Kalayemule Rock Carvings

Kalayemule Rock Carvings

Kalayemule Rock Carvings

The Kalayemule Rock Carvings are located 65 kilometers east of the county seat, on the mountainside by the Kalayemule River at the junction of the Wuerkaxia Mountain and Haihang Mountain. The carvings are generally 27 centimeters long, with some as short as 12.4 centimeters, and are 5–6 centimeters wide. They are carved into shiny black rocks and depict deer, yaks, goats, camels, and more. The engravings are not deeply cut but are clearly visible. One rock also features a simple hunting scene. As early as 600 to 700 years ago, the Turkic people who lived in this region were primarily engaged in animal husbandry, skilled in horseback riding and hunting. These carvings vividly reflect their way of life at the time and are among the earliest cultural relics discovered in Emin County. The carvings get their name from their location on the rocky slopes by the Kalayemule River.