Tazhong (Chinese: 塔中镇; Pinyin tǎ zhōng zhèn) is a town in Qiemo County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. Tazhong administers one community: Tazhong Community (Chinese: 塔中虚拟社区). Tazhong was created on July 24, 2015. The population is typically around 20,000, 90% of which are temporary residents.

Geography

Tazhong is located in centre of the Taklamakan Desert.

Climate

Climate data for Tazhong, elevation 1,099 m (3,606 ft), (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1981–2010)
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °C (°F)16.3 (61.3)17.2 (63.0)32.7 (90.9)37.0 (98.6)38.2 (100.8)41.6 (106.9)45.6 (114.1)42.7 (108.9)39.5 (103.1)31.9 (89.4)24.7 (76.5)16.7 (62.1)45.6 (114.1)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)−0.4 (31.3)7.0 (44.6)17.5 (63.5)25.6 (78.1)30.5 (86.9)34.3 (93.7)36.3 (97.3)35.5 (95.9)30.4 (86.7)22.2 (72.0)11.0 (51.8)1.3 (34.3)20.9 (69.7)
Daily mean °C (°F)−10.0 (14.0)−2.5 (27.5)8.0 (46.4)16.5 (61.7)21.9 (71.4)26.3 (79.3)28.3 (82.9)27.3 (81.1)21.3 (70.3)11.4 (52.5)0.2 (32.4)−8.5 (16.7)11.7 (53.0)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)−18.3 (−0.9)−11.9 (10.6)−2.0 (28.4)6.9 (44.4)12.7 (54.9)17.8 (64.0)20.0 (68.0)18.7 (65.7)11.7 (53.1)1.1 (34.0)−8.6 (16.5)−16.2 (2.8)2.7 (36.8)
Record low °C (°F)−32.6 (−26.7)−32.7 (−26.9)−12.3 (9.9)−8.3 (17.1)1.2 (34.2)7.2 (45.0)11.1 (52.0)6.8 (44.2)0.6 (33.1)−8.4 (16.9)−18.0 (−0.4)−24.7 (−12.5)−32.7 (−26.9)
Average precipitation mm (inches)0.5 (0.02)0.4 (0.02)0.2 (0.01)0.7 (0.03)3.7 (0.15)9.8 (0.39)5.4 (0.21)3.5 (0.14)0.7 (0.03)0.7 (0.03)0.1 (0.00)0.1 (0.00)25.8 (1.03)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm)0.80.30.30.31.83.53.51.80.80.40.10.614.2
Average snowy days2.71.1000000000.32.86.9
Average relative humidity (%)55402320242930282934455634
Mean monthly sunshine hours188.5191.2220.7222.0251.4240.6246.8246.3253.9262.7216.9184.12,725.1
Percentage possible sunshine62625955565455596978736362
Source: China Meteorological Administration

Economy

The petroleum industry makes up most of the economy of Tazhong.[citation needed] There are more than 100 oilfield units and engineering construction units such as PetroChina Tarim Oilfield Branch, Sinopec Northwest Oilfield Branch, Daqing Oilfield Tadong Company, and nearly 100 various commercial outlets in the area of Tazhong. Other than petroleum, the service and tourism industry also support Tazhong.

Transport

Tarim Desert Highway runs through Tazhong.

See also