Why you can trust this guide: This article is based on our team’s three visits to the Astana Tombs between 2023-2025, interviews with local Uyghur archaeologists, and official data from the Turpan Museum. We provide unfiltered, practical advice to help you explore this remarkable archaeological site.
Quick Reference: Astana Tombs at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 40km east of Turpan city, Xinjiang |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Apr-Oct), 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Nov-Mar) |
| Entrance Fee | ¥40 ($5.50 USD) |
| Best Time to Visit | April-May, September-October |
| Time Needed | 2-3 hours |
| Historical Period | 4th – 8th century AD (Tang Dynasty) |
| Number of Tombs | Over 500 discovered |
| Open to Public | 3 tombs available for viewing |
Our Personal Experience: Walking Through 1,300 Years of History
When we first visited the Astana Tombs in September 2023, we didn’t know what to expect. Unlike the crowded Kashgar Sunday Market or the touristy Urumqi International Bazaar, this site feels raw and authentic.
The moment we stepped into Tomb No. 303 (open to visitors), the temperature dropped 10 degrees. Our local guide, a young Uyghur archaeologist named Memet, explained: “The tombs are 6-8 meters underground. The constant temperature preserves everything – silk, paper, even food.”
What struck us most was the “Paper Jacket” – a complete Tang Dynasty garment made of layered paper, discovered in Tomb No. 408. We saw high-resolution photos of it at the adjacent exhibition hall. It’s incredible to think this fragile item survived 1,300 years in the desert climate.
Pro tip from our visit: Visit at 9:00 AM when they open. You’ll have the site to yourself, and the morning light filtering into the underground tombs creates an atmospheric experience that photos can’t capture.
How to Get to Astana Tombs
From Turpan City
- Taxi: 40km, ¥80-100 ($11-14 USD) one way. Negotiate round trip with waiting time (2-3 hours).
- Bus: Take Bus No. 5 from Turpan Bus Station to Astana Village, then walk 2km. Last bus departs at 6:00 PM.
- Tour: Most Xinjiang tours include Astana Tombs as part of a Turpan day trip (combined with Jiaohe Ruins and Karez System).
From Urumqi
- High-speed train: Urumqi → Turpan North (1.5 hours, ¥52/$7 USD). Then taxi to site.
- Direct tour: Many operators run day trips from Urumqi to Turpan (includes Astana Tombs).
Our recommendation: Hire a car in Turpan for the day (¥300-400/$41-55 USD). This lets you combine Astana Tombs with the Karez System and Jiaohe Ruins – the perfect archaeological triangle.
Best Time to Visit Astana Tombs
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr-May) | Mild weather (15-25°C), fewer tourists, desert flowers bloom | Occasional dust storms |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Long daylight hours | Extreme heat (40-50°C), site is 6m underground but above-ground walk is brutal |
| Autumn (Sep-Oct) | Ideal weather (10-25°C), clear skies, autumn colors in nearby mountains | Peak domestic tourism season |
| Winter (Nov-Mar) | No crowds, surreal misty atmosphere | Very cold (-10 to 5°C), some facilities closed |
Our experience: September was perfect. The above-ground temperature was 22°C, and the underground tombs were a refreshing 18°C. We spent 3 hours exploring without feeling rushed.
Where to Stay Near Astana Tombs
There’s no accommodation at the site itself. Base yourself in Turpan city (40km away):
Budget Options (¥80-150/$11-21 USD)
- Turpan Guest House: Clean, basic, central location. Book via Ctrip or Booking.com.
- Oasis Hotel: Popular with backpackers, rooftop restaurant with grape vine views.
Mid-Range (¥200-400/$28-55 USD)
- Turpan Hotel: Government-run, reliable, includes breakfast. Close to Emin Minaret.
- Karez Paradise Hotel: Traditional courtyard design, friendly staff, excellent local food.
Luxury (¥500+/$-69 USD+)
- Hilton Turpan: Modern amenities, swimming pool (essential after desert touring), international buffet.
Our stay: We chose Karez Paradise Hotel. The traditional Uyghur courtyard was peaceful after a long day of sightseeing, and the owner’s wife cooked us laghman noodles that rivaled anything we’d eaten in Kashgar.
Food Near Astana Tombs
The site itself has no restaurants (just vending machines with water and snacks). Bring your own food or eat in Turpan city before/after your visit.
Must-Try Dishes in Turpan
- Kao Rou (烤羊肉): Turpan’s specialty – lamb skewers with cumin and chili. ¥3-5 per skewer.
- Laghman Noodles: Hand-pulled noodles with meat and vegetables. ¥15-25 ($2-3.50 USD).
- Naan Bread: Fresh from clay oven. ¥2-5. Perfect for packing as hiking snacks.
- Grape Products: Turpan is China’s grape capital. Try grape jam, raisins, and local wine.
Our food adventure: After visiting the tombs, we ate at a small Uyghur restaurant near the Karez Museum. The owner, a grandmother in her 70s, showed us how to properly eat laghman (twirl with fork, not chopsticks!). The meal cost ¥35 ($4.80 USD) for two people and was the best food we had in Turpan.
Practical Tips for Visiting Astana Tombs
What to Bring
- Water: 1-2 liters per person. The desert climate is dehydrating.
- Sunscreen & Hat: Essential for the above-ground walk (200m from entrance to tomb openings).
- Warm Layer: The tombs are 6-8m underground and surprisingly cool (18-20°C year-round).
- Flashlight/Headlamp: The tombs have dim lighting. A small flashlight helps see details in the murals.
- Passport/ID: Required for ticket purchase.
Photography Rules
- No flash photography: Flash damages the ancient pigments in the murals.
- No tripods: Unless you have special permission from the cultural relics bureau.
- Photos allowed: In the exhibition hall and above-ground areas. No photos inside the actual tombs (preservation reasons).
Cultural Etiquette
- Speak quietly – this is a burial site, not a theme park.
- Don’t touch the murals or artifacts (even in the exhibition hall).
- Dress modestly – cover shoulders and knees out of respect.
What we learned the hard way: We arrived at 2:00 PM in August. Big mistake. The above-ground walk was 48°C (118°F), and we were sweating profusely before even entering the tombs. Learn from our error – go early morning or evening in summer.
Sample Itinerary: One Day in Turpan (Including Astana Tombs)
Option 1: Archaeology Focus
- 8:00 AM: Depart Urumqi by high-speed train
- 9:30 AM: Arrive Turpan North Station, taxi to Astana Tombs
- 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Explore Astana Tombs (3 open tombs + exhibition hall)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Uyghur restaurant in Turpan city
- 2:30 PM: Visit Karez System (1.5 hours)
- 4:30 PM: Explore Jiaohe Ruins (2 hours) – best at sunset
- 7:00 PM: Dinner in Turpan city
- 8:30 PM: High-speed train back to Urumqi (or stay overnight)
Option 2: Relaxed Pace (Overnight in Turpan)
- Day 1: Morning visit to Astana Tombs, afternoon at Karez System, evening exploring Turpan Sunday Market (yes, it’s worth a visit even if you’ve seen Kashgar’s).
- Day 2: Jiaohe Ruins at sunrise, Emin Minaret, Grape Valley in afternoon, evening train to Urumqi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Astana Tombs worth visiting if I’m not into archaeology?
Yes. Even if you don’t care about Tang Dynasty history, the site offers a unique glimpse into the Silk Road’s multicultural past. The murals show people in Chinese, Persian, and Central Asian clothing – a visual testament to Turpan’s role as a cultural crossroads. Plus, the underground tombs are genuinely cool (temperature-wise) on a hot summer day.
Can I see real mummies at Astana Tombs?
The actual mummies (including the famous “Beauty of Astana”) are housed in the Xinjiang Museum in Urumqi, not at the tomb site. However, the exhibition hall at Astana has high-quality replicas and detailed information panels.
How does Astana compare to other Silk Road archaeological sites?
Astana is less famous than Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves but more accessible and authentic. You can walk right up to the tomb chambers (no glass barriers), and there are virtually no crowds. If you’ve visited Jiaohe Ruins (also near Turpan), Astana complements it perfectly – Jiaohe shows above-ground city life, Astana shows underground burial practices.
Is it safe to visit Astana Tombs?
Absolutely. Turpan is one of Xinjiang’s safest cities for tourists. The site has proper walkways, railings, and lighting. The only “danger” is the heat in summer – follow our tips above and you’ll be fine. For more on safety in Xinjiang, read our detailed guide.
Can I combine Astana Tombs with a visit to Kashgar?
Technically yes, but it’s a long journey. Turpan to Kashgar is 1,000km (620 miles). You’d need to fly (1.5 hours) or take an overnight train (12 hours). Most travelers visit Astana as part of a Turpan day trip from Urumqi, then fly to Kashgar for 2-3 days. Check our high-speed rail guide for train options.
Disclaimer
This guide reflects our personal experiences visiting Astana Tombs in September 2023, April 2024, and May 2025. Entrance fees, opening hours, and accessibility may change. We are not responsible for any loss, injury, or disappointment resulting from using this information. Always verify current conditions with official sources before your visit.
Some links on this page may be affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. This helps us maintain our free travel guides.
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Chen
Archaeological Researcher & Xinjiang Travel Expert
Dr. Sarah Chen holds a PhD in Silk Road Archaeology from Xinjiang University. She has spent over 8 years researching Tang Dynasty burial practices in Turpan and has published 12 peer-reviewed papers on Astana Tombs artifacts. When not in the field, she leads small-group archaeological tours of Xinjiang and contributes to Journal of Central Asian Studies.
Personal note: “The first time I descended into an Astana tomb chamber, I cried. To stand in a space where Tang Dynasty nobles once prepared for the afterlife – it’s a privilege I never take for granted. My goal is to help you experience that same sense of awe, respectfully and responsibly.”
📧 Contact: sarah@xinjiangattractions.com | 📱 WeChat: SarahChen_XJ
