Xayar County, also Shayar County or, from Mandarin Chinese, Shaya, is a county in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and is under the administration of the Aqsu Prefecture. It contains an area of 31,868 km² (12,304 sq mi). According to the 2004 census it has a population of 210,000.

In 1902, Xayar County was established.

In March 1964, Tarim Farm (塔里木农场) was founded. In 1970, Tarim Farm was renamed Nong Yi Shi 15th Regiment (农一师十五团). In 1973, Nong Yi Shi 15th Regiment was renamed Third Laogai Detachment (第三劳改支队). As of 1982, the prison had a cotton processing factory. In 1985, Third Laogai Detachment was renamed Tarim Laogai Detachment (塔里木劳改支队). In 1994, Tarim Laogai Detachment was renamed Tarim Prison (塔里木监狱).

On July 15, 1996, a prison rebellion in Xayar County led to the deaths of fifteen.

In 1998, Tarim Prison was renamed Xayar Prison (沙雅监狱).

In June 2008, Gezqum Township (Gaizikumu) was established. On December 30, 2008, the township's government started operation.

In 2011, Yantaqsheher Township (Yangtakexiehai'er) was established.

In 2012, Xadadong (Hadedun) was established. On February 25, 2013, the town's government started operation.