Karez Folk Tourism Area

Karez Folk Tourism Area

The Karez Folk Tourism Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Karez Folk Tourism Area

Yining is situated in the northern part of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and is the capital of the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, serving as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the prefecture. The Karez Folk Tourism Area is located in the old town of Yining, spanning a total area of about 22.9 square kilometers (of which 4.2 square kilometers have been developed). The area is home to 27,511 households and a population of 126,575. In 2007, the Yining Municipal Party Committee and Government invested over 100 million yuan in the comprehensive renovation, transformation, and tourism development of this large-scale scenic area, guided by the principle of protective development. The tourism area primarily showcases the folk customs of the Uyghur people in Ili, striving to preserve the original residences, traditions, and way of life to the greatest extent possible. It aims to become an original, large-scale cultural tourism destination that integrates rich culture, profound local customs, and a vibrant diversity of traditions.

The depth of Karez lies in its history. Karez has a long history. According to historical records, during the 17th century, Uyghur people (also known as Taranchi people) who migrated from southern Xinjiang to reclaim land in Ili were the first to settle here. Through the trials of history and changes over time, the area is now home to multiple ethnic groups including Uyghur, Han, Hui, Uzbek, Kazakh, Xibe, Manchu, Russian, Mongolian, Tatar, Tajik, and Kirghiz (with Uyghurs accounting for 77% of the total population). Having been shaped by centuries of history, Karez has developed a unique local culture and has become a distinctive area where diverse ethnic cultures converge in Xinjiang.

The charm of Karez lies in its culture. Here, all residences and environmental designs maintain the traditional styles and layouts from a hundred years ago. The distinctive features of Central and West Asian cultures blend seamlessly with the local “Taranchi” traditional culture of Yining, giving Karez high research value in terms of ethnic and folk culture.

The beauty of Karez lies in its simplicity. The people of Karez are warm and hospitable. Whether you are a stranger or an acquaintance, once you step into their homes, you will be treated with tea and sincerely invited to share a meal. The people of Karez are open-minded and optimistic, with a deep love for life. Whether inside or outside their courtyards, regardless of wealth or poverty, they plant flowers, plants, and fruit trees, keeping every corner clean and tidy. During festivals, residents dress in beautiful ethnic costumes, sing melodious traditional songs, and perform lively folk dances, creating a joyous and vibrant atmosphere.

The harmony of Karez lies in its human connections. In this multi-ethnic community, people respect and care for one another, living in unity and harmony. Due to the peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups, the area’s unique folk customs, religious culture, traditional ancient architecture, and long-standing, diverse traditional cuisines have all blended together seamlessly. Everywhere you look, you’ll see heartwarming scenes of harmonious coexistence among residents of various ethnicities.

Karez will be your important window into experiencing the culture of the ancient Silk Road and understanding the intertwined history and culture of Central and West Asia. With an open mind and warm, attentive service, we welcome visitors from all directions.

Address: Karez Tourism Area, next to the People's Hospital, Xinhua East Road, Yining City

Phone: 0999-8020688