Korla, China

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Korla, China

Region: Xinjiang

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Geographic Coordinates: 41.725900, 86.174600

Climate: Dry and arid climate with hot summers and cold winters.

Population: 770000

Language: Uyghur

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Korla is a city located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. It is situated on the northern edge of the Tarim Basin, Surrounded by vast deserts and towering mountains. The city has a long and rich history, Dating back to at least 2000 BC when it was known as Jushi. It was an important center for trade along the Silk Road, Connecting China with Central Asia and beyond. One of Korla’s most famous landmarks is the Iron Gate Pass (Tiemenguan), Which sits at an elevation of over 3, 000 meters above sea level.

This pass has been used for centuries as a strategic military point due to its commanding view over both sides of the mountain range that separates Xinjiang from Gansu province. Another popular attraction in Korla is the Bayinbuluk Grassland, Which covers an area of more than 23, 000 square kilometers. This vast expanse of grassland is home to many nomadic tribes who still practice traditional ways of life such as horseback riding and sheep herding.

The city also boasts several historical sites such as Karez irrigation system – underground water channels that were built over two thousand years ago to irrigate crops in this arid region – and Subashi Temple – a Buddhist temple built during Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Korla’s population consists mainly of Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Han Chinese and other ethnic groups who have lived together for generations. Their cultures are reflected in various aspects such as food, Music and architecture. The local cuisine features dishes like lamb kebabs cooked over open flames or pilaf rice with raisins and carrots.

The traditional music includes instruments like dutar (a two-stringed lute) or satar (a bowed string instrument). The architecture blends elements from both Islamic culture – with its domes and minarets -and Chinese culture – with its courtyards and gardens. In recent years, Korla has undergone rapid development with the construction of new highways, Airports and high-speed rail lines. This has led to increased tourism and economic growth in the region. Overall, Korla is a fascinating city with a unique blend of history, Culture and natural beauty.

Visitors can explore ancient ruins, Hike through stunning mountain ranges or simply enjoy the local food and music while experiencing the warmth of Xinjiang’s diverse population.

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1. Iron Gate Pass (Tiemen Pass)
2. Bayinbuluk Grassland
3. Karez Irrigation System
4. Tiemen Pass Scenic Area
5. Bosten Lake
6. Yanqi Lake Scenic Area
7. Korla Fragrant Pear Garden (Korla Pear Orchard)
8. Tarim River Scenic Area
9. Ancient City of Loulan
10. Tianshan Grand Canyon National Park

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1. Agriculture: Korla is known for its production of cotton, wheat, and fruits such as grapes, melons, and pears.
2. Energy: The city has significant reserves of oil and natural gas which are extracted by companies like PetroChina.
3. Chemicals: There are several chemical plants in Korla that produce fertilizers, plastics, and other chemicals.
4. Textiles: The city has a large textile industry that produces clothing and fabrics.
5. Construction materials: Companies like Zhongtai Group produce building materials such as cement and concrete blocks.
6. Tourism: Korla is home to several tourist attractions including the Karez Irrigation System which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7. Retail trade: There are many small retail shops in Korla selling local products like dried fruit and nuts as well as imported goods from other parts of China or abroad.

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1. The Ancient Silk Road: Korla is located on the ancient Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting China with the Mediterranean world. The city played a vital role in exchanging goods and ideas between East and West.
2. Battle of Korla: In 1933, Chinese Muslim rebels led by Ma Zhongying captured Korla from Chinese warlord Jin Shuren during the Battle of Korla.
3. Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region: In 1955, Korla became part of the newly formed Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, which is home to many ethnic minority groups such as Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyzs and Tajiks.
4. Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture: In 1979, Korla became part of Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture after it was separated from Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
5. Notable People:
   • Zhang Qian (c. 200 BC – c. 114 BC), a Han dynasty explorer who traveled to Central Asia and opened up trade routes along the Silk Road.
   • Burhan Shahidi (1914–1967), a famous Uyghur poet who wrote about social justice and human rights.
   • Abdukerim Abbas (1943–2010), a prominent Uyghur writer who documented life in Xinjiang during Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution.
   • Nur Bekri (born 1961), former Chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region government from January 2010 until August 2018.
   • Wang Leehom (born May 17th ,1976) , an American-born Taiwanese singer-songwriter and actor whose paternal grandfather was born in Kurla’.

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1. Karez Irrigation System: An ancient underground irrigation system that has been in use for over 2,000 years.
2. Korla Grand Theater: A modern theater complex that hosts a variety of cultural performances and events.
3. Korla Museum: A museum showcasing the history and culture of the region, including exhibits on local ethnic groups and their traditions.
4. Iron Gate Pass: A scenic mountain pass with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
5. Bayinbuluke Grassland Nature Reserve: A vast nature reserve with diverse flora and fauna, including rare species such as snow leopards and wild yaks.
6. Zhaosu Ancient City Ruins: The ruins of an ancient city dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
7. Yanqi Lake Scenic Area: A picturesque lake surrounded by mountains, offering opportunities for boating, hiking, and camping.
8. Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Museum: An informative museum detailing the history and development of this unique organization in Xinjiang province.
9. Tianshan Tianchi Lake National Forest Park: One of China’s most beautiful alpine lakes located near Urumqi City in Xinjiang Province.
10. Korla Mosque: One of the largest mosques in China built during Qing dynasty period.

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1. Grape Festival: Celebrate the harvest of grapes in Korla every September with this festival, which showcases the city’s major agricultural product.
2. Naadam Festival: Experience traditional Mongolian culture with horse racing, wrestling, and archery competitions during this July festival.
3. Uyghur Culture Week: Enjoy music, dance, food, and art exhibitions that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Uyghur people.
4. Silk Road International Tourism Festival: Celebrate the historical significance of the Silk Road trade route and promote tourism in Korla and other cities along it during this August or September festival.
5. Korla Pear Blossom Festival: Admire pear trees blooming throughout Korla’s countryside every April while enjoying local performances by musicians and dancers as well as traditional snacks made from pears.
6. Xinjiang Ethnic Minority Costume Show: See traditional clothing worn by ethnic minority groups living in Xinjiang Province including Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Tajiks, Mongolians among others at this event.
7. International Kite Festival: Fly kites with different shapes & sizes from all over China & abroad at Lop Nur during summer season (June-August), while enjoying musical performances as well as local delicacies such as roasted lamb skewers etc.

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• Lamb skewers (羊肉串) – This is a popular street food in Korla, made with marinated lamb meat grilled on skewers.
• Hand-pulled noodles (拉面) – This is a traditional dish in Xinjiang, and Korla has many restaurants that serve delicious hand-pulled noodles.
• Roast lamb (烤全羊) – Another famous dish in Xinjiang, roast lamb is cooked on an open fire until it’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
• Uyghur-style dumplings (饺子) – These dumplings are filled with spiced meat or vegetables and served with a dipping sauce.
• Kebabs (烤串) – Similar to lamb skewers, kebabs are also popular street food in Korla, made with marinated meat grilled on skewers over charcoal fire.

Some recommended restaurants to try these dishes include:

1. Tianshan Restaurant (天山饭店)
2. Hongyunlou Restaurant (红云楼)
3. Shengli Road Night Market (胜利路夜市)
4. Yipinxiang Halal Food Restaurant (一品香清真餐厅)
5. Xinyuan Muslim Restaurant (新源回族餐厅)

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1. Korla City Park – a large public park with walking paths, gardens, and a lake.
2. Karez Park – a park with traditional underground water system called Karez and scenic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
3. Iron Gate Pass National Forest Park – a nature reserve with hiking trails, camping areas, and stunning rock formations.
4. Bayinbuluk Grassland Nature Reserve – an expansive grassland area where visitors can see wild animals like yaks and camels, go horseback riding or take part in cultural activities.
5. Tiemen Pass Scenic Area – a popular spot for photography due to its breathtaking scenery of snow-capped mountains and clear lakes.
6. Tianshan Grand Canyon Scenic Spot – a canyon with towering cliffs, waterfalls, and winding streams that offer opportunities for hiking and rafting.
7. Korla Peacock Garden – A garden which is home to more than 200 peacocks of different species showcasing their natural beauty in their full glory.
8. Korla Thousand Buddha Caves- A site containing Buddhist cave art dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
9. Korla Jiaohe Ancient City Ruins – An ancient city ruins dating back to 108 BC which has been preserved over time.
10. Korla Museum- A museum showcasing exhibits on the history of Korla including ancient artifacts from various dynasties.

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