Tumushuke: Vibrant oasis city on NW edge of Taklimakan Desert

Located on the northwestern edge of the Taklimakan Desert in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Tumushuke is a testament to resilience and transformation. Once overshadowed by the sands that buried the remnants of Tangwang City, Tumushuke has risen from a desolate landscape into a vibrant oasis of a city in just two decades.

The historical continuity of Tumushuke is particularly striking. As an outpost for frontier settlement and defense, generations of people have sought to cultivate land in the area. From its origins in the Western Han Dynasty to its role in the Tang Dynasty, notable figures such as Ban Chao and Zhang Qian have left their marks in this place, creating a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. Remnants of ancient relics are scattered across the region, serving as reminders of the land's history.

Today, Tumushuke captivates visitors with its unique natural scenery. The interplay of desert, poplar trees, lush oases and cultivated farmland paints a stunning picture of the frontier landscape. 

While the struggle to enhance local ecology continues, Tumushuke has demonstrated significant potential for sustainable growth. With its strategic location facilitating connections across Eurasia, the city has become a thriving hub. Positioned conveniently for the five border ports of Xinjiang, many products exported to Central Asian countries are produced in Tumushuke.

Today, 189 enterprises have settled in the Tumushuke Economic and Technological Development Zone, including 52 large-scale industrial enterprises. The development zone has 51 projects under construction with a total investment of 29.64 billion yuan (around $4.2 billion) and physical output valued at 1.613 billion yuan.

This city, once a small town on the edge of the desert, has been revitalized, continuing the spirit and perseverance of generations of builders who faced nature with resilience and determination.