Kumul, China
Region: Xinjiang
Geographic Coordinates: 42.819300, 93.515100
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 30.0°C (-40°F to 86°F)
Population: 673383
Language: Chinese
Kumul, Also known as Hami, Is a city located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. It is situated in the eastern part of the region and covers an area of 42, 000 square kilometers. The city has a population of over 500, 000 people and is known for its rich history and culture. Kumul has been an important center for trade and commerce since ancient times due to its strategic location on the Silk Road. The city was once a major stopover for traders traveling between China and Central Asia.
As a result, Kumul has been influenced by various cultures over time, Including Chinese, Mongolian, Tibetan, Uyghur and Islamic cultures. One of the most famous landmarks in Kumul is the Kumtag Desert which lies to its east. The desert covers an area of approximately 2 million square kilometers making it one of China’s largest deserts. Despite its harsh conditions such as extreme heat during summers with temperatures reaching up to 50°C (122°F), It attracts many tourists who come to explore its unique landscapes.
The city’s climate is characterized by hot summers with little rainfall while winters are cold with occasional snowfall. However, Kumul has managed to thrive thanks to modern infrastructure like air conditioning systems that have made living there more comfortable than ever before. One significant attraction in Kumul is Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves which dates back to Tang Dynasty (618-907). These caves are home to thousands of Buddhist statues carved into rock walls along with paintings depicting religious scenes from Buddhism’s history.
Another notable site worth visiting while in Kumul is Jiaohe Ancient City ruins which date back over two thousand years ago when it was established as one of China’s earliest cities during Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). This ancient town sits atop a plateau surrounded by natural defenses such as cliffs and rivers. Kumul is also famous for its delicious fruits, Especially the Hami melon which is known for its sweetness and succulence.
These fruits are grown in large quantities in the city’s surrounding areas and are exported to other parts of China as well as other countries around the world. Kumul is a fascinating city that has managed to preserve its rich history while embracing modernity. Its strategic location on the Silk Road has made it an important center for trade and commerce throughout history. The city’s unique landscapes, Ancient ruins, Religious sites, Delicious fruits, And vibrant culture make it an ideal destination for tourists looking to experience something different from what they are used to seeing in their daily lives.
Important Landmarks
- Id Kah Mosque: One of the largest mosques in China and a significant religious site for Muslims.
- Kumul Desert Highway: A scenic drive through the vast desert landscape with stunning views.
- Karez Irrigation System: An ancient underground water system used for irrigation that is still in use today.
- Grape Valley: A picturesque valley filled with vineyards and fruit trees.
- Jiaohe Ancient City Ruins: The ruins of an ancient city that was once a vital stop on the Silk Road trade route.
- Muztagh Ata Mountain: A beautiful mountain peak that attracts many hikers and climbers each year.
- Tianshan Grand Canyon Scenic Area: A breathtaking canyon with towering cliffs, rushing rivers, and stunning waterfalls.
- Yadan National Geological Park: An otherworldly landscape of sandstone pillars formed by erosion over millions of years.
- Kumul Museum: A museum showcasing the history and culture of Kumul and its surrounding regions.
- Subashi Ruins Site Museum: A historical site displaying artifacts from various periods including Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), Uighur Empire (744–840 AD) etc.
Primary Industries
- Kumul, also known as Hami, is a city located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China.
- The city has a diverse economy with major industries and businesses that include:
- Agriculture
- Mining
- Energy production
- Textiles
- Food processing
- Tourism
- Transportation
- Kumul is well-known for its agricultural production of fruits such as:
- Grapes
- Melons
- Pomegranates
- The city also has significant coal reserves and other minerals like:
- Copper
- Iron ore
- Gold
- The energy sector in Kumul is supported by several power plants that generate electricity from coal.
- Additionally, the city has a growing textile industry that produces cotton yarns and fabrics.
- Food processing is another important industry in Kumul with several companies specializing in dried fruits, nuts and meat products.
- The city’s rich history and cultural heritage sites make it a popular tourist destination attracting many visitors each year.
- Kumul serves as an important transportation hub connecting Xinjiang with other parts of China via highways and railways.
- Finally, there are many cement factories producing cement from limestone mined locally supporting the construction materials manufacturing sector.
Noteable History
- Kumul, also known as Hami, is a historic city located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China.
- It has been associated with many significant historical events and people.
- One of the most notable events is its role as an important stop on the Silk Road, which was a network of trade routes connecting China to Europe and other parts of Asia.
- Kumul was conquered by Genghis Khan in 1209 and became part of his empire.
- During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), Kumul became an important center for trade and commerce in Xinjiang.
- Yakub Beg established the short-lived Kingdom of Kashgaria in Xinjiang in 1865 with Kumul as its capital.
- In 1931, there was a rebellion against Chinese rule led by Uyghur nationalist leaders such as Timur Beg and Isa Yusuf Alptekin.
- In recent years, ethnic tensions have risen between Uyghurs (the majority population) and Han Chinese residents due to cultural differences and economic disparities.
- Ma Fuxiang controlled much of northern China during the early 20th century including Hami/Kumul.
- Abdulkerim Abbas fought for Uyghur independence against both Chinese Nationalist forces and Communist forces in Xinjiang.
- Dilshat Haji is currently advocating for the rights of Uyghurs in China while raising awareness about human rights abuses against them.
- Lastly, it’s worth noting that nuclear tests were conducted at Lop Nur Nuclear Testing Site near Kumul during the 1960s which caused environmental damage to the region.
Museums and Things To See
- Karez Irrigation System: This ancient underground irrigation system is a marvel of engineering and still in use today.
- Kumul Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the region through exhibits on archaeology, ethnic minorities, and more.
- Kumul Grand Mosque: One of China’s largest mosques, this impressive building is a must-see for its beautiful architecture and cultural significance.
- Kumul Desert Botanical Garden: Explore the unique flora of the Gobi desert at this botanical garden, which includes over 1,000 species of plants.
- Jiaohe Ancient City Ruins: This well-preserved ancient city dates back to the Han dynasty and offers a glimpse into life in ancient China.
- Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves: These caves feature stunning murals depicting Buddhist stories from over 1,500 years ago.
- Tianshan Tianchi Lake Scenic Area: A beautiful alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush forests, this scenic area is perfect for hiking or just taking in nature’s beauty.
- Xinjiang Museum: Located in nearby Urumqi, this museum showcases artifacts from throughout Xinjiang’s history and diverse cultures.
- Emin Minaret: This towering minaret was built in the 18th century as part of an Islamic complex that includes a mosque and mausoleum.
- Grape Valley Vineyards: Sample local wines at these vineyards located just outside Kumul city limits – an unexpected treat in this desert region!
Cultural Events
- Hami International Melon Festival – This festival is celebrated every August to showcase the famous Hami melons. It features various activities such as melon picking contests, melon carving competitions, and a grand parade.
- Kumul Grape Festival – Held in September or October, this festival celebrates the harvest of grapes from the vineyards surrounding Kumul. Visitors can enjoy grape-picking tours, wine-tasting sessions, and cultural performances.
- Eid al-Fitr – This is a significant Muslim holiday celebrated by the Hui people in Kumul during the end of Ramadan.
- Chinese New Year – Also known as Spring Festival, Chinese New Year is a major celebration for most Chinese communities including those living in Kumul.
- Lantern Festival – Celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month (usually February or March), this festival marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations with colorful lantern displays and fireworks shows.
- Han Culture Week – A week-long event held annually to promote Han culture through exhibitions, performances, and traditional activities such as calligraphy writing and tea ceremonies.
- Silk Road International Marathon- An annual marathon that takes place along ancient silk road routes passing through scenic areas around Hami city showcasing its rich culture and history.
Cuisine
- Kumul, also known as Hami, is a city located in Xinjiang Province of China that boasts of its unique cuisine influenced by both the Uyghur and Han cultures.
- Some of the famous local dishes include:
- Hami melon
- Roast lamb skewers
- Nang bread
- Polo (pilaf)
- Dapanji (big plate chicken)
- Several restaurants in Kumul serve these dishes such as:
- Hami Laojie Restaurant
- Kashi Uyghur Food Restaurant
- Xiangcun Yipin Halal Restaurant
- Wangfu Hotel Muslim Restaurant
- Karez Water System: A unique underground irrigation system used for over 2,000 years.
- Kumul Desert: A vast desert with sand dunes and stunning landscapes.
- Tianshan Grand Canyon: A scenic canyon with waterfalls and hiking trails.
- Sayram Lake: A beautiful lake surrounded by mountains and grasslands.
- Muztagh Ata Mountain: An iconic mountain peak for mountaineers and hikers.
- Kumul Old Town: An ancient town with traditional architecture and cultural heritage sites.
- Jiaohe Ruins: An archaeological site of an ancient Silk Road city from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD).
- Gaochang Ruins: Another archaeological site of an ancient Silk Road city from the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).