Kazanqi Folk Custom Village

Chinese name: 喀赞其民俗村 （Ka Zan Qi Min Su Cun）
Location: Xinhua East Road, Yining City, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang.
Ticket: Free
Estimated time of tour: 2-3hours
Recommended time of visit: All year round.
Nearby attractions: Guozi Valley, Sayram Lake, Ili River, Huocheng Lavender Fields, etc.

Kazanqi is a community in Nanshi district, Yining City, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture,  Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It sits near to Hanren street (Han’s street) and Renmin square (people’s square). This community has been developed into a scenic spot that highlights the culture and folk custom of Uygur people. It is rich in Uygur culture and serves as a window to the city of Yili.

It locates in southeast of Yining city, covers an area of 23 square kilometers with population of approximately 100,000. It is home to Uygur, Hui, Kazakh and Uzbek people.

Kazanqi in Uygur language means “people who makes iron pot”. It goes beyond a geological name for a place. It is more of a cultural identity for many Uygur people who migrated in Ili prefecture long time ago. The Uygur group who migrated from south of Xinjing to the north were mostly craftsmen, particularly pot makers. Pot making has long been replaced by machinery, but the traditions of craftsmanship, such as horse saddle making, ironworks and wood carving, are maintained here. The city of Yining is not in short of arts and artists. Many of the famous Uygur elites such as composer, writers and intellectuals found their origins in the city of Yining.

Kazanqi is not a typical scenic spot which are often gated or walled. It is a thriving community with more than 100,000 residents. Visitors could try out the unique horse taxi here. People of this region have long been using horse as means of transport. Horse wagons are common scene here 

● Highlights of Kazanqi Folk Custom Village

Uygur courtyard

Some Uygur courtyards are open to visitors. The Datuhongbayi courtyard is the most characteristic among all. This courtyard was originally built in 1931, much of it buildings were refurnished and well protected. It covers an area of 1000 square meters. The architectural was styled and decorated in a typical Uygur and Tatar feature. It showcases the splendid Uygur culture and long tradition of handicrafts making.

Mosque

The Big Mosque of Hui People was once named Ninggu Mosque, Shanxi Mosque and Shangan Mosque. It is one important mosque in Ili prefecture. It was first built in 1760 during the reign of Emperor Qiang Long of Qing Dynasty. It is a direct copy and restyle of Huajue Mosque in Xi’an City. Like many mosques in China, it is styled and decorated in a mixture of Chinese and Arabic influence. This mosque is large enough to accommodate more than 1000 worshipers at the same time.