Building Bridges between East and West through Education and Cultural Exchange
Hoxud (Xinjiang) — 1 Town Photos
This is the first of three albums about Hoxud, an historic oasis and commercial centre on the Old Silk Road in central Xinjiang Region of Western China. I was the guest of a visiting scholar who normally teaches in Urumqi, but whose parents live in Hoxud (the site of her childhood). Other albums in this series focus on the people and on the business I was able view in my brief visit.
Hoxud is an urban centre located south of Urumqi and the Tianshan (Heavenly) Mountains between Turpan and Korla. (Map by MapPoint.)
Although an old town with Silk Road history, its main street and many services are well-developed. This is the intercity bus station.
Mobile phone service is everywhere in China. The banner here is advertising China Unicom (China United Telecom).
The communications tower. Just one part of the national infrastructure that tends to unify all parts of China.
Hoxud is the administrative centre of Hoxud County, having an area population of about 60,000. This is the main street, beautiful and wide.
Walking paths for pedestrians and bicycles are on both sides of the street.
Lots of these little taxis. Built on three-wheeled motorcycles, they are sometimes called motorized rickshaws in other parts of Asia.
An obviously later model. Not all the taxis where of this type, but I saw more of these small vehicles here than in other Xinjiang centres.
Inside view of an older model. Somewhat noisy with lots of rattles, we nevertheless were happy with a good price paid for a full hour of touring about the town.
Fine buildings line the main thoroughfare of Hoxud.
The People’s Hospital of County Hoxud.
The main government building, as I recall.
Doorways are often a work of art.
Kite flying is often a passtime of older Chinese men. They take the hobby very seriously and often have multiple kites and excellent equipment.
This gentleman was more than pleased to pose for this photo.
Young people practicing basketball, next to a housing complex.
A roller rink in the park with a statue we needed to learn about.
Zayaband, a gifted writer and educator is honoured here for his contribution to local Mongolian culture. Draped over the statue is a silk “hada”, symbol of honour.
Although late in the season (early October) we still caught lots of blossoms in the rose garden.
The prize blossom of the day.
The main town square, well-paved and picturesque.
A common meeting place for families and children.
It appeared to be battery-powered.
Inline skates, too… it could have been a Canadian teen back home.
With their electric scooter, these girls took a special interest in this foreign visitor.
