昌吉

Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture is located in central Xinjiang, at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains and the southern edge of the Junggar Basin, covering an area of 8,219 square kilometers. It has a mid-temperate continental arid climate with four distinct seasons: hot and dry summers, long and cold winters, and an annual precipitation of about 200 mm.

Changji has a long history. As early as the Western Han Dynasty, it was an important node on the northern route of the Silk Road. The Tang Dynasty established Tingzhou here, and the Qing Dynasty set up Dihua Prefecture. In 1954, the Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture was founded, making it a typical multi-ethnic area in Xinjiang.

Changji is a key birthplace of Hui culture, rich in intangible cultural heritage such as Hui Hua'er (folk songs) and Hui embroidery. The cuisine is dominated by Hui flavors, including Nine Bowl Three Rows, Fen Tang (starch soup), and Youxiang (fried dough), blending the boldness of Northwest China with the delicacy of halal food.

Modern Changji is an important industrial base and agricultural demonstration zone in Xinjiang, home to the national-level Changji High-Tech Industrial Development Zone. Tourism is growing rapidly, with attractions like Tianchi Lake on Tianshan and Liuhuang Gully drawing many visitors. The city has well-developed infrastructure.