Irkeshtam Port

Irkeshtam Port

Border Trade Port Scenic Area

The Border Trade Port Scenic Area is located within Wuqia County and is one of the few counties in China that hosts two national first-class ports. Based on the locations of the two ports, it is divided into two scenic zones: the Torgart Port Zone and the Irkeshtam Port Zone. It is a border trade port scenic area primarily focused on foreign trade, while also integrating cultural tourism and the appreciation of natural landscapes.

Torgart Port is located northeast of the county seat,

37

kilometers from the county seat, 63 kilometers from Artux City, 58 kilometers from Kashgar, a key city in southern Xinjiang, and over 400 kilometers from Bishkek, the capital of neighboring Kyrgyzstan. It is a trading port between China and Kyrgyzstan and an important gateway to Central Asia, South Asia, West Asia, and various European countries.

Torgart is a Kyrgyz term meaning “reddish-brown pass.” It was one of the ancient routes for folk trade. As early as the Han Dynasty, it served as an important stop along the ancient Silk Road. Trade began here in 1881, and it has functioned as a border port for over a century. Over the years, it has undergone many changes. The port was opened in the early 20th century and trade resumed on December 13, 1983. In 1985, it was officially named “Torgart” with the approval of the State Council. The road conditions at Torgart Port are good, allowing the passage of large vehicles, and it remains accessible all year round. The port handles an annual freight volume of 1 million tons and passenger traffic of 500,000. Currently, 21 institutions have been established here, including customs and foreign transport services, along with facilities such as canteens, shops, clubs, and satellite ground receiving stations to meet the service needs of travelers. This has attracted tourists from Central Asian countries who come here for travel and shopping. Exiting the Torgart Port leads into the Naryn Region of Kyrgyzstan and provides access to Issyk-Kul Lake (the Hot Lake), one of the most famous tourist destinations in Central Asia. Torgart Port is set to become another Eurasian land bridge connecting China with Central Asia and Europe.

Irkeshtam Port is a vital international passage in the westernmost part of China, situated at 73°58′ east longitude and 39°42′ north latitude. It lies 138 kilometers from the county seat and 238 kilometers from Artux City. It is a crucial international passage in the westernmost part of China with convenient transportation. It served as an important channel and stop along the ancient Silk Road and is located at the junction of China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. On January 26, 1998, it was officially opened by the State Council to personnel and goods from Kyrgyzstan and third countries, focusing mainly on the entry and exit of people, trade, and goods. The port handles an annual freight volume of 900,000 tons and passenger traffic of 400,000. Irkeshtam Port is primarily engaged in border trade and also boasts beautiful natural scenery, preserving the pristine western landscape. It fully represents the superlatives of western China (the westernmost village, the westernmost pass, the westernmost outpost, the latest place to greet the sunrise and bid farewell to the sunset). It supports foreign trade, outbound tourism, shopping, viewing the western sunset, exploring western tribes, and receiving patriotic education. Irkeshtam Port is the western frontier where the sun rises latest and sets last in China, and it has fostered the spirit of the “Seventh Company,” known for “building outposts through hard work and safeguarding the border with patriotism and dedication.” Irkeshtam Port will welcome global visitors with modern civilization and prosperity.