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Explora: Environment
and Resource Tourism resources of Xinjiang

a few home-visit-style tours cause a significant portion of Xinjiang’s rivers, such as the Irtysh River and Ili
income to be directed to tourism companies. Several 3A River, add unique scenic value to the spots. Sayram Lake,
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and 4A-level attractions lack subsequent development and renowned for its stunning high-altitude lake landscape,
investment, making it difficult to develop and utilize their has become a haven for photographers. At the same time,
tourism resources fully. 5 Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains attracts many
visitors with its clear waters and surrounding forested
3.1.2. Altitudinal distribution characteristics of mountains. There is a certain relationship in the spatial
tourism destinations distribution between Xinjiang’s rivers and tourism

In terms of the altitudinal distribution of tourism destinations. In addition, rivers can provide essential water
destinations, about 65% of the sites are located below resources for the development of these destinations, and
1,500 m, while only 20% of the destinations are situated at the construction and development of tourism destinations
altitudes above 2,000 m. Therefore, there is still significant can help protect and improve the ecological environment
potential for the development of mountain tourism of the rivers.
(Table 1 and Figure 2). Xinjiang’s mountainous areas have Overall, there is a close spatial coupling relationship
vast forests, and many forest parks have been established. between Xinjiang’s tourism destinations and its roads and
The first national-level forest park, Zhaobishan National rivers. The improvement and development of the road
Forest Park, was established in 1992, and by 2004, 50 networks have enhanced the accessibility and attractiveness
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various forest parks had been set up. By the end of 2014, of tourist sites. The abundance and uniqueness of river
there were 62 forest parks at all levels in the region. These resources add scenic value and support for tourism
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forest parks are often very popular tourist destinations. activities at these destinations. At the same time, the
3.1.3. Coupling characteristics of tourism destinations construction and development of tourist sites have also
with roads and rivers contributed to further improvement of the road networks
and the protection of river ecosystems. This coupling
There is a strong spatial correlation between Xinjiang’s relationship helps achieve the sustainable development
tourism destinations and its roads and rivers. Most tourist goals of Xinjiang’s tourism industry while fostering a
sites are located near roads and rivers. About one-third of positive ecological feedback loop.
the destinations are within a one-kilometer buffer zone of
roads or rivers, and more than two-thirds are within a five- 3.1.4. Coupling characteristics of tourism destinations
kilometer buffer zone (Figures 3 and 4). Xinjiang’s road and heatwave index
network is relatively well-developed, especially with the The distribution of Xinjiang’s tourism destinations in
construction of iconic roads like the “most beautiful road relation to the heatwave index is shown in Figure 5.
in China” – the Duku Highway, which has greatly improved Using the Natural Breaks Classification method, the
the accessibility of tourist destinations. These roads not heatwave index in Xinjiang is categorized into seven
only connect major cities and regions within Xinjiang but levels. We then coupled it with the spatial distribution
also link numerous tourism spots, creating scenic clusters of tourism destinations. It was found that approximately
with distinct characteristics. Due to the development and 40% of Xinjiang’s tourism destinations are in regions with
improvement of the road systems, Xinjiang’s tourism flow moderate heatwave intensity or lower. In comparison,
network is quite accessible, although not very large. This about 60% of the destinations fall within areas with high or
allows tourists to reach various destinations conveniently higher heatwave index values (Table 2). This data reveals
and quickly. a clear polarization pattern in the distribution pattern of
tourism destinations based on heatwave intensity. A lower
Table 1. The altitudinal ranges of the tourism destinations in to moderate heatwave index means that visitors can enjoy
Xinjiang, China relatively comfortable weather during their travels, which
enhances the overall tourism experience and satisfaction.
Altitudinal range (m) Number of destinations Ratio (%) However, most tourism spots are still situated in areas with
<1,000 128 28.7 higher heatwave index values, reflecting their geographical
1,000 – 1,500 163 36.5 and climatic characteristics. These areas offer visitors
1,500 – 2,000 62 13.9 a distinctive and enriching tourism experience. Such
2,000 – 3,000 51 11.4 regions often include vast deserts and Gobi landscapes,
3,000 – 4,000 22 4.9 which are closely associated with hot and dry climate
features. These areas with high heatwave index values not
>4,000 20 4.5
only provide tourists with unique visual experiences, such

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 4 doi: 10.36922/EER025060010