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Formed from the union of the Aksu and Yarkant , it flows in an eastward direction around the Taklamakan Desert. It drains into Lop Nur, a series of salt lakes. Its total length is 2,090km.
It is shallow, unsuitable for navigation, and because of its heavy silt load, forms a braided stream near its terminus. It gives its name to the arid Tarim Basin.