Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum
The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum, located in Ürümqi, is a cultural treasure trove showcasing the rich history, diverse ethnic heritage, and archaeological wonders of the Silk Road. As Xinjiang’s largest comprehensive museum, it houses over 50,000 artifacts, including ancient mummies, textiles, Buddhist sculptures, and Islamic manuscripts. The museum’s galleries blend archaeology, ethnography, and art, offering visitors a journey through the region’s past as a crossroads of civilizations.
Historical Overview
1953: Museum founded to preserve Xinjiang’s cultural heritage.
1959: Major excavations at the Loulan Kingdom site uncover the “Beauty of Loulan” mummy.
1970s: Discovery of the “Xiaohe Princess” mummy and the Astana Tombs (Tang Dynasty burial site).
2005: New museum building opens, featuring advanced conservation and exhibition technology.
2014: Designated a “National First-Class Museum” by China’s State Administration of Cultural Heritage.
Structural Layout
The museum spans 49,600 m² and is divided into four main zones:
1. Central Hall (Historical & Archaeological)
Silk Road Gallery: Treasures from the Han to Tang dynasties, including gold ornaments, silk brocades, and Roman coins.
Ancient Mummies Exhibition: The “Beauty of Loulan” (3,800 years old) and the “Xiaohe Princess” (4,000 years old), preserved in climate-controlled cases.
Astana Tombs Replica: Life-sized murals depicting Tang Dynasty nobility, musicians, and daily life.
2. Ethnic Culture Zone
Uyghur Folk Art: Traditional clothing, musical instruments (e.g., dutar), and embroidery.
Kazakh Yurt Display: A reconstructed nomadic tent with horse-hair carpets and silver jewelry.
Twelve Muqam Gallery: Interactive exhibit on the UNESCO-listed Uyghur musical epic.
3. Religious Art & Texts Zone
Buddhist Sculptures: Gandhara-style statues from Kucha and Kizil Caves.
Islamic Manuscripts: 15th-century Qur’ans written in Arabic and Persian.
Manichaean Texts: Rare fragments from the Turfan region.
4. Natural History & Modern Xinjiang Zone
Geology Gallery: Fossils of dinosaurs (e.g., Mamenchisaurus) and minerals from the Tian Shan Mountains.
Contemporary Art: Paintings and sculptures by modern Xinjiang artists.
Supporting Structures
4D Cinema: Short films on the Silk Road and Xinjiang’s ecosystems.
Research Library: Open to scholars (appointment required).
Gift Shop: Souvenirs like Uyghur hats, jade carvings, and replica artifacts.
Café: Halal snacks (e.g., nan bread, yogurt drinks) and Xinjiang tea.
Major Attractions
The “Beauty of Loulan” Mummy
A naturally preserved Bronze Age woman, discovered in 1980. Her features and clothing suggest Indo-European origins.
Xiaohe Tombs Mummies
The world’s oldest known mummies with Caucasoid features, wrapped in cowhide and wool.
“The King and Queen of the Silk Road” Statues
Life-sized Tang Dynasty clay figurines from the Astana Tombs, renowned for their vibrant colors.
Twelve Muqam Performance Area
Daily 15-minute shows (11 AM, 3 PM) featuring Uyghur dancers and musicians.
Interactive Manuscript Decoding Station
Touchscreens to “translate” ancient Turkic and Uyghur scripts.
Suggested Itineraries
- Half-Day Cultural Tour (2–3 hours)
Central Hall: Silk Road Gallery → Ancient Mummies → Astana Tombs Replica.
Ethnic Culture Zone: Uyghur Folk Art → Kazakh Yurt.
Religious Art Zone: Buddhist Sculptures → Islamic Manuscripts.
Highlights: Mummies, Tang Dynasty art, and musical performances.
- Full-Day Deep Dive (5–6 hours)
Morning: Central Hall → Ethnic Culture Zone → 4D Cinema.
Lunch: Café (try laghman noodles).
Afternoon: Religious Art Zone → Natural History Gallery → Twelve Muqam Show.
Evening: Gift shop shopping.
Highlights: Archaeological treasures, cultural diversity, and live performances.
- Two-Day Academic Tour
Day 1:
Morning: Research Library orientation → Silk Road Gallery analysis.
Afternoon: Manichaean texts workshop → 4D Cinema.
Day 2:
Morning: Guided tour of Astana Tombs replica → Uyghur textile-making demo.
Afternoon: Lecture on Xinjiang’s role in the Silk Road → Gift shop.
Highlights: Scholarly insights, hands-on activities, and rare manuscripts.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the museum’s official website or WeChat mini-program (up to 3 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets at the entrance (queues peak 10 AM–12 PM).
- Prices:
Standard: ¥50 (free for children under 1.3m, seniors 65+, and disabled visitors).
4D Cinema: ¥20 (optional).
Guided Tours: ¥100 (English/Chinese; 1.5 hours).
Transportation
By Subway: Line 1 to Xierqi Station (Exit B), 10-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 7, 51, 68, or 109 to Xinjiang Bowuguan Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to the museum (¥30 from Ürümqi Downtown).
Departure: Exit via the south gate to Red Hill Park or north gate to the Grand Bazaar.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–12 PM (tour groups); visit 9–10 AM or 2–4 PM.
Crowds: Weekends and summer holidays are busy; weekdays are quieter.
Weather: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal.
- Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (museum is large).
Bring a notebook for sketching or note-taking.
Photography allowed (no flash near mummies or manuscripts).
Prohibited Items: Outside food, large bags, and selfie sticks.
Insider Tip: Combine a visit with the International Grand Bazaar (15-minute drive) for souvenirs or Red Hill Park (20-minute drive) for panoramic Ürümqi views.
