Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County

Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County is an administrative region in Kashgar Prefecture that spans mountainous terrain in western Xinjiang, home predominantly to Tajik communities. The area sits at high elevation within a complex landscape shaped by several major mountain ranges that define its borders.

The area served as a major trading point along ancient routes and was known as Puli during the Han Dynasty period. It became officially established as an autonomous county in 1954 to represent the Tajik population.

The mountain communities are home to Tajik herders who maintain traditional ways of life, keeping alive local customs, seasonal festivals, and distinctive clothing styles. The region holds the only Tajik autonomous territory in China, making it a rare cultural center for this ethnic group within the country.

A major highway connects the region to neighboring areas, providing the main access route, while new transportation options are being developed. Visitors should prepare for high elevation and remote conditions, as services and facilities are limited in many parts.

The area sits at the convergence of four major mountain ranges while bordering four different countries, giving it a rare geographical position of strategic importance. This meeting point of continental divides makes the location physically and politically distinctive in the region.