opportunity to delve into the everyday lives of the local populations, gaining insights into their customs, cuisine, and the challenges they face living on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert.

The Allure of the Taklamakan Desert Highway

Unlike other Xinjiang tourist spots, you'll spend some hours on the highway to appreciate the desert scenery. Along the way, there are many popular diversifolia which you can see on the desert. Taklamakan desert has the largest amount of populus diversifolia around the world. Populus diversifolia is a strong plant that has lived for 3,000 years on Earth! To protect the highways, many brambles are planted on both sides of the highway every 5 km. (3 mi.) has a well-house where two workers live to water this precious shelter forest. When you travel to Xinjiang, some ruins are located inside the Taklamakan Desert highway of  Hotan and Arael. It is easy to find them when you take a car on the highway. If you want to have a close look at the ruins, you can stop to visit these famous historical ruins.

Taklamakan Desert is a famous scenic spot in Xinjiang tourism as well as the China's largest desert. It's a shifting-sand desert and covering an area of 33,700 sq. km. (20,940 sq. mi.). Taklamakan in Uigur language means "you can get into it but can never get out" and the desert has another name "the Sea of Death". Because of the wind, the sand is always moving forward and some reports said that each year they move about 150 m. (492 ft.), which seriously threatens the existence of the oasis and the locals' survival. There are numerous natural resources buried under its vast area, such as groundwater, oil, and oil gas. 

Don't be afraid of the intimidating Taklamakan Desert, take a car to challenge this huge area of sand on your must-see Xinjiang tourism plan. It's truly after you have experienced this adventure, that you will not fear anything! If you are interested in traveling to Xinjiang trip, please look at: Xinjiang Tourism Photography Tour.

Final Words

The Taklamakan Desert Highway, with its formidable expanse and daunting title as the "Sea of Death," offers an unparalleled adventure that beckons the brave-hearted. The development of the highways across this vast desert landscape has transformed an arduous journey into an accessible and enriching experience, unveiling the mysteries of the Silk Road to modern-day explorers. The Luntai to Minfeng and Hotan to Arael highways have not only bridged the remote villages of Xinjiang with the outside world but have also paved the way for a deeper understanding and appreciation of this unique ecosystem and its cultural heritage.

Traveling through the Taklamakan Desert is more than just a voyage across the sand; it's a journey through history, nature, and culture. It offers a glimpse into the resilience of life in one of the harshest environments on Earth, the beauty of its endless dunes, and the oasis of culture found in the villages that dot its perimeter. These highways serve as a testament to human ingenuity and determination, making the once-impossible exploration of the desert not only possible but also inviting.

As you embark on this unforgettable Silk Road adventure, let the vastness of the Taklamakan inspire you with its ancient stories, stunning landscapes, and the enduring spirit of the people who navigate its challenges every day. The journey across the Taklamakan Desert is not just an addition to your travel itinerary; it's an experience that will expand your horizons, challenge your perceptions, and leave you with memories that last a lifetime. For those drawn to the allure of the unknown, the Taklamakan Desert Highway stands as a beacon of adventure, waiting to be explored.