Kumul: Museums, History and Culture

Kumul (Hami) is an important hub on the Silk Road Economic Belt. When planning your trip, it is worth exploring its diverse cultural sites: the Hami Museum, the sites along the Hami River, and exhibitions in old granaries each have their own focus. If you are looking for a hotel in Kumul, these places can help you decide which themes to explore during your stay.

Museums and History

The Hami Museum is a national first-class museum. It is part of the Hami City Wenbo Institute, which is classified as a 4A scenic attraction. It is located at the intersection of Huancheng Road and Bayi South Road. The two classifications therefore refer to different things: the first to the museum, the second to the institution it belongs to.

The Left Gong Cultural Court presents the history of Zuo Zongtang, including his efforts to recover Xinjiang and safeguard China's unity and territorial integrity. For visitors, AR navigation and VR tours are also part of how the history and culture presented there are brought to life. As digital offerings may be updated, it is advisable to check what is currently available before your visit.

East of the Left Gong Cultural Court, 218 protected “Left Gong Willows” stand on the banks of the Hami River. The trees have been marked with protection signs since 1995. The site's presentation of history at the Cultural Court and its protected riverside trees thus come together, although they need not tell the same story.

Exhibitions and Historic Sites

Three old granaries have been redeveloped at the Hami Old City Granaries and Walls Culture Park. They include the historical exhibition “Impressions of the Old City,” an exhibition hall presenting one district and two counties to tourists, and the special exhibition “Millennial Courier Route—Hami Ancient Post Station.” Digital interactive experiences complement the interpretation.

The Hami Zuo Zongtang Phoenix Terrace Historical Culture Park is home to a 27-meter-high Tower of Heavenly and Earthly Righteousness. Another cultural site related to industrial history is the Hami Cultural and Creative Park. A 2025 overview presented it as an urban cultural and tourism park on a former industrial site. At the time, its offerings included a Stone Culture City and a Melon Food City, a railway-themed park and factory relics. Creative cultural activities, exhibitions on intangible cultural heritage, climbing and outdoor team-building activities, children's entertainment, and sports and fitness facilities were also listed.

The soda plant's former industrial railway was converted there into the old “Hami Station.” According to a report dated September 15, 2025, the station attracted tour groups stopping for photos. A report dated September 15, 2025, also listed a stone museum as a place to visit in the park, alongside the station. A report from the same month also mentioned this visitor attraction in the park.

Getting There and Finding Your Way When Searching for Hotels

Hami Yizhou Airport (IATA: HMI, ICAO: ZWHM) is 12 kilometers west of Hami city center. The road route to the center follows G312, Yingbin Avenue, and Jianshe Road; there is also a bus service between the airport and the city center. Check current bus service before your trip. The distance refers to the city center, not to any particular accommodation.

For planning purposes, the cultural sites and the arrival route are two separate considerations: the museums, historic sites, and exhibitions offer ideas for themes to explore during your stay; the airport connection describes the route into the city center.

Discover more destinations: Tacheng, Karamay, Bortala, Aksu, Changji, Ürümqi, Kashgar, Ili.

For the main travel overview: Xinjiang.