Time Zone |
Asia/Shanghai |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+8 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Time Zone |
Europe/Riga |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+2 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+3 |
Aksu is located in the western part of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, at the southern foot of Tianshan Mountain and the northern edge of Tarim Basin, which is an important hub of the ancient Silk Road. With a temperate continental climate, four distinct seasons, and abundant light, the region produces high-quality apples, jujubes, and cotton, and is known as the "land of fruits and melons". Aksu City is the political, economic and cultural center of the region, and has the characteristics of multi-ethnic settlement, with Uyghurs and Han Chinese living in harmony. The city is rich in natural landscapes, such as the mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan Mountain and the edge of Taklamakan Desert, as well as historical and cultural sites, such as the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (in the neighboring areas). In recent years, relying on the "One Belt, One Road" initiative, Aksu has seen rapid development in agriculture, energy and tourism, becoming an important growth pole in Xinjiang.
Valka is an important border city in northeastern Latvia, closely linked to the Estonian city of Valga, which together form a unique "twin city". The city is located about 160 km northeast of Riga and is the central administrative center of the town of Valka.
Valka covers an area of about 14.4 square kilometers and has a population of about 5,000. The city is located in the hinterland of the Baltic Sea region and has historically been an important trading hub. It is unique in that it shares urban space with Varga, Estonia, and the border line runs directly through the city, making it a model for cross-border cooperation within the European Union.
Varka, first documented in 1286, has a medieval architectural heritage, including St. Catherine's Church. The history of Latvia's national awakening movement is vividly presented in the city museum. The annual Border Culture Festival promotes cultural exchange between residents of both countries.
As a special border city within the EU Schengen area, the Varka-Varga region has a unique cross-border commuting pattern. The local economy is dominated by logistics, retail and services, capitalizing on its hub location connecting the Baltic States. the opening of a joint bus system in 2019 further strengthens regional integration.
Visitors can experience the unique border landmark of "one step between two countries" and visit the ruins of Valka Castle Hill. The neighboring Vilcasius National Park offers a wealth of eco-tourism routes, and in winter you can participate in cross-country skiing, a popular activity in the Baltic Sea region.