The Hami Hui Prince's Palace is located in Huicheng Township, Yizhou District, Hami City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, at the northeast corner of the original Huicheng. It was rebuilt in the 45th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1706) on the basis of the original Mongolian mansion. Although the scenic area does not have a clear official rating, it holds an important position among historical and cultural tourist attractions in Xinjiang and even the whole country. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction.
The scenic area is distinctive, once the political and cultural center of Hami, with a grand scale and unique style, integrating the architectural styles of multiple ethnic groups such as Han, Manchu, Mongolian, and Uyghur. It was the largest, most magnificent, and most uniquely styled palace complex in Xinjiang at that time. The reconstructed royal mansion features earthen walls and high platforms, glazed tile roofs, overhanging eaves and bracket sets, with interlaced gardens, reflecting both the artistic style of Islamic classical architecture and integrating the characteristics of Han architectural art. The completed Wangye Platform is divided into two parts: there are 13 single buildings with an architectural area of 1,400 square meters on the platform, and a two-story frame structure with a construction area of approximately 14,000 square meters under the platform. In terms of area data, the first-phase project (Wangye Platform) covers 59.68 mu.
History and Culture
The history of Hami Hui Prince's Palace can be traced back to the early Qing Dynasty. In the 35th year of the Kangxi reign (1696), Ebeidula, the leader of the Uyghur people in Hami, broke away from the Junggar tribe and submitted to the Qing Dynasty. In the autumn of the 37th year of the Kangxi reign (1698), Ebeidula went to Beijing, and when he returned the following year, he invited Han craftsmen from the capital to design and build the royal mansion and Huicheng, which took 7 years to complete.
Afterwards, through the renovation, processing, and expansion by several generations of Hui kings, by the time of the seventh-generation Hui king Bo Xier, it had become a magnificent garden architectural complex connected by residences and gardens. However, in the fifth year of the Tongzhi reign (1864), the peasant rebel army attacked the royal mansion, executed Bo Xier, and burned down the mansion. Later, Mohamot succeeded to the throne under the support of the Qing army, but in the autumn of the 12th year of the Tongzhi reign, Bai Yanhhu, the leader of the Shaanxi Hui rebel army, attacked Huicheng, and the royal mansion was plundered again.
In the eighth year of the Guangxu reign (1882), after Shamu Hossut succeeded to the throne, he expanded and renovated the royal mansion. The expanded royal mansion occupied a quarter of Huicheng, with more than 800 rooms and nine gate towers of different sizes. However, in June of the 19th year of the Republic of China (1930), Shamu Hossut passed away. The following year, a peasant uprising occurred, and the provincial army stationed in Hami occupied Huicheng. In search of treasure, they "set fire to and leveled" this 200-year-old Hui Royal Palace.
In 2004, the first-phase project of the original site reconstruction of Hami Hui Prince's Palace was officially launched. Today, it has become a tourist attraction with historical and cultural elements as the core, allowing visitors to appreciate the glory and historical heritage of the past. The Hami Hui kings passed down nine generations, lasting 233 years, playing a positive role in stabilizing Xinjiang, quelling rebellions, and maintaining national unity, and promoting the economic, cultural, and social development of the Hami region.
Main Attractions
Hui King Historical and Cultural Exhibition Hall
The hall displays various aspects of the historical changes, politics, economy, and cultural customs of the Hami Hui kings. Through precious cultural relics, pictures, and written introductions, visitors can deeply understand the development process of the Hami Hui kings and their important status in the history of Xinjiang. It is an important window to understand the historical culture of the Hami Hui Prince's Palace.
Stables
It restores the place where horses were raised and managed in the royal mansion. Visitors can see the architectural structure and layout of ancient stables here, feeling the living atmosphere and military equipment of the royal mansion at that time.
Cell
As a place to detain prisoners in the royal mansion, its architectural style is relatively solid and hidden. It displays the penalty system and prison culture of the time, reflecting the ruling methods and social order maintenance means of the Hami Hui kings from the side.
Bunker
It is a defensive building. The location and structural design of the bunker reflect the needs of military defense, being an important part of the royal mansion's safety guarantee. Visitors can climb onto the bunker, overlook the surrounding scenery, and imagine the military defense scene of the past.
Officers' Activity Room
It is a place where officers in the royal mansion rested, entertained, and communicated. The indoor layout shows the living and working atmosphere of officers at that time, reflecting the military management and command system of the royal mansion.
Officers' Council Chamber
It is a place for military decision-making and discussion of important affairs in the royal mansion. The architectural style is solemn and grand, and the internal furnishings reflect the military strategies and management concepts of the time. Visitors can feel the atmosphere of military decision-making of the past here.
General Reviewing Platform
It is where the Hui king reviewed the army and dispatched generals, with important military symbolic significance. Standing on the General Reviewing Platform, one can almost see the grand scene of the army assembling and the Hui king ordering the expedition in those days.
Officers' Lounge
It provides a space for officers to rest and relax, with relatively comfortable arrangements, reflecting care for officers and also reflecting the military logistics support situation of the royal mansion.
Wordless Memorial Arch Pavilion
The uniquely shaped Wordless Memorial Arch Pavilion leaves much room for imagination. Although there is no written record, it has witnessed historical changes and is a unique landscape in the royal mansion's architecture.
Delicacies
Huang Axi
This is an ancient food with a 300-year inheritance, passed down from the former site of the Hami Hui Prince's Palace. It is a food similar to porridge, with the salty aroma of noodles and mutton soup blending, and can still be tasted in street shops in Hami today.
Keqie Rice
It is also a food with a long history, made from ten kinds of coarse grains with beef bone soup, thick as silk. It was once a ritual food for praying for good fortune in the Beginning of Spring, full of harvest wishes and national wisdom.
Roast Whole Lamb
One of the characteristic delicacies of Hami, the roast whole lamb has a crispy outer skin. When cut, the aroma spreads instantly, and the mutton is tender and juicy. It is a highlight dish for local banquets.
Pepper and ma-la Chicken
The chicken is fresh, tender, and elastic, with a spicy and addictive taste. The unique pepper and hemp flavor is unforgettable, making it a popular appetizer.
Badam Naan
It exudes a rich nutty aroma, perfectly blending the fragrance of badam with the wheat aroma of naan. It has a crispy texture and is a local characteristic pasta, which can be used as both a staple food and a snack.
Hami Melon Dessert
Desserts made from locally produced Hami melons, with just the right amount of sweetness. The sweetness of Hami melons combines with the delicate taste of desserts, bringing a unique taste experience.
Nang Pit Baozi
Thin skin wrapped in hot meat juice, baked in a nang pit. The baozi skin has the unique aroma of the nang pit, and the meat filling is delicious and juicy. Eating it with other foods has a special flavor.
Tickets
The ticket price is 35 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "回王府景区" to get the latest updates. As of 2025-06-01, the official public account does not provide an online ticketing function.
Opening Hours
09:30 - 20:00 throughout the year, subject to the actual opening hours of the scenic area.
Tour Route
After entering the scenic area from the main gate, visitors can first visit the Hui King Historical and Cultural Exhibition Hall to understand the historical context and cultural background of the Hami Hui kings; then successively visit military facility attractions such as stables, cells, and bunkers to experience the military defense system of the royal mansion; then go to places like the officers' activity room, officers' council chamber, general reviewing platform, and officers' lounge to understand the military management and command system of the royal mansion; finally, visit characteristic buildings such as the Wordless Memorial Arch Pavilion to appreciate the architectural art and feel the vicissitudes of history.
Transportation
- By Air: Arrive at Hami Airport first, then take a taxi or airport bus to the scenic area. There are multiple airport bus routes, and you can choose a suitable route to reach a stop near the scenic area according to your situation.
- By Train: Take the train to Hami Station or Hami South Station. After exiting the station, you can choose to take a bus (multiple bus routes pass near the scenic area) or directly take a taxi to the scenic area, which is a short drive.
- By Car: If driving, you can go to Hami City via highways like Lianhuo Expressway, follow the navigation tips to reach the scenic area, and there is a parking lot in the scenic area for visitors' convenience.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Hui King Historical and Cultural Exhibition Hall: As the core attraction of the scenic area, the rich cultural relics and materials in the hall are the key to understanding the history and culture of the Hami Hui kings, a must-visit place.
- General Reviewing Platform: With important historical symbolic significance, standing on it can make people feel the military majesty and historical atmosphere of the past, a good place for photos.
- Officers' Council Chamber: Its architectural style and internal furnishings allow visitors to deeply understand the military decision-making process and culture of the time, feeling the thickness of history.
Tour Tips
- It is recommended to visit the scenic area on a sunny day to better appreciate the details of the buildings and garden landscapes.
- Wear comfortable shoes because the scenic area is large and requires walking a long distance, and comfortable shoes can make the tour more relaxing.
- You can hire a tour guide from the scenic area or use the electronic guide equipment to have a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural connotations of each attraction and enhance the tour experience.
- Reserve enough time to visit the scenic area, it is recommended to spend at least 3 hours to fully appreciate the charm of the scenic area.
Notes
- Abide by the rules and regulations of the scenic area, do not touch cultural relics and exhibits at will, and do not damage the buildings and facilities of the scenic area.
- Respect local religious beliefs and customs, especially when visiting religious places such as mosques, maintain silence and solemnity.
- When visiting in summer, pay attention to sun protection and heatstroke prevention, carry items such as sunglasses, sunscreen, and sun hats, and replenish water in a timely manner to prevent heatstroke.
- Some buildings in the scenic area are of old age, and the ground and stairs may be slippery. Visitors should pay attention to safety when walking to avoid falling.