Hetian Tuan Cheng Scenic Area

Hetian Tuan Cheng Scenic Area

Hetian Tuan Cheng Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Hetian Tuan Cheng is located in the city center, covering an area of 83 hectares. The name "Tuan Cheng" (meaning "Round City") comes from its radial layout with streets and alleys surrounding the center, reflecting the harmony between humans and nature in this desert oasis. It is one of the most typical traditional folk neighborhoods in southern Xinjiang.

The Narbagh Subdistrict in Hetian City features the classic layout of a traditional southern Xinjiang folk neighborhood, earning the name "Tuan Cheng" (Round City) due to its radial layout and surrounding alleys. In the past, the houses here were low and dilapidated, and residents made a living by trading pigeons, flowers, birds, insects, and fish, which led to the area being called Pigeon Alley. After four years of renovation following the principle of "one street, one plan; one household, one design," each street and household has its own unique character while also blending harmoniously with the others. Traditional dwellings, specialty shops, handicrafts, and folk customs complement one another. Through these efforts, Hetian Tuan Cheng Scenic Area has attracted an increasing number of visitors.

Many alley residents mainly sell pigeons and poultry, hence the area is also commonly known as "Pigeon Alley." Pigeons are an indispensable part of daily life here, and the area hosts pigeon racing competitions and exhibition platforms, allowing pigeon breeders to share experiences with one another.

What might amaze and delight you even more is one of Hetian’s most traditional crafts—handwoven carpets. You may have seen carpets from around the world, but believe us, none will captivate you quite like those from Hetian. At first glance, every scene on the carpets seems alive, with vivid imagery that makes you feel as though you’re right there. You won’t be able to resist reaching out to touch them—the silky texture feels magical the moment your fingers graze the surface, making it hard to pull your hand away. Your first thought will surely be how fulfilling it would be to own one of these in your lifetime.

Hetian carpets are known for their distinctive ethnic characteristics and rich local color, often described as uniquely "Oriental-style" carpets. The fame of Hetian carpets is not only due to their exquisite craftsmanship but also closely tied to the local Hetian sheep. The semi-coarse wool from these sheep is the primary material used in weaving Hetian carpets. This wool is elastic, durable under tension and pressure, and has a glossy finish—qualities that provide ideal conditions for weaving a wide variety of carpets.

Of course, you can’t miss the local specialty foods of Hetian.

As you go further in, you’ll see the area’s uniquely styled architecture, known as the "circular enclosed" architectural style. This style not only preserves historical heritage but has also developed its own distinct character. It offers not only visual and tourism value but also improves residents' living environments, creates job opportunities, promotes social development, and has become an essential attraction for travelers.