Abakh Hoja Tomb


Abakh Khoja Tomb (also called Xiangfei Tomb) in Haohan Village is 5 kilometers east of Kashgar. It is considered the holiest Muslim site in Xinjiang. The Abakh Khoja Tomb contains a group of beautiful and magnificent buildings.

Five kilometers (3.1 miles) northeast of Kashgar, an ancient Islamic building nestles among poplar trees. With glazed tiles shining in the sun, its tower points to the azure sky. A masterpiece of Uigur architecture, this is Abakh Khoja Tomb, 17th Century family cemetery of the Kashgar area Islamic leader.

Originally built in 1640, the beautiful tiled Abakh Khoja Mausoleum contains the tombs of 72 members of five generations of the Abakh Khoja family. Abakh Khoja was the great-grand son of the famous “Great Sufi Master” named Ahmad Kasani. Abakh Khoja was a political and religious ruler in various regions of present-day Xinjiang, such as Kashgar, Hotan, Korla, and so on. By then, he was respected by people as a Sufi teacher. Some Uyghurs even considered him as a sayid. Abakh Khoja had a significant influence on the religion of Xinjiang and Gansu where he preached. Several of his descendants also played important roles in the politics within Xinjiang.

Abakh Khoja Tomb is also called Xiangfei (Fragrant Imperial Concubine) Tomb because legend has it that the most beloved imperial Concubine of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty called “Xiangfei” was buried there.

It was said that the granddaughter of Abakh Khoja was presented to Emperor Qianlong as an imperial concubine. She was called Xiangfei (Chinese pinyin) because of the rich fragrance of flower emitting from her body. After she died, her remains were escorted back to Kashgar and buried in the Abakh Khoja Tomb. This is why the mausoleum is also called Xiangfei Tomb.

The Abakh Khoja Tomb is composed of Tomb’s Hall, the Doctrine-Teaching Hall, the Grand Mosque, the Gate Tower, and so on. The Tomb’s Hall is exquisitely decorated with glazed tiles of various colors. The hall is tall and spacious without the support of columns. The tombs built of glazed bricks with elegant patterns are arranged in order inside the hall. The Grand mosque at the west of the Tomb Hall is where Muslims have service on important days. Abakh Khoja Tomb is a quiet and beautiful place to visit.


Client’s Reviews

  • cristinaoh

    Reviewed 6thApril2013

    A real silk road image, a peaceful place. If you have enough of crowded touristic market and want to visit some historic place, Abakh Hoja Tomb is wirth a visit even though it is nor much to see.

  • Lankylee

    Reviewed 9thAugust2018

    It is not grand but here, in an ancient town, is a link to past that is both simple and universal. Attended a session at the school nearby. Most listening were tourist groups.

  • VaguelyVagrant

    Reviewed 8thOctober2012

    Very nice place to visit, except for the Chinese police snapping pictures inside the tomb in which there are signs everywhere asking for no pictures. Classy.

  • kathy_rodgers

    Reviewed 10thOctober2017

    This tomb and complex is very interesting and well worth a visit. Theres not much to see inside however it should be on your list of places to see while in Kashgar.

  • theeyesoftheworld

    Reviewed 30thJuly2013

    It's one of those things if you have seen on you have seen them all. It's now under construction and is a little walk from bus #20 the weather now is 41 so it was just to hot for me. Have a good time.

  • trainboundfornowhere

    Reviewed 20thAugust2018

    This mausoleum is a real sight, you shouldn't leave Kashgar with out visiting it. It's a little bit out of the town, but you can get on an organised tour to go and have a look. Not too many tourists around either.

  • lovetoootravel

    Reviewed 28thJune2019

    Inside the building are many tombs that relate to the family and the relevant history is interesting. Outside the building are the burial grounds for the general muslim public

  • Wereld_Trotter

    Reviewed 23rdSeptember2013

    Nice peaceful refuge, a few kms outside Kashgar. Quiet place with nice corners for a spiritual moment. Compelling story about the fragrant concubine who galvanized the Qianlong emperor all the way in Beijing for her unique body odor... Tip: Tace a cab there and walk...More

  • lenzimark

    Reviewed 14thJune2017

    If you are going to Kashgar make sure you stop by the central travel office just to the left of id kah mosque. Iskander and the staff there are very helpful and will book whatever you need like the highway trip or shiptons arch which...More

  • WWTraveller26

    Reviewed 9thJuly2016

    Often advertised as the tomb of the fragrant concubine, this is a historical site housing at least 70 tombs of the Abakh Hoja family. Obviously you cannot take pictures of the tombs, but the minaret outside is beautifully decorated in glazed tiles, in yellow, green,...More

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