Revitalizing Silk Road Heritage: Kuqa's Cultural Renaissance
Kuqa in Xinjiang enhances its historical allure through cultural preservation and tourism initiatives.
Kuqa, located in Aksu prefecture of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is experiencing a cultural renaissance aimed at revitalizing its legacy as a significant stop along the ancient Silk Road.
Traditionally known as Qiuci, this historic city served as the seat of the Anxi Protectorate during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and is recognized for its rich cultural heritage and historical depth.
In recent years, efforts to integrate cultural preservation with tourism have been on the rise as part of a broader initiative termed 'Cultural Enrichment of Xinjiang.'
In 2012, Kuqa was designated as a state-level historical and cultural city by China's State Council.
Since this designation, the local government has focused on heritage conservation, launching various projects to renovate and restore old residences.
A notable initiative commenced in 2023, aimed at preserving traditional dwellings through a comprehensive survey conducted in collaboration with the Tsinghua Heritage Institute for Digitization.
This project involved training local craftsmen to use traditional techniques, which has facilitated the passing down of skills and knowledge.
He Yan, the president of the Tsinghua Heritage Institute for Digitization, emphasized the project's commitment to minimal intervention, advising the use of original materials and craftsmanship to maintain architectural authenticity.
As part of these renovations, once-dilapidated alleyways have been transformed into vibrant areas, leading to increased tourism and providing new sources of income for local residents.
Memet Yimit, a resident, noted the positive impact of the restoration on both tourism and community education regarding Kuqa's history.
In an effort to further promote its cultural heritage, Kuqa has established the Qiuci intangible cultural heritage workshop, housed in a repurposed grain warehouse since 2024. This workshop showcases 25 categories of intangible cultural heritage, providing an interactive experience for visitors to engage with traditional craftsmanship.
The workshop includes production zones, exhibition halls, and modern digital displays, attracting more than 8,000 visitors daily since its opening in 2025.
Kuqa boasts 119 officially recognized items of intangible cultural heritage.
To protect these traditions, the Kuqa Cultural Center has been established, offering training programs for traditional crafts and extending outreach to rural communities.
The center emphasizes cultural education and aims to integrate these practices into everyday life.
Funding programs and performance-based incentives have been introduced to enhance enthusiasm among inheritors of intangible cultural heritage.
Intergenerational mentorship initiatives encourage experienced artisans to pass on their knowledge to younger generations, fostering a vibrant future for traditional crafts.
Local schools are also participating by offering classes related to traditional arts, thereby reinforcing cultural identity among students.
Additionally, Kuqa has revitalized a 1.2-kilometer stretch of ancient alleyways known as Qiuci Lane through micro-renovations that preserve historical architectural styles while incorporating elements of Qiuci culture.
The city is planning the development of a Silk Road cultural tourism belt that aims to blend its natural beauty with its rich cultural legacy.
Through these initiatives, Kuqa is emerging as a model of integrated cultural and tourism development, focused on cultivating distinctive tourism brands rooted in its historical heritage.
Traditionally known as Qiuci, this historic city served as the seat of the Anxi Protectorate during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and is recognized for its rich cultural heritage and historical depth.
In recent years, efforts to integrate cultural preservation with tourism have been on the rise as part of a broader initiative termed 'Cultural Enrichment of Xinjiang.'
In 2012, Kuqa was designated as a state-level historical and cultural city by China's State Council.
Since this designation, the local government has focused on heritage conservation, launching various projects to renovate and restore old residences.
A notable initiative commenced in 2023, aimed at preserving traditional dwellings through a comprehensive survey conducted in collaboration with the Tsinghua Heritage Institute for Digitization.
This project involved training local craftsmen to use traditional techniques, which has facilitated the passing down of skills and knowledge.
He Yan, the president of the Tsinghua Heritage Institute for Digitization, emphasized the project's commitment to minimal intervention, advising the use of original materials and craftsmanship to maintain architectural authenticity.
As part of these renovations, once-dilapidated alleyways have been transformed into vibrant areas, leading to increased tourism and providing new sources of income for local residents.
Memet Yimit, a resident, noted the positive impact of the restoration on both tourism and community education regarding Kuqa's history.
In an effort to further promote its cultural heritage, Kuqa has established the Qiuci intangible cultural heritage workshop, housed in a repurposed grain warehouse since 2024. This workshop showcases 25 categories of intangible cultural heritage, providing an interactive experience for visitors to engage with traditional craftsmanship.
The workshop includes production zones, exhibition halls, and modern digital displays, attracting more than 8,000 visitors daily since its opening in 2025.
Kuqa boasts 119 officially recognized items of intangible cultural heritage.
To protect these traditions, the Kuqa Cultural Center has been established, offering training programs for traditional crafts and extending outreach to rural communities.
The center emphasizes cultural education and aims to integrate these practices into everyday life.
Funding programs and performance-based incentives have been introduced to enhance enthusiasm among inheritors of intangible cultural heritage.
Intergenerational mentorship initiatives encourage experienced artisans to pass on their knowledge to younger generations, fostering a vibrant future for traditional crafts.
Local schools are also participating by offering classes related to traditional arts, thereby reinforcing cultural identity among students.
Additionally, Kuqa has revitalized a 1.2-kilometer stretch of ancient alleyways known as Qiuci Lane through micro-renovations that preserve historical architectural styles while incorporating elements of Qiuci culture.
The city is planning the development of a Silk Road cultural tourism belt that aims to blend its natural beauty with its rich cultural legacy.
Through these initiatives, Kuqa is emerging as a model of integrated cultural and tourism development, focused on cultivating distinctive tourism brands rooted in its historical heritage.
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