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Home → China Tours → Silk Road Tours → Korla Travel Guide

Korla Travel Guide

Location: Korla is approximately 200km southwest from Urumai, at the south foot of Tianshan Mountain and northeast edge of Tarim Basin.

Population: 430,000

Area: 7, 116 sq km

Nationalities: Han, Hui, Mongol and Uyghur

History: Once as an important spot along Silk Road, Korla has a long history. It was known as Weili during the Han Dynasty. As early as Stone Age, human moved toward peacock river area. After the New China coming into existence, Korla was the working place of Bayingolin’ government department. In 1979, Korla was authorized to city grade.

Climate: The area is dry with light rainfall and a high evaporation. The average temperature is 11.4℃ and the lowest is -28℃.

Transportation: Korla Airport has airlines to Beijing, Chengdu, Jinan and Qiemo. The airport is about 17km from the city center, buses from airport to the city center are available.
Korla Railway Station is at the east end of Xinhua Road, offering trains to Urumqi, Turpan, Hami, Lanzhou, Xian and so on.
National highway No.218 and other major roads in the city form a sound road system and link Korla to cities and tourist destinations in and around Xinjiang. The only red-brick road built in the desert also runs across the city.

Local Specialties: Raisins, Walnut, Fragrant Pears

Local Food: grilled fish, grilled mutton, acidophilus milk and so on.

Major Attractions:
Tiemen Pass (Iron Gate) - According to archaeologists, Tiemen Pass (Iron Gate) was originally erected in the Jin Dynasty (265-420). It was built in a twisted, deep and steep valley that was a path on the Silk Road. It had great military importance, as anyone who wants to come into the Tarim Basin must pass through it first.



Bostern Lake – Bostern Lake is the largest inland fresh water lake in China. The lake looks like a fairyland winning its reputation of being a “pearl” in the desert sea.



Travel Tips:
1. The ideal time to Korla is autumn, because the desert is relatively calm.
2. Collect you camera immediately after taking photos, or sand and dust will enter into.

Questions & Answers: