Also called Aksu, Akesu, Akshu, Bharuka, and Po-lu-chia. A town in western Xinjiang about 240 miles (385 km.) northeast of Kashgar and roughly 60 miles (96 km.) southeast of the eastern Kyrgyzstan frontier. The center of an oasis at the foot of the Tien Shan (Tengri Tagh) Mountains, it was a caravan hub on the Silk Road. Industries include textile and carpet manufacturing, jade carving, tanning, and metal working. Iron ore deposits are in the area. Aqsu has ancient Buddhist statues and caves, but most are in poor condition.