Atushi, China
Region: Xinjiang
Geographic Coordinates: 39.716200, 76.168400
Temperature Range: -30.0°C to 40.0°C (-22°F to 104°F)
Climate: Cold and dry winters, hot and humid summers, with moderate precipitation in spring and autumn.
Population: 240368
Language: Chinese
Atushi is a small city located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. It is situated on the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert and is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges. The city has a population of around 100, 000 people and is known for its rich history, Diverse culture, And unique natural landscapes. One of Atushi’s main attractions is its ancient ruins. The city was once an important stop on the Silk Road trade route and was home to many wealthy merchants.
Today, Visitors can explore the remains of ancient temples, Tombs, And other architectural wonders that date back to as early as the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). Another highlight of Atushi is its vibrant Uyghur culture. The Uyghurs are an ethnic minority group that make up around 45% of Xinjiang’s population. They have their own language, Cuisine, Music, Dance styles, And clothing traditions which are all celebrated in Atushi through festivals and cultural events. One popular festival in Atushi is the Meshrep Festival which takes place every year during Eid al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan).
This festival brings together Uyghurs from all over Xinjiang to showcase their traditional music and dance performances while enjoying delicious local food such as lamb kebabs and pilaf rice. In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Atushi also boasts some stunning natural scenery. There are several nearby mountain ranges including Tianshan Mountain Range which offers breathtaking views from its peaks at over 4, 500 meters above sea level. Visitors can also explore nearby deserts such as Kumtag Desert or enjoy a refreshing dip in one of Atushi’s hot springs.
Despite being a smaller city compared to others in China like Beijing or Shanghai , Atushi has plenty to offer visitors who are looking for an authentic experience off-the-beaten-path . From exploring ancient ruins to discovering new cultures to enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes, Atushi is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
- Kanas Lake – a stunning alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests with crystal-clear water.
- Hemu Village – a picturesque village located in the Kanas Nature Reserve that offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Kazakh culture.
- Sayram Lake – another breathtaking alpine lake near Atushi known for its turquoise waters and scenic surroundings.
- Altay Mountains – majestic mountains that offer outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for hiking, camping, and skiing.
- Bayinbuluke Grassland – an expansive grassland area where visitors can see flocks of sheep grazing under blue skies peacefully.
- Guozigou Scenic Area – a popular spot for winter sports enthusiasts with breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks.
- Burqin River Canyon – a dramatic canyon carved out by the Burqin River offering spectacular views for hikers and nature lovers alike.
- Tianshan Grand Canyon National Forest Park- A national park featuring deep canyons, rushing rivers, towering cliffs, unique rock formations along with diverse wildlife species like brown bears, lynx etc..
- Atushi is a county-level city situated in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China.
- The city boasts of several major industries that contribute significantly to its economic growth.
- One of the primary industries in Atushi is agriculture, thanks to its fertile soil. The region is known for growing crops like wheat, corn, cotton, and fruits.
- Mining is another major industry in Atushi due to the abundance of coal, iron ore, copper and other minerals found here.
- Several manufacturing companies are located in Atushi that produce textiles, machinery equipment, electronic products and food processing.
- Tourism also plays a vital role in the economy of Atushi with many attractions such as Kanas Lake National Park and Hemu Village attracting thousands of tourists every year.
- As tourism continues to grow alongside an increase in population there has been a rise in service-oriented businesses such as hotels & restaurants catering to these needs.
- Overall Atushi’s diverse range of industries contributes significantly to its prosperity within China’s vast landscape.
History of Atushi
- Silk Road: Atushi was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road that connected China to Central Asia and Europe. The city served as a hub for trade and cultural exchange between various civilizations.
- Islamization: Atushi played a significant role in the spread of Islam in Xinjiang during the 10th century. Many Islamic scholars and Sufi mystics settled in this region, including Imam Al-Hakim al-Tirmidhi, who founded several madrasas (Islamic schools) in Atushi.
- Mongol Conquest: In 1219, Genghis Khan’s army invaded Xinjiang and captured Atushi along with other cities in the region.
- Qing Dynasty: During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), Atushi became an important military outpost for defending China’s western borders against Russian expansionism.
- Ma Zhongying: Ma Zhongying was a prominent warlord who controlled parts of northern Xinjiang during the early 20th century. He established his base in Atushi and waged several successful campaigns against local rulers.
- Cultural Revolution: During Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), many historic buildings and cultural artifacts were destroyed or damaged in Atushi.
- Uyghur unrest: In recent years, there have been several instances of ethnic violence between Uyghurs (the largest ethnic group in Xinjiang) and Han Chinese settlers in Atushi and other parts of Xinjiang.
Notable people associated with Atush include:
- Imam Al-Hakim al-Tirmidhi
- Ma Zhongying
- Wang Lequan
- Atushi Grand Canyon National Geopark
- Atushi Cultural Museum
- Atushi Mosque
- Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar – Atushi Branch
- Taohuayuan Scenic Area
- Gaochang Ancient City
- Karez Irrigation System
- Tianshan Tianchi Lake National Forest Park
- Jiaohe Ancient City Ruins
- Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
- Chinese New Year is a 15-day-long festival that marks the start of a new year according to the lunar calendar. It’s celebrated in January or February.
- Lantern Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of Chinese New Year, where people light lanterns and solve riddles written on them.
- Dragon Boat Festival takes place in June, where people race dragon boats and eat sticky rice dumplings called zongzi.
- Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated in September or October, where families gather to eat mooncakes and admire the full moon.
- Spring Festival (or Qingming) usually falls around April 4th or April 5th each year when ancestors are remembered by visiting their gravesites and cleaning them up for spring planting season.
- Xinjiang-style lamb skewers
- Hand-pulled noodles
- Big plate chicken
- Kazakh-style milk tea with butter and salt
- Mutton pilaf
- Aksu Restaurant (阿克苏餐厅)
- Xingxing Restaurant (星星饭店)
- Yipin Chinese Restaurant (一品中国餐厅)
- Shenglong Hotel (胜龙宾馆)
- Laocheng Yiyan Muslim Restaurant (老城异燕清真餐厅)
Some popular restaurants in Atushi include:
