Tarim River is the longest inland river in China and the second largest inland river in the world (second only to the Volga River). Situated in the north of the dry Tarim Basin with an area of 1.02 million sq. km., it is a lifeline safeguarding the economy, nature and the life of all ethnic groups in Tarim Basin. Therefore, it is crowned as “The River of Life”, or “The Mother River”.

Sinkiang is in the northwest of China. The hydrology there features distinct characteristics of arid environments, with most of its rivers being inland rivers. The Tarim River is the Mandarin equivalent translated from the Uygur Language, which means influx of rivers. With a total length of 2179 km, it is converged by tributary rivers of Yarkant, Hotan and Aksu. The Tarim River zigzags in north Tarim Basin from west to east, with most of its upper reaches being rugged deserts. Therefore, the melted water of icebergs is sandy and irregular in flow and it is called “wild horse without rein”.

The Tarim Basin enjoys a long history. Thousands of years ago, mankind had already found their inhabitations at the lower reaches of the river. The continuing activities of the mankind created rich cultural sights within the Basin, which are mainly the ancient South Silk Road, the Site of Ancient Loulan City, Thousand-Buddha Caves and Xiangfei Tomb (Tomb of Fragrant Imperial Concubine), as well as folk customs and conventions that formed through thousands of years within the minorities. What’s more, some magnificent tourist spots have also become hot destinations for tourists from home and abroad, such as the Tarim Desert Oil-transportation Highway constructed after the foundation of the PRC, and the fourth largest irrigation area in China-the Yarkant River Irrigation Area.

With its special geographic location, fancy drought-prone scenic spots, rich folk features and time-honored historical and cultural heritage, the Tarim River basin has become a famous tourist attraction full of characteristics of the Western regions.