The Kekeya Memorial Hall is located at No. 72 Nanhu Road, Wensu County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Its characteristic lies in being the first ecological civilization construction memorial hall in Xinjiang, a comprehensive venue integrating the display of ecological governance history and the inheritance of spiritual culture. The memorial hall has a construction area of 4,396 square meters. The roof image of its exterior design is inspired by Tomur Peak, the highest peak of the Tianshan Mountains (a cultural symbol of Xinjiang), adopting the architectural form of "double-eave hip roof", which highlights the charm of the Han and Tang Dynasties, with a magnificent and solemn momentum, integrating Chinese traditions, local characteristics, and the spirit of the era.
Historical Culture
The Aksu Prefecture has a fragile ecosystem. In 1986, the prefectural committee and administrative office launched the construction of the Kekeya desert greening project. After more than 30 years of continuous struggle, especially since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the prefecture has continued to advance the Kekeya greening project, successively implementing three million-mu ecological governance projects in the Aksu River Basin, Weigan River Basin, and Kongtailike Area.
The Kekeya Memorial Hall records the arduous struggle process of people of all ethnic groups in Aksu to transform nature, repair the ecosystem, and green their homeland, and has forged the Kekeya spirit of "self-reliance, united struggle, hard work, and selfless dedication".
Main Attractions
Prelude Hall
Through large-scale sculptures and multimedia displays, it vividly reproduces the harsh natural environment of the Kekeya region in the past and the unyielding spiritual outlook of the Aksu people in the face of difficulties.
Desert Gobi - Harsh Natural Environment in the Past
Through historical photos and physical exhibits, visitors can deeply feel the desolation and poverty of the Kekeya region in the past.
Unyielding - Hard Struggle History in the Desert
Through a large number of precious pictures, video materials, and physical exhibits, it shows the arduous efforts and selfless dedication of the Aksu people in desertification control, highlighting the profound connotation of the "Kekeya Spirit".
Passing on the Torch - Opening a New Chapter in Desert Greening, Unshakable Belief - Forging a New Monument to Ecological Governance
Through vivid cases and detailed data, it displays the remarkable achievements and valuable experience of the Aksu Prefecture in desertification control, providing reference and inspiration for desertification control nationwide and even globally.
Epilogue (or Road to the Future)
By looking to the future, it inspires people to continue inheriting and promoting the "Kekeya Spirit" and contribute to building a beautiful homeland and realizing the Chinese dream together.
Sightseeing Tower
It allows visitors to overlook the magnificent scenery of the entire Kekeya region and feel the miracle and charm of the desert turning into an oasis.
Delicacies
Roast Whole Lamb
Using Keheping's lambs, it can be tasted in the Kekeya Ecological Park. It is delicious with a crispy skin.
Big Plate Chicken
A special food in Xinjiang, with tender chicken, paired with potatoes, green peppers, etc., spicy and delicious, which can be tasted in restaurants around Kekeya.
Kuqa Naan
It was named the first Chinese Gold Medal Tourist Snack in 2016, an autonomous region-level intangible cultural heritage in 2010, and praised as the "First Chinese Bread" by the Asian Material Culture Assessment General Administration of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Expert Appraisal Organization in 2018. It has a rich wheat fragrance and can be purchased in characteristic food stores in Aksu.
Aksu Rock Sugar Heart Apple
A special product of Aksu, with a smooth and delicate fruit surface, bright and natural color, thin skin and thick flesh, sweet taste and rich juice, which can be purchased and tasted in local fruit stores or orchards.
Tickets
Free admission.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "阿克苏地区柯柯牙纪念馆" to get the latest updates.
Opening Hours
Closed on Mondays, open from 10:00 to 20:00 from Tuesday to Sunday.
Tour Route
After entering the memorial hall, first visit the Prelude Hall to understand the historical background of the Kekeya region; then successively visit exhibition halls such as "Desert Gobi - Harsh Natural Environment in the Past", "Unyielding - Hard Struggle History in the Desert", "Passing on the Torch - Opening a New Chapter in Desert Greening", and "Unshakable Belief - Forging a New Monument to Ecological Governance" to deeply understand the Kekeya spirit and the course of ecological governance; finally, climb the Sightseeing Tower to overlook the entire Kekeya.
Transportation
- Bus: You can check the local bus routes to see if there are direct buses to the memorial hall.
- Taxi: Take a taxi from Aksu urban area, about 20 kilometers away, and the drive takes about 30 minutes.
- Self-driving: Navigate to No. 72 Nanhu Road, Wensu County. The memorial hall has a parking lot.
Must-visit Attractions
- Prelude Hall: Large-scale sculptures and multimedia displays vividly present historical scenes, allowing people to have an intuitive understanding of Kekeya's past.
- Unyielding - Hard Struggle History in the Desert Exhibition Hall: Rich exhibits detail the struggle process of the Aksu people, deeply feeling the Kekeya spirit.
- Sightseeing Tower: It can have a panoramic view of the magnificent scenery of Kekeya and witness the miracle of the desert turning into an oasis.
Tour Tips
- The recommended tour time is 2-3 hours to fully understand the display content of the memorial hall.
- Listen carefully to the explanation when visiting to better understand the significance of the Kekeya spirit and ecological governance.
- Choose a sunny day to go, and you can enjoy more beautiful scenery when climbing the Sightseeing Tower.
Notes
- Abide by the regulations of the hall, and please do not make loud noises or touch the exhibits.
- Closed on Mondays, so pay attention to arranging the visit time.
- The hall has interactive experience projects. Operate under the guidance of staff and pay attention to safety.