Set in a green valley fringed by the Flaming Mountains, the mud-constructed village Tuyoq offers a glimpse of traditional Uighur life and architecture. Tuyoq has been a pilgrimage site for Muslims for centuries: the devout claim that seven trips here equal one trip to Mecca. On the hillside above the village (near the road) is the Hojamu Tomb , a mazar (a tomb of a saint or holy notable that often functions as a pilgrims' destination), said to hold the first Uighur to convert to Islam.
Any Uighur planning a pilgrimage to Mecca is expected to stop here beforehand.
Up the gorge look for a series of Buddhist caves dating back to the 3rd century AD (thus the earliest discovered Buddhist caves in Xīnjiāng). The caves may still be closed, however, so check before heading out.
Don’t leave town without trying some of the locally produced mulberry juice or dried berries, available near the tomb entrance.
Tuyoq is often looped into a tour with the Flaming Mountains and Bezeklik Caves.
