Astana CemeteryAstana Cemetery at a Glance
About Astana Cemetery
Astana Cemetery is an archaeological funerary complex in Xinjiang associated with medieval oasis settlements near Turpan, noted for its preserved tombs and burial furnishings from the early medieval period.
The site contains clusters of underground tombs with remaining wall paintings, textiles and wooden grave goods that illustrate funerary practices in the Turpan Basin. Protective shelters and an on-site display present many of the excavated objects and help visitors understand the cemetery’s archaeological context.
The cemetery was used between roughly the 3rd and 8th centuries CE by inhabitants of the oasis states in the Turpan region; it reflects cultural connections along Silk Road routes. Systematic excavation and documentation took place during the 20th century, and many finds have been conserved and displayed in local museums.
Situated in the Turpan Depression of Xinjiang, the cemetery lies within the arid basin near historic caravan towns and close to the Flaming Mountains and other Silk Road archaeological sites.
- Dating and significance: The cemetery contains tombs dating mainly from the 3rd to the 8th centuries CE and is important for Silk Road-era funerary art and preserved organic material.
- Best time to visit: Visit in cooler months; the Turpan area can be very hot in mid-summer and archaeological shelters are exposed to sun and heat.
What to See#
- Tomb clusters: Clusters of burial shafts and chamber tombs largely excavated in the 20th century, containing textile fragments, wooden objects and wall paintings dating from early medieval use.
- On-site display and shelters: A site museum and protective shelters display finds and help interpret the excavated tombs and painted decorations for visitors.
Best Time to Visit Astana Cemetery
Visit the Astana Cemetery in spring or autumn to avoid Turpan's extreme summer heat and to enjoy dry, comfortable conditions.
Weather & Climate near Astana Cemetery
Astana Cemetery's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -13°C to 39°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | -13° - -2° | -11° | 1 mm | partly cloudy | 55% | 1.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| February | Good | -8° - 6° | -4° | 1 mm | some cloud | 42% | 1.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.4h |
| March | Very Good | 1° - 15° | 7° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 27% | 2.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Ideal | 11° - 26° | 18° | 1 mm | some cloud | 23% | 3.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 13.2h |
| May | Ideal | 18° - 33° | 25° | 1 mm | some cloud | 21% | 3.5 m/s | 1.8 very high | 14.4h |
| June | Ideal | 22° - 37° | 30° | 5 mm | some cloud | 22% | 3.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 15.1h |
| July | Excellent | 24° - 39° | 32° | 4 mm | some cloud | 23% | 3.2 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 14.8h |
| August | Excellent | 23° - 38° | 30° | 2 mm | some cloud | 22% | 2.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.7h |
| September | Ideal | 16° - 32° | 24° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 23% | 2.6 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.3h |
| October | Excellent | 7° - 23° | 15° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 28% | 2.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Very Good | -2° - 10° | 3° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 39% | 1.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
| December | Good | -10° - 0° | -8° | 1 mm | some cloud | 50% | 1.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.0h |
How to Get to Astana Cemetery
The Astana Cemetery (Astana tombs) is an archaeological site near Turpan in Xinjiang. From Turpan city centre you can reach the site by taxi or local excursion along the road toward the Gaochang/Bezeklik area; it is a short drive east of the city and is commonly visited from Turpan as part of local archaeology/tour routes.
Tips for Visiting Astana Cemetery
- Visit the Astana (Astana Tombs) site in Turpan early morning or late afternoon to avoid the desert heat and to get softer light for viewing the preserved murals and tomb architecture.
- Combine Astana with nearby Turpan attractions - Gaochang ruins and the karez irrigation system are close by and commonly visited on the same day from Turpan city.
- Arrange transport from Turpan (taxi or local tour) rather than relying on infrequent public buses; the tomb complex is a short drive from the city center.