Museums in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region

Museums & Galleries

Xinjiang's museums preserve the complex history of the Silk Road, spanning thousands of years of cultural exchange. This collection includes the prehistoric fossils and Tarim mummies of Turpan, the ancient subterranean irrigation technology at the Karez Museum, and the Buddhist heritage of the Qiuci Kingdom. These institutions showcase diverse artifacts, from Hotan jade and silk textiles to nomadic grassland traditions and archaeological finds from lost desert cities like Loulan.

Turpan Museum

The second-largest museum in Xinjiang, housing prehistoric fossils, Silk Road ceramics, and well-preserved ancient mummies from the Turpan Basin.

楼兰博物馆

Located in Ruoqiang County, this museum is dedicated to the ruins of the Loulan Kingdom and the Xiaohe Cemetery, featuring artifacts and mummies.

Hotan Museum

Displays archaeological finds from the Southern Silk Road, including ancient textiles, Buddhist sculptures, and historical documents from the Kingdom of Khotan.

Karez system Museum

An open-air and underground museum demonstrating the construction and function of the ancient vertical well irrigation system used in the arid Turpan region.

满汗王府

The reconstructed Qing Dynasty residence of the Torghut Mongol princes, showcasing regional architectural styles and Mongol royal history.

Hotan Jade Museum

Specialized museum showcasing the history of nephrite jade mining, processing, and artistic carving techniques unique to the Hotan region.

丝绸之路北庭故城遗址博物馆

Situated at the UNESCO-listed Beiting ruins, this museum displays artifacts and murals from the Tang Dynasty and the Uyghur Gaochang Kingdom.

Qiuci palace museum

Modeled after traditional Kucha architecture, this museum showcases the history, art, and Buddhist heritage of the ancient Qiuci Kingdom.

西域都护府博物馆

Dedicated to the administrative history of the Western Regions Protectorate established during the Han Dynasty to manage Silk Road trade and security.

巴音郭楞蒙古自治州博物馆

Features a significant collection of well-preserved mummies and archaeological finds from the Lop Nur region and the ancient city of Loulan.

新疆大漠土艺馆

Large-scale earthen art installation near Turpan featuring clay sculptures and architecture inspired by Silk Road legends and local history.

Ba shen bai zhan lan guan

Exhibition hall dedicated to the life and contributions of Bashibai Chopanbayev, a prominent Kazakh livestock breeder and philanthropist.

The Grassland Culture Museum

Showcases the history, customs, and nomadic lifestyle of the ethnic groups inhabiting the Ili River Valley and Nalati grasslands.

Komul Museum

Houses Hami's local history exhibits, including Bronze Age mummies, traditional Uyghur Muqam musical instruments, and the history of Hami melon cultivation.