In southern Xinjiang tourism, the karez is an important attraction worth visiting and experiencing by tourists.?
The karez is an underground water conservancy project created by working people in arid regions over a long historical development. It draws out groundwater, turning the desert into an oasis. It was anciently called ‘well canal’. The main working principle of the karez is to utilize large amounts of rainwater, glacier, and snowmelt that infiltrate the ground during spring and summer, and through the natural slope of the mountain, it is directed to the surface for irrigation to meet the water demand for production and living in desert areas.?
A complete karez system includes four main components: shafts, underground canals, surface canals, and small reservoirs. The karez operating under this principle has a stable flow and can ensure gravity irrigation.?
. The karez not only has irrigation functions but also contains profound historical value, agricultural value, ecological value, engineering and scientific research value, and cultural tourism value.?
In the Turpan area of southern Xinjiang, the karez is particularly famous and is one of the important tourist attractions in the local area. Tourists can visit the Turpan Karez Scenic Area to experience the magic of the karez up close and learn about its historical and cultural background.?
. In addition, Turpan’s karez is also renowned for its unique engineering structure and construction techniques. It was successfully included in the World Heritage List of Irrigation Structures in 2024, further enhancing its tourist value.?
In summary, in southern Xinjiang tourism, the karez is a must-see attraction. It is not only the crystallization of the wisdom of ancient working people but also an important window for modern tourists to understand the historical culture and natural scenery of southern Xinjiang.?
