Abstract: In order to study and analyze the physical characteristics of atmospheric aerosols taking Urumqi, Altay and Hotan in the arid areaof Northwest China as the research objects, the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of atmospheric aerosols were studied andanalyzed based on multi-source data by using the reverse trajectory, potential contribution factor (PSCF) and concentration weight trajectory(CWT). Compared with coastal cities, Hotan had the highest concentration of PM pollutants and Altay had the lowest concentration of PMpollutants. The pollution degree of SO₂ and CO in inland areas of Xinjiang was more serious, while the pollution degree of NO₂ reduced tosome extent, and the pollution degree of O₃ appeared fluctuated. The research results provided a basis for analyzing and studying the physicalcharacteristics of atmospheric aerosols in arid areas of northwest China.