Things to do in Hami

There will be washboard-like sections, but it won't affect traffic; you can drive slowly without any problems. The first half is paved and in good condition, allowing for unrestricted driving. The scenery is magnificent and breathtaking, well worth a road trip; a true masterpiece of nature.

Not many people have heard of the Populus euphratica forest in Hami and Yiwu, but that doesn't diminish its beauty. Because it's not as famous, it doesn't attract as many visitors as other Populus euphratica forests, giving it a more peaceful and tranquil feel. You can relax and stroll through the forest, observing and appreciating the various postures of the Populus euphratica trees, and taking photos. Driving in allows you to slowly experience the 3,000, 6,000, and 9,000-year-old Populus euphratica forests.

The Hami Hui King's Palace, located in Huicheng Township, Hami City, Xinjiang, was the residence of the Uyghur leader of Hami during the Qing Dynasty. Construction began in 1705, commissioned by the first Hui King, Ebedula, and designed and built by Han Chinese craftsmen. Destroyed by war in 1931, it was rebuilt on its original site in 2004. The palace blends architectural styles from Han, Manchu, Mongolian, and Uyghur ethnic groups, earning it the nickname "Little Forbidden City of the Western Regions." It contains buildings such as the Prince's Platform and the Military Review Platform, and serves as important material evidence for the study of Xinjiang's history and culture during the Qing Dynasty.

Barkol Singing Sand Mountain is a sand mountain in the territory of Barkol Kazakh Autonomous County, Xinjiang. In the desert or sand dunes, due to the influence of various climatic and geographical factors, fine sand particles mainly composed of quartz are formed. Due to wind vibration, sand sliding or mutual movement, many sand particles rotate in the airflow, and the holes on the surface cause the "diabolo" effect, which produces a buzzing sound. The Singing Sand Land is mainly desert in western China. These sand dunes are piled up into mountains, so it is also called Singing Sand Mountain.

I came here three years ago, and this is my second time. It's still free. The lake is relatively dry now, with little water, but the scenery is still beautiful. There are toilets in the parking lot and some small shops selling food. There are two horse riding fields nearby.

The Hami Museum and the Muqam Heritage Center are adjacent to each other, both free to enter and without ID checks, making the experience much better. The museum has two floors, showcasing the historical changes of Hami from ancient times to the present. Walking around and learning was very rewarding. "Muqam" is a transliteration of the Uyghur word for "classical music," referring to a large-scale comprehensive art form integrating song, dance, and music. Unfortunately, the performance ended when we left the museum. 😇

This is a commercial street full of exotic atmosphere. Basically, you can taste Xinjiang's specialties such as lamb skewers, baked buns, yogurt, Hami melon... here, but the prices are not cheap. It is still a good idea to take a look around when you come to Hami.

A great place for a relaxing vacation, returning to nature ~ Harmony between man and nature

Starting from Hami, crossing the East Tianshan Mountains, and driving east along National Highway 335 for about an hour, you will arrive at the Colorful Lake. The lake is rich in minerals, and the lake water will present different colors in different weather and light, like a dream, hence the name. There are also a large number of special algae and plants by the lake, which are even more colorful and unforgettable.

A mother with two children highly recommends this place for a family outing! Located just across the street from the Hami Museum, the architecture is unique in China—the interior of the Ninth Hui King's Tomb features an Islamic dome, while the exterior combines a Han Chinese octagonal pavilion with a Mongolian helmet-shaped roof, creating a striking blend of three styles. It's incredibly exotic, and although you can't go inside, the exterior alone is breathtaking! It's a great place for children to learn about the history of the Hui Kings, who submitted to the Qing dynasty during the Kangxi era and helped maintain national unity. I recommend combining this visit with the museum and the Muqam Center; you can see everything in one day without the hassle.