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

  • oropolitics

    Reviewed 28thSeptember2015

    Apak Hoja was the scion of a respected Sufi family of the Ak Tagh Khojas who used his political clout to help the Dzungars chase off the Chaghatai ruler of Yarkand and won Kashgar as a reward in 1680. The Dzungars were soon at odds...More

  • Jbethune

    Reviewed 12thMay2012

    If you can get a cab out there, it's very peaceful and very interesting.

  • Michelle P

    Reviewed 12thNovember2016

    It was a memorial tomb, not much to see. However the architecture of the tomb is worth seeing, its unique. As it was not very big you can spend 1/2 an hour visiting the whole area.

  • Hock8

    Reviewed 2ndJuly2016

    Well worth the trip but to get full appreciation you need to know the history which is best with a local guide. Not only are over 70 others buried here the attached mosque and buildings have been used for schools throughout its history.

  • Leo G

    Reviewed 27thJune2016

    This tomb is gorgeous. Actually more beautiful than the Id Kah Mosque... Definitely the top sight in Kashgar.

  • Karmaexplorer

    Reviewed 26thNovember2017

    The architecture of tomb is beautiful but the places where are open to public are limited if you are not a Muslim. The entrance fee is RMB30. A lot of tourists generally take a photo in front of the tomb and leaves the place in...More

  • Stuti

    Reviewed 7thOctober2012

    Not much to see though a very pleasant spot. The building itself is simple, the tiles as if made in a hurry, details not worth much a mention. Descriptions of the site and the various characters associated with it vary from monument to monument, quite...More

  • 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.

  • arnels0n

    Reviewed 6thJanuary2017

    Over the course of the years maintaining the enchanting tile work on this stunning mausoleum has been accomplished- among other things- by using different patterned ceramic tiles available to the workers at the time. The result is a brilliant palimpsest of color and pattern reflecting...More

  • Liu Y

    Reviewed 16thNovember2013

    This can be regarded as the landmark of Kashgar town, The building itself is really a masterpiece of Arabian architecture. Completely covered by glazed tiles shining in jade green and turquoise blue, mixed with white and dark blue tiles as well. especially coming here on...More

Top Attractions in Kashgar