Urumqi Day 10 9th May
Our first stop was the much anticipated Xin Jiang Museum and the extraordinary story of the ancient “mummies”
A number of preserved bodies have been found in the XinJiang region of China of which Urumqi is the capital. The finds dating back 4,000 years were in two main areas – one North of the dividing Tienshan Mountain Range and the other South of the range. The southern figures were found in the desert – brought to attention because of the shifting desert sands which exposed coffins and burial sites.
Many figures and artefacts have been found over several burial sites. Some were in coffins, the burial ground marked with tall wooden markers. Each burial ground had different processes – the dry climate preserved the bodies for centuries.And this has allowed the bodies to more accurately analysed as unlike mummies from other parts of the world the mummies are in amazing condition.
As you can see from the photos above the mummies are said to have European features. The most famous genetic research has suggested the figures come from all over the Asian continent including Persia, East, Central and South Asia.This is considered controversial as this challenges China’s view that this area has always been a part of China.
Also found with the bodies are finely woven coloured and patterned fabric, some in that is said to be an early form of tartan – again this is controversial as some believe the cloth is similar to cloth found in the salt mines of Austria from a similar time period.Further there are other sophisticated artefacts found including mirror and comb sets, cooking implements
Also a number of the figures had tattoos on their hands and “tatto-like” facial markings painted on their skin after death– still clearly visible on the bodies.You can see this below
For more information there is an interesting article at
Urumqi Museum Mummy Exhibition Notes
We then went to the Grand Bazaar where we first had some lunch and then went to instrument shop where we watched an impromptu performance with our guide’s friend.
After the Bazaar we headed to the Red Hill Park in the centre of downtown Urumqi. There were beautiful garden beds of flowers in bloom including tulips and peonies.We walked through the park till we came to the tower built on the crest of the hill.Further along was a pagoda built on rock the colour of which gave the hill its name.
Went out on our own for dinner and found a bustling little restaurant where we had duck.
