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Aral Taklimakan–359 Brigade Cultural Tourism Area
5A Tourism Area
Designated 2021

Aral Taklimakan–359 Brigade Cultural Tourism Area

兵团阿拉尔市塔克拉玛干•三五九旅文化旅游区

Xinjiang, AralDesignated 2021·43.9407°N, 87.5005°E
Ticket Price
Free
Duration
3 to 5 hours
Designated
2021

About Aral Taklimakan–359 Brigade Cultural Tourism Area

At the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, Aral honors the 359 Brigade through its memorial tower and military-reclamation museum, telling how soldiers once turned desert into farmland.

Highlights

Red-army 359 Brigade heritage; the 359 Brigade memorial tower and military-reclamation museum on the desert-edge of Aral by the Tarim and Taklamakan rim. (unverified)

Suggested Route

Visit the 359 Brigade memorial tower and reclamation museum, then the desert park; allow 2-3 hours. (unverified)

Food & Lodging

Try Aral and Xinjiang lamb

Facilities

naan and melon; stay in Aral city.
Travel Tips

Check official website for current information. Respect local customs and regulations. Best visited during mild weather seasons.

📅 Best Time & Crowds

Best season: June to September (warm season) or winter for snow activities

🏮Golden Week alert: May 1-5 and Oct 1-7 are China's biggest travel peaks — top attractions sell out days ahead. Book tickets the moment they open.

Many museums and palaces close on Mondays (e.g. Forbidden City, National Museum). Plan around it.

Location

View on interactive map →
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Book Tickets & Tours

Buying tickets as a foreign visitor

Most 5A/4A sites require real-name registration — bring your passport.

Tickets often must be booked in advance online — peak season & holidays sell out quickly.

Some remote or border-area sites have entry restrictions for foreign visitors — check before you travel.

External booking links. Prices may vary.

Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only link to platforms travelers actually use.

Opening Hours

Peak season (April-October): 8:00-17:30; Off-season: 8:30-17:00.

Getting There

In Aral City (1st XPCC Division), south Xinjiang; ~130 km from Aksu; drive via S207; nearest airport Aksu Hongqipo (~150 km); no metro/HSR. Includes 359 Brigade Reclamation Memorial and Desert Gate.

Reservation

359 Brigade Memorial: free, advance reservation via official WeChat '359th Brigade Reclamation Memorial'; Desert Gate ticketed, book online.

Ticket Price

Free

Address

Xinjiangalaer City

📍 中文地址 / Chinese Address
兵团阿拉尔市塔克拉玛干•三五九旅文化旅游区

新疆阿拉尔市

Xinjiangalaer City

43.9407, 87.5005

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Tip: Google Maps may be inaccurate in China — use Amap for navigation.

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