Tarim

Tarim refers to a geographical region in southern Xinjiang, China, encompassing the Tarim Basin and the Tarim River. The basin is an extensive endorheic system that contains the Taklamakan Desert at its center and covers roughly 1.0 million square kilometers, making it one of the largest basins of its kind in the world.

Geography and hydrology: The Tarim Basin is bounded by the Tian Shan to the north, the Kunlun Mountains to the south, and the Pamirs to the west. The Tarim River, fed by headwaters in the surrounding ranges, flows across the basin before terminating in the Lop Nur salt lake. Oasis belts along the river and smaller valleys support major cities such as Kashgar, Hotan, Aksu, and Kucha, sustaining agriculture in an otherwise arid landscape.

History and archaeology: The Tarim Basin has long served as a corridor between Central Asia and China, hosting ancient agrarian communities and Silk Road routes. The discovery of the Tarim mummies at sites like Xiaohe and Qäwrqän in the 20th century provided evidence of early Western Eurasian influence among the region’s populations. The area was associated with Tocharian-speaking cultures and several oasis kingdoms that connected trade networks across Eurasia.

Economy and environment: The Tarim Basin contains substantial hydrocarbon resources, with the Tarim oilfield being a major contributor to China's energy production. Agriculture thrives in its oases, notably cotton and fruits, supported by irrigation. Water scarcity and river regulation have altered the flow of the Tarim and contributed to historical changes in Lop Nur; contemporary management focuses on balancing development with ecological stability.