Minfeng County

Minfeng County (民丰县) belongs to Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang (新疆和田地区) and was historically known as Niya (尼雅). Located at the northern foothills of the Kunlun Mountains (昆仑山) and the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert (塔克拉玛干沙漠), Minfeng was an important town on the southern route of the ancient Silk Road (丝绸之路) and the capital area of the ancient Jingjue Kingdom (精绝国) during the Han Dynasty. Combining desert archaeology, ancient Silk Road culture, Populus euphratica forests, desert lakes, Kunlun alpine grasslands, and authentic Uyghur traditions, Minfeng has become an ideal destination for archaeological exploration, desert adventure, cultural study tours, photography trips, and off-the-beaten-path Xinjiang travel.

Niya Ruins (Jingjue Ancient Kingdom Ruins) (尼雅遗址 / 精绝古国遗址)

World-Class Silk Road Archaeological Heritage

The Niya Ruins (尼雅遗址) are the core cultural landmark of Minfeng County and one of the most important archaeological discoveries along the ancient Silk Road. Known as the “Pompeii of the East”, the site preserves the remains of the ancient Jingjue Kingdom (精绝国) from the Han and Jin Dynasties and is also regarded as the historical inspiration for the fictional Jingjue Ancient City (精绝古城) in the famous Chinese adventure novel Ghost Blowing Light (鬼吹灯).

The ruins extend approximately 30 kilometers from north to south, with scattered remains including Buddhist pagodas, residential courtyards, temples, ancient irrigation channels, tombs, and orchards. The site reflects the cultural exchange between the Central Plains, Western Regions, and ancient Indian civilizations along the Silk Road.

National Treasure Discoveries

The world-famous “Five Stars Rise in the East, Benefiting China” Brocade Armguard (五星出东方利中国织锦护臂) was discovered here. Other important archaeological discoveries include Kharosthi wooden documents, Han Dynasty bronze mirrors, silk fabrics, cotton textiles, and wooden artifacts, providing valuable evidence of desert kingdom life and Silk Road trade more than 2,000 years ago.

Travel Information

The Niya Ruins require advance approval from the Minfeng County Cultural Heritage Bureau (民丰县文物局). Visitors must travel with a professional licensed guide and use four-wheel-drive vehicles. Independent private vehicle access into the desert is not allowed. The best visiting seasons are April–June and September–October, while summer should be avoided due to extreme desert temperatures.

Niya Museum (Minfeng County Museum) (尼雅博物馆 / 民丰县博物馆)

Cultural Introduction Center of Jingjue Civilization

The Niya Museum (尼雅博物馆) is a free public museum and the best place to learn about the ancient Jingjue Kingdom (精绝国) before visiting the desert ruins. The museum displays high-quality replicas of the Five Stars Rise in the East Brocade Armguard (五星出东方利中国织锦护臂), Kharosthi wooden documents, pottery, Buddhist statue fragments, ancient textiles, Uyghur cultural objects, desert medicinal plants, and local historical materials.

A visit to the museum helps travelers understand the history, culture, and lifestyle of the ancient Silk Road civilization before entering the remote archaeological landscape.

Andier Ancient City Ruins & Millennium Populus Euphratica King (安迪尔古城遗址 & 千年胡杨王)

Ancient Silk Road Station and Desert Civilization Remains

The Andier Ancient City Ruins (安迪尔古城遗址) were an important station along the southern Silk Road route during the Han and Tang periods. The site includes Buddhist pagoda remains, Tiyingmu Ancient City, and Daozileke Ancient City, preserving rammed earth walls, temple foundations, and traces of ancient desert settlements.

More than one thousand years ago, Andier served as a desert trade hub connecting different civilizations. The famous explorer Aurel Stein (斯坦因) conducted archaeological research here and discovered numerous ancient manuscripts.

1,200-Year-Old Populus Euphratica King

The area features one of China’s oldest Populus euphratica (胡杨) trees. Standing in the desert for more than 1,200 years, this ancient tree represents the resilience of desert life. Minfeng County has approximately 490,000 mu of natural Populus euphratica forests, creating spectacular golden scenery in autumn and making it a top photography destination.

Niya Fish Lake (Bilekelik Lake) (尼雅鱼湖 / 比勒克力克湖)

Rare Desert Wetland Landscape

Niya Fish Lake (尼雅鱼湖) is a rare freshwater wetland hidden in the Taklamakan Desert. The lake system consists of five connected lakes surrounded by golden sand dunes, clear water, reed wetlands, and migratory bird habitats.

Known as a “water town in the desert”, the lake offers a peaceful contrast between desert and wetland landscapes. It is ideal for sunset viewing, bird watching, lakeside relaxation, and desert photography. The relatively flat roads make it suitable for travelers of different ages.

Kunlun Pastoral Scenic Area (Kunlun Muge) (昆仑牧歌景区 / 叶亦克高山草原)

Alpine Grassland with Kunlun Snow Mountain Views

Located near Minfeng County, the Kunlun Pastoral Scenic Area (昆仑牧歌景区) features highland grasslands backed by the snow-covered Kunlun Mountains (昆仑山). Wooden walkways connect meadows and traditional yurts, while cattle and sheep roam across the open landscape.

Visitors can enjoy Kyrgyz shepherd experiences, grassland picnics, and panoramic views of Kunlun snow peaks. It is an excellent short-distance escape from the desert heat and a relaxing destination for families and photography travelers.

Daliyabuyi Ancient Village (达里雅布依古村落)

Remote Uyghur Village Deep Inside the Taklamakan Desert

The Daliyabuyi Ancient Village (达里雅布依古村落) is one of the deepest desert settlements in China. Local residents have lived for generations among Populus euphratica forests, building traditional houses with Populus wood and red willow branches.

The village preserves authentic desert Uyghur lifestyles based on animal husbandry and traditional desert survival methods. The journey passes through endless sand dunes and large-scale Populus euphratica forests, making it ideal for deep cultural exploration and landscape photography.

Due to the remote desert environment, visitors need organized four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Kunlun Ancient Rock Paintings (昆仑古岩画)

Bronze Age Cultural Heritage Site

The Kunlun Ancient Rock Paintings (昆仑古岩画) preserve images created by ancient inhabitants of the Western Regions more than 3,000 years ago. The rock paintings show hunting scenes, herding activities, horses, and ancient lifestyles, providing important evidence of early civilizations in southern Xinjiang.

The site is suitable for archaeological study tours and small-group cultural exploration.

Taklamakan Desert Highway Viewing Platform (塔克拉玛干沙漠公路观景台)

Desert Photography Landmark

The Taklamakan Desert Highway Viewing Platform (塔克拉玛干沙漠公路观景台) is a free desert viewpoint facing endless golden dunes. Visitors can enjoy sunrise, sunset, aerial photography, and wide desert landscapes.

The viewpoint can be easily combined with visits to Niya Fish Lake and Minfeng County, making it a popular stop for self-driving travelers and photographers.

Minfeng Bazaar (民丰大巴扎)

Authentic Uyghur Food and Local Lifestyle Experience

The Minfeng Bazaar (民丰大巴扎) is the best place to experience southern Xinjiang’s local lifestyle and cuisine. Visitors can taste traditional foods such as Kao Baozi (烤包子), Hongliu Roast Meat (红柳烤肉), yogurt rice dumplings, handmade dried fruits, and local seasonal fruits.

The market also offers Niya specialty products, handmade textile souvenirs, and local handicrafts, allowing travelers to experience the everyday culture of southern Xinjiang.