Museum of Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture

Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture Museum (巴音郭楞蒙古自治州博物馆), a local comprehensive museum, was established in March 1990 and is affiliated with the Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture Cultural Bureau. It is located in the city of Korla (库尔勒市) in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (新疆维吾尔自治区).

Collection Highlights

The museum houses a variety of national treasures, including over ten categories of precious cultural relics such as bronze wares, ceramics, textiles, mummies, gold and silver artifacts, jade objects, and murals. Among its collection are 14 first-class cultural relics, 82 second-class relics, and 558 third-class relics. It serves as a comprehensive museum that combines historical artifacts with tourism.

In September 2018, the museum was designated as a national second-level museum by the China Museum Association. In November 2020, it was confirmed as a national 4A-level tourist attraction.

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

  • Free Visiting Days: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Last entry at 5:30 PM).
  • Closed: Mondays (except during national holidays).

Visitors can enter for free but must adhere to a “free but ticketed” policy, meaning that each individual must present their identification card or another valid document to receive one entry ticket. Guests are required to queue for entry.

Address

The Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture Museum is located at the intersection of Shihua Avenue (石化大道) and Yingbin Road (迎宾路) in Korla (库尔勒).

Development History

Construction of the Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture Museum officially began in 2007 along Shihua Avenue in Korla. This project was one of the key initiatives identified for the Bayingolin cultural and health development year. The museum occupies an area of 39.41 acres, with a total building area of 26,500 square meters and a total investment of 64 million yuan. It features a frame structure, with a building height of 51.35 meters. The museum is a six-story building, utilizing the fourth and fifth floors for exhibition space, totaling approximately 680 square meters, with the exhibition hall covering about 340 square meters.

The architectural design of the museum draws inspiration from the Loulan Pagoda, complemented by a Mongolian Vajra Stupa, symbolizing a quest for and reflection on the ancient Loulan culture, bringing to life millennia of historical civilization. The main structure was planned for completion by November, ensuring that it would be finished and operational by the end of October 2008.

As a landmark project for the Bayingolin cultural and health development year, the foundation laying of the museum marked the beginning of various cultural activities in the region. Additionally, there are plans to construct a cultural center, library, and youth science activity center to enhance cultural infrastructure and promote the rich, multi-ethnic history and culture of Bayingolin on a national and global scale.

In September 2018, the museum was recognized as a national second-level museum, and on November 27, 2020, it was designated as a national 4A-level tourist attraction.

Exhibition Layout

The museum features four main exhibition halls:

  1. First Exhibition Hall: Showcasing the Chabuhugou Cultural Site, including artifacts from ancient tombs in Hejing County (和静县) and Quntai County (轮台县), primarily featuring painted pottery and bronze items.
  2. Second and Third Exhibition Halls: Displaying relics from the pre-Qin period to the Qing Dynasty, arranged chronologically. This includes stone tools, bronze wares, iron tools, ceramics, gold and silver artifacts, bone and horn items, jade, coins, inscriptions, documents, clay figurines, woolen textiles, weapons, and ethnic artifacts.
  3. Fourth Exhibition Hall: Dedicated to the display of ancient mummies from Zha Honglu Ke County (且末县), featuring three mummies over 3,000 years old and woolen textiles unearthed from the tombs.

The Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture Museum has nearly 600 exhibits, with 14 first-class, 82 second-class, and 558 third-class relics. These artifacts reflect the lifestyles and production conditions of ancient ancestors who lived within the Bayingolin region, particularly noted for their distinctive painted pottery and woolen textiles.

Main Tasks

The Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture Museum serves as an important window reflecting the political, economic, and historical cultural development of the region. Through exhibitions, it promotes patriotic education, enhances the cultural literacy of various ethnic groups, and improves the quality of spiritual and cultural life. It is one of the region’s key cultural facilities, dedicated to preserving Chinese civilization, disseminating excellent scientific and cultural knowledge, and conducting patriotic education. This remains the eternal theme and fundamental task of the Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture Museum.

How to Get There

Transportation Options

  1. By Public Transport: You can take buses that stop at the museum station. Options include Bus No. 1, 2, 5, 8, and 10, among others.
  2. By Taxi: Taxis are widely available and can take you directly to the museum.
  3. Self-Driving: If you prefer driving, the museum is accessible via Shihua Avenue, and there is parking available on-site.

Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: The museum is less crowded during weekdays, so visiting on Tuesday or Wednesday is advisable.
  • Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour for a more in-depth understanding of the exhibits.
  • Photography: Check museum policies regarding photography, as some exhibitions may have restrictions.
  • Cultural Etiquette: Be respectful of the artifacts and follow museum rules while touring the exhibits.