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The Qiorma Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery, located in Qiorma, Nileke County, Ili Prefecture, Xinjiang, is a national cemetery dedicated to the 168 revolutionary martyrs who lost their lives building the Duku Highway. The 561-kilometer-long Duku Highway, connecting southern and northern Xinjiang, traverses towering mountains and deep valleys, connecting numerous ethnic minority communities. Tens of thousands of soldiers toiled for 10 years to build the Duku Highway. The 168 martyrs who lost their lives while building the highway are buried at the cemetery. The oldest of them was 31 years old, and the youngest was only 16.
Temperate continental climate, summer
Duku Highway, Qiaoerma, 1 hour
free
The Qiorma Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery in Yili, Xinjiang, commemorates the sacrifices of revolutionary martyrs who contributed to the liberation of the region. It holds great historical significance as a tribute to those who fought for the development and independence of Xinjiang, particularly during the revolutionary movements in the 20th century. The cemetery serves as an important place of remembrance and national pride.
The Qiorma Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery is located in Qiorma Town, Yili, Xinjiang. To reach the cemetery, you can take a taxi or hire a private vehicle from Yining, the nearest city. Public transportation options such as buses are also available but may not be as frequent. It is recommended to travel by taxi or private vehicle for convenience.
The cemetery is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler and the site is less crowded.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Qiorma Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery. It is open to the public free of charge. If you wish to take part in a guided tour, you may need to arrange that in advance with a local operator.
No advance booking is required to visit the cemetery. However, if you wish to participate in a guided tour, it is recommended to book in advance, particularly during busy seasons or public holidays.
You can explore the cemetery in about 1-2 hours, depending on how much time you wish to spend reflecting and reading the memorial plaques.
Guided tours are available, and they typically provide insight into the history of the martyrs and the significance of the cemetery. Tours are generally in Chinese, though some tour guides may offer basic explanations in English. Audio guides are not commonly available.
Start by visiting the central monument, then walk around the gravesites to learn about the martyrs. Take time to reflect in the peaceful surroundings before finishing your visit at the memorial plaques that offer deeper historical context.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the Qiorma Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery. It is best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the historical and peaceful atmosphere.
The cemetery is generally not crowded, but it can attract more visitors on national holidays or during special events. To avoid crowds, visit during weekdays or in the early morning.
The cemetery has paved paths, but some areas might be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to uneven ground or steps around the memorials. It is recommended to check accessibility before visiting if you have specific mobility concerns.
Cash is typically used in the local area. However, mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are becoming more widely accepted in Xinjiang, so it's a good idea to carry a mobile payment option in addition to cash.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside the cemetery. However, there are several local eateries in nearby towns that serve traditional Xinjiang cuisine, including lamb dishes, naan bread, and various dairy products.
Halal food is widely available in the region, particularly in the nearby towns. You can find a variety of meat-free options, especially in local restaurants that cater to different dietary preferences.
There are no souvenir shops within the cemetery. However, local markets in nearby towns sell traditional Xinjiang handicrafts such as embroidered textiles, carpets, and pottery.
To continue your trip, you can take a taxi or hire a private vehicle to visit nearby attractions such as Zhaosu or Sayram Lake. Public buses are available but may not be as frequent or convenient for further exploration.
