Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

Twelve Mu Ka Mu of Uygur Ethnic Group

The Uyghur (维吾尔族) are the largest ethnic minority in China, with a population of approximately 11.62 million as of 2020. Primarily residing in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (新疆维吾尔自治区), the Uyghur people are renowned for their vibrant culture, hospitality, exquisite craftsmanship, and devotion to Islam. Their rich heritage includes Muqam music, Aydelais silk (艾德莱斯绸), and the ancient city of Kashgar (喀什古城), making them a central link in the legacy of the Silk Road civilization.

Ethnic Overview

Historical Origins

The Uyghur people trace their origins to the Uyghur Khaganate (回纥), migrating to the Western Regions (西域) in the 8th–9th centuries and blending with local populations. During the Song and Yuan dynasties, they were known as "Weiwuer (畏兀儿)", and in 1934, the name Uyghur (维吾尔) was officially adopted, symbolizing unity and solidarity. Historically, they developed oasis-based agricultural culture and prospered as Silk Road traders, bridging Eastern and Western civilizations.

Language and Script

• Language: Belongs to the Turkic branch of the Altaic language family, divided into Central, Hotan (和田), and Lop dialects.
• Script: Modern Uyghur is written in Arabic-based Uyghur script, with many urban areas also using Mandarin Chinese (汉语). Northern Xinjiang incorporates Kazakh (哈萨克语) in certain regions.

Cultural Traits

The Uyghur people are open, cheerful, and hospitable, with a strong tradition of music, dance, and handicrafts. They uphold integrity, mutual assistance, and elaborate festival rituals, with a thriving heritage of intangible cultural traditions.

Distribution and Settlements

Core Areas: Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (新疆维吾尔自治区)

• Autonomous Prefectures (5):
  • Kashgar Prefecture (喀什地区) – Uyghur population over 90%
  • Hotan Prefecture (和田地区)
  • Aksu Prefecture (阿克苏地区)
  • Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture (克孜勒苏柯尔克孜自治州)
  • Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture (巴音郭楞蒙古自治州)
• Autonomous Counties (6):
  • Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County (塔什库尔干塔吉克自治县, Kashgar)
  • Akto County (阿克陶县, Kizilsu)
  • Wuqia County (乌恰县, Kizilsu)
  • Aheqi County (阿合奇县, Kizilsu)
  • Chabuchar Xibe Autonomous County (察布查尔锡伯自治县, Ili)
  • Mulei Kazakh Autonomous County (木垒哈萨克自治县, Changji)
• Major Settlements (Southern Xinjiang):
  • Kashgar (喀什市): Old City streets (Kumudaiwaza, Qiasa), Gaotai residences, Seman Township, Bershkeranmu Township
  • Shache County (莎车县): Shache Town, Tomuwustang Township (Aydelais silk production center), Ishikuli Township
  • Hotan (和田市): Nalbage Street (Tuan City), Gujiangbage Township
  • Kuqa (库车市): Old City streets, Yishihala Town, Wuqia Town
  • Turpan (吐鲁番市): Old City streets, Grape Valley (葡萄沟镇), Yar Town, Lukqin Town (Sanqiao villages)
  • Shanshan County (鄯善县): Tuyugou Township (Maza Village), Lukqin Town
• Northern Xinjiang Settlements:
  • Yining (伊宁市): Kazanqi Street, Dadamutu Township (Bulak Village / Talanchi folk culture)
  • Urumqi (乌鲁木齐市): Tianshan District, Shayibak District
  • Jimsar (吉木萨尔县), Qitai (奇台县): Smaller populations
• Distinctive Villages & Heritage Sites:
  • Turpan Maza Village (吐鲁番麻扎村): 1,700-year-old earthen village, millennium mulberry trees, Islamic sacred sites
  • Turpan Sanqiao Villages (三个桥村): Mulberry paper (桑皮纸) craft, century-old mulberry trees, Aydelais silk workshops
  • Kashgar Gaotai Residences (高台民居): Cliffside earthen villages, living folk museums, pottery & wood carving heritage
  • Hotan Tuan City (和田团城): Traditional southern Xinjiang residential blocks, milk-colored earthen houses, carved colorful doors & windows
  • Yining Kazanqi (喀赞其): Blue walls, carved windows, horse carriage tours, Northern Xinjiang’s largest authentic Uyghur experience
  • Yining Bulak Village (布拉克村 / Talanchi Folk Village): Preserves traditional Ili Uyghur residential and agricultural culture

Inland Settlements (Mainland China)

• Taoyuan, Hunan (桃源县): Maple Uyghur-Hui Ethnic Township, Qinglin Uyghur-Hui Township
• Hanshou County (汉寿县): Maojiatan Uyghur-Hui Township
• Dingcheng District (鼎城区): Xujiaqiao Uyghur-Hui Township

Traditional Customs and Lifestyle

Traditional Clothing

• Men: Long collarless robes (Jiapang), wide sleeves, embroidered long belts, Dopa small four-cornered embroidered hats, leather boots.
• Women: Multi-layered wide dresses (Kuinaq) with short vests, embroidered hats or headscarves, silver earrings/bracelets/necklaces, high embroidered boots, natural eyebrow dye from Usman grass.

Residential Architecture

• Southern Xinjiang: Earthen houses (Aywangsailai residences), flat roofs, thick walls for insulation, carved wooden doors/windows, grape/flower courtyards, carpeted interiors, clay heated beds (Supa).
• Turpan: Mud-brick houses with drying rooms and grape trellises, adapted to dry, hot climate.
• Northern Xinjiang: Courtyard-style homes with Kazakh influence, colorful wooden structures.

Daily Etiquette

• Hospitality includes serving hand-grabbed rice, roasted buns, milk tea, and naan.
• Respect elders: stand to greet, serve elders first, use both hands when giving/receiving.
• Prohibited behaviors: eating pork, dog, donkey, mule, dead animals, stepping on food, washing at water sources, photographing women/elders without permission.

Marriage Customs

• Free-choice love, exchanging embroidered tokens, same-surname marriage prohibited, interfaith marriage allowed.
• Wedding rituals: Proposal → Betrothal → Dowry → Bride Fetching, including Quran recitation, eating salted naan, festive dances Sanim and Meshrep.

Funeral Practices

• Islamic burial, wrapped in white cloth, buried in public cemeteries facing Mecca, no gravestones, prayer recitation, no female participation in the funeral procession.

Religious Beliefs

• Core: Sunni Islam (Hanafi school), daily prayers five times, fasting, religion integrated into daily life.
• Folk beliefs: Ancestor and nature worship, reverence for sacred mountains, springs, and trees.
• Places of worship: Mosques (e.g., Id Kah Mosque 艾提尕尔清真寺, largest in Xinjiang), daily prayers, Friday congregational prayers, and festival rituals.

Major Festivals

Eid al-Adha (古尔邦节)

• Celebrated 70 days after Eid al-Fitr, typically in late May (2026: May 27–30).
• Highlights: Mass congregational prayers at Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺), ritual animal sacrifice, festive meals (hand-grabbed rice, roasted lamb), Meshrep dance, horse racing, wrestling, and local sports.

Eid al-Fitr (肉孜节)

• Marks the end of Ramadan.
• Highlights: Personal grooming, mosque attendance, visiting relatives, sharing naan and sweets, street music and dance performances, nationwide joyful celebrations.

Nowruz (诺鲁孜节)

• Spring equinox festival around March 21, lasting one month.
• Highlights: House cleaning, bonfires, eating malt porridge (Sumalek), gift exchanges, folk games (horse racing, cockfighting, tug-of-war), and Meshrep evening festivities.

Mawlid al-Nabi (圣纪节)

• Celebrates Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.
• Highlights: Quran recitation, religious lectures, themed communal meals, in-depth cultural experiences.

Uyghur Cuisine: Must-Try Dishes

Staples

• Naan (馕): Core staple baked in clay ovens, varieties include oil naan, meat naan, sesame naan.
• Hand-Grabbed Rice (抓饭 / Polo): Festive dish of rice, lamb, carrots, onions, and oil, also available in sweet versions with raisins and apricots.
• Laghman (拉面): Hand-pulled noodles with lamb, vegetables, and chili.
• Baked Bun (Shamusa / 沙木萨): Crispy outside, juicy lamb filling inside.
• Thin-Skin Steamed Bun (Piti Manta / 皮提曼塔): Lamb and onion, delicate and savory.

Signature Dishes

• Big Plate Chicken (大盘鸡): Chicken with potatoes, peppers, onions, served with noodles.
• Hand-Pulled Lamb (手抓羊肉): Boiled lamb ribs, seasoned with salt and cumin.
• Sheep Sausages and Lungs (米肠子、面肺子): Local delicacies at night markets.
• Grilled Lamb Skewers (烤羊肉串): Charcoal-grilled with cumin and chili.

Drinks

• Milk Tea (奶茶): Brick tea with milk and salt.
• Yogurt (酸奶): Homemade, fermented, creamy.
• Hotan Medicinal Tea (和田药茶): Herbal tea with clove, cardamom, pepper.

Arts and Handicrafts

Music and Dance

• Muqam (木卡姆): UNESCO-listed, twelve suites blending music, dance, poetry, epic storytelling.
• Sanim (赛乃姆): Folk dance with drum accompaniment, expressive movements.
• Meshrep (麦西来甫): Community singing, dancing, storytelling, interactive and lively.
• Instruments: Daf (hand drum), Dutar, Rewap, Tambur, Qarlonqin.

Handicrafts

• Aydelais Silk (艾德莱斯绸): Bright, patterned dyed silk, primarily for women’s attire, main production in Hotan (和田) and Shache (莎车).
• Mulberry Paper (桑皮纸): Handmade, durable, insect-resistant, found in Turpan Sanqiao Villages (吐鲁番三个桥村).
• Pottery: Traditional Kashgar Gaotai residences (高台民居), functional and artistic.
• Wood and Brick Carving: Decorative doors, windows, and courtyards combining Central Asian and Chinese styles.

Literature

• Stories of Afanti (阿凡提): Folklore featuring humor, wisdom, and social satire.
• Epic Chronicles: “Legend of Ugus Khan (乌古斯可汗传说)” and other Turkic literary treasures.

Cultural Tourism Destinations

Southern Xinjiang Highlights

• Kashgar Old City (喀什古城, 5A, UNESCO World Heritage): Ancient streets, mud-brick homes, bustling bazaar, morning opening ceremony, Muqam performances, handicraft workshops, Id Kah Mosque, Gaotai cliff dwellings.
• Hotan Tuan City (和田团城): Largest surviving traditional southern Xinjiang residential cluster, handwoven carpets, Aydelais silk, herbal tea workshops, evening folk performances.
• Shache Old City (莎车老城) & Aydelais Silk Workshop: Traditional bazaar, carved houses, tea houses, hands-on silk dyeing.

Eastern Xinjiang Experiences

• Turpan Maza Village (吐鲁番麻扎村): 1,700-year-old earthen village, mulberry trees, mosque, ancient caves, grape drying houses, mulberry paper making.
• Turpan Grape Valley (葡萄沟, 5A): Vineyards, family visits, grape harvesting, local song and dance, Karez Museum (ancient irrigation).
• Turpan Sanqiao Villages (三个桥村): Mulberry paper heritage, Aydelais silk workshops, pottery studios, preserved traditional homes.

Northern Xinjiang Highlights

• Yining Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area (喀赞其, 4A): Blue walls, carved windows, horse-drawn carriage tours, Muqam & Sanim, handicraft workshops, local cuisine.
• Yining Bulak Village (布拉克村 / Talanchi Folk Village): Preserves traditional Ili Uyghur culture, folk customs, agricultural lifestyle, and authentic cuisine.

Inland Minority Hub

• Taoyuan Maple Uyghur-Hui Township (桃源枫树维吾尔族回族乡): Largest Uyghur settlement outside Xinjiang, cultural squares, mosque, folk performances, culinary experiences.

Travel Tips for Uyghur Cultural Tourism

Best Time to Visit

• Primary season: June–October, comfortable climate, ripe fruits, lush landscapes, festivals (Eid al-Adha, Nowruz).
• Festival immersion: March (Nowruz), late May (Eid al-Adha), October (Eid al-Fitr).
• Alternative: December for winter cultural and snow experiences in northern and southern Xinjiang.

Sample 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kashgar → Old City → Opening Ceremony → Id Kah Mosque → Gaotai Residences → Bazaar → Night Market (Grilled Lamb Skewers, Hand-Grabbed Rice) → Stay in Old City Guesthouse.
Day 2: Kashgar → Hotan → Tuan City → Aydelais Silk Workshop → Hotan Grand Bazaar → Overnight in Hotan.
Day 3: Hotan → Shache → Old City → Aydelais Silk Museum & Workshop → Overnight in Shache.
Day 4: Shache → Aksu → Kuqa Old City → Kizil Caves → Overnight in Kuqa.
Day 5: Kuqa → Turpan → Flaming Mountains → Grape Valley → Family Visit (Grape Picking, Folk Dance, Cuisine) → Stay in Grape Valley Guesthouse.
Day 6: Turpan → Maza Village → Sanqiao Villages (Mulberry Paper Experience) → Jiaohe Ancient City → Overnight in Turpan.
Day 7: Turpan → Urumqi → International Grand Bazaar → Departure.

Festival Travel Guide

Eid al-Adha (Late May 2026): Attend mass prayer at Id Kah Mosque, participate in sacrificial rituals, street Meshrep dance, horse racing, and folk games. Dress in bright colors, wear Dopa hats, and respect mosque etiquette.
Nowruz (Around March 21): Participate in house cleaning, bonfire rituals, Sumalek tasting, folk games, and evening Meshrep celebrations. Gift exchanges and home visits encouraged.

Transportation

• External: Fly to Urumqi Diwopu Airport, transfer by high-speed train or plane to Kashgar (~1.5h), Hotan (~2h), Turpan (~1h), Yining (~1.5h).
• Internal: Walking/electric vehicles in old towns, horse carriage tours in Kazanqi (哈迪克), intercity private or shared car services.

Accommodation

• Cultural Guesthouses: Kashgar Old City, Turpan Grape Valley, Yining Kazanqi Blue House Guesthouses.
• Comfort Hotels: City center hotels in Kashgar, Hotan, Turpan.

Practical Tips

• Respect Islamic customs, appropriate attire in mosques, observe Ramadan etiquette.
• Observe local etiquette: two-hand greetings, avoid stepping on food, seek permission before photographing locals.
• Seasonal clothing: summer sun protection, spring/autumn light jackets, winter warm wear.
• Food: spicy and oily dishes, keep snacks like naan, dried fruits, and milk tea for travel.
• Shopping: Haggle politely in bazaars, purchase certified handicrafts (Aydelais silk, mulberry paper, pottery).