The Kekeya Memorial Hall is located at No. 72 Nanhu Road, Wensu County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and is a National 4A-level tourist attraction. Its distinguishing feature is that it is Xinjiang's first memorial hall dedicated to ecological civilization construction, and it is a comprehensive venue that integrates the display of ecological governance history with the transmission of spiritual culture. The memorial hall has a building area of 4,396 square meters. Its exterior design draws on the highest peak of the Tianshan Mountains, Tomur Peak, as a cultural symbol of Xinjiang for its roof image, and adopts the "double-eaved hip-and-gable roof" architectural form, highlighting the elegance of the Han and Tang dynasties. It is majestic and solemn, integrating traditional Chinese elements, local characteristics, and the spirit of the times.
Historical Culture
The Aksu region is ecologically fragile. In 1986, the prefectural party committee and administrative office launched the Kekeya desert greening project. After more than 30 years of relayed struggle, especially since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the region has continued to advance the Kekeya greening project and successively implemented three million-mu ecological governance projects in the Aksu River Basin, the Weigan River Basin, and the Kongtailike area.
The Kekeya Memorial Hall records the arduous striving process of the people of all ethnic groups in Aksu in transforming nature, restoring ecology, and greening their homeland, and has forged the "Kekeya spirit" of "self-reliance, unity and struggle, hard work, and selfless dedication."
Main Attractions
Prologue Hall
Through large-scale sculptures and multimedia displays, it vividly recreates the harsh natural environment of the Kekeya area in the past, as well as the indomitable spiritual outlook of the Aksu people in the face of difficulties.
Desert and Gobi — The Harsh Natural Environment of the Past
Through historical photographs and physical exhibits, visitors can deeply feel the desolation and barrenness of the Kekeya area in the past.
Indomitable — A History of Hard Struggle in the Desert
Through a large number of precious photographs, video materials, and physical exhibits, it displays the arduous efforts and selfless dedication of the Aksu people in desertification control, highlighting the profound connotations of the "Kekeya spirit."
Passing the Torch — Opening a New Chapter in Desert Greening; Firm Belief — Forging a New Monument in Ecological Governance
Through vivid cases and detailed data, it displays the remarkable achievements and valuable experience of the Aksu region in desertification control, providing reference and inspiration for desertification control across the country and even the world.
Conclusion (or The Road Ahead)
By looking to the future, it inspires people to continue to inherit and carry forward the "Kekeya spirit" and contribute to building a better homeland and realizing the dream of the motherland.
Sightseeing Tower
Visitors can overlook the magnificent scenery of the entire Kekeya area and experience the miracle and charm of the desert turning into an oasis.
Food
Roast Whole Sheep
Made with small sheep from Kalpin, it can be tasted at the Kekeya Ecological Park. It is delicious, with crispy skin.
Big Plate Chicken
A specialty dish of Xinjiang. The chicken is tender and served with potatoes, green peppers, and other ingredients. It is spicy and delicious, and can be tasted at restaurants around Kekeya.
Kuqa Large Naan
In 2016, it was rated as one of the first Chinese gold-medal tourist snacks. In 2010, it was rated as an autonomous region-level intangible cultural heritage. In 2018, it was praised by the Asian Material and Cultural Assessment Administration of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization expert appraisal organization as the "China's No. 1 Flatbread." It has a rich wheat aroma and can be purchased at specialty food stores in Aksu.
Aksu Sugar-Heart Apple
A specialty product of Aksu. The fruit surface is smooth and delicate, the color is bright and natural, the skin is thin and the flesh is thick, and it is sweet and juicy. It can be purchased and tasted at local fruit stores or orchards.
Tickets：
Free admission.
You can search for the official public account "Aksu Prefecture Kekeya Memorial Hall" on WeChat to get the latest updates.
Opening Hours：
Closed every Monday; Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 - 20:00.
Tour Route：
After entering the memorial hall, first visit the Prologue Hall to learn about the historical background of the Kekeya area; then visit the exhibition halls in sequence, including "Desert and Gobi — The Harsh Natural Environment of the Past," "Indomitable — A History of Hard Struggle in the Desert," "Passing the Torch — Opening a New Chapter in Desert Greening," and "Firm Belief — Forging a New Monument in Ecological Governance," to gain an in-depth understanding of the Kekeya spirit and the process of ecological governance; finally, climb the Sightseeing Tower to overlook the entire Kekeya area.
Transportation：
Bus: You can check local bus routes to see whether there are direct routes to the memorial hall.
Taxi: Take a taxi from downtown Aksu. The distance is about 20 kilometers, and the ride takes about 30 minutes.
Self-driving: Navigate to No. 72 Nanhu Road, Wensu County. The memorial hall has a parking lot.
Must-Visit Attractions：
Prologue Hall: Large-scale sculptures and multimedia displays vividly present historical scenes, giving people an intuitive understanding of Kekeya's past.
Indomitable — A History of Hard Struggle in the Desert exhibition hall: Rich exhibits display in detail the struggling process of the Aksu people, allowing visitors to deeply feel the Kekeya spirit.
Sightseeing Tower: It offers a panoramic view of Kekeya's magnificent scenery and bears witness to the miracle of the desert turning into an oasis.
Travel Suggestions：
The suggested visiting time is 2-3 hours, which allows for a full understanding of the memorial hall's exhibition content.
During the visit, listen carefully to the guide's explanations to better understand the Kekeya spirit and the significance of ecological governance.
Choose a sunny day to visit, so that you can enjoy a more beautiful view from the Sightseeing Tower.
Notes：
Observe the rules of the hall. Please do not make loud noises or touch the exhibits.
The hall is closed on Mondays, so please arrange your visiting time accordingly.
There are interactive experience projects in the hall. Follow the instructions of the staff and pay attention to safety.