Live Your Best Lives
Visit the Malan Martyrs Cemetery to pay respects to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Explore the solemn and peaceful environment, and learn about the significant history through the memorials and monuments. The cemetery is a reflective place for history enthusiasts and those interested in Chinese wartime history.
The Malan Martyrs Cemetery, located in Heshuo County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is a burial site for the heroes who sacrificed their lives for China's nuclear testing program and serves as a patriotic education center. The cemetery is situated beside China's largest inland freshwater lake, Hubesteng Lake. The inscription on the monument's base was written by Zhu Guangya, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the father of the two atomic and nuclear weapons programs. Since the establishment of the nuclear test base in 1958, my country has successfully conducted numerous atomic, hydrogen, and missile nuclear weapon tests here. Scientists who dedicated their lives to China's nuclear testing program are buried here.
Temperate continental climate, summer
Malan Base, 1 hour
free
The Malan Martyrs Cemetery honors the lives of martyrs from the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, a key part of China's modern history. The cemetery is dedicated to the memory of the soldiers and civilians who fought and died for the country's independence and sovereignty. It serves as a symbol of patriotism and national pride.
The cemetery is located in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, China. It is most easily accessed by taxi or private car from the city of Korla, which is about a 30-minute drive away. Public transportation options are limited in this region.
The cemetery is open year-round, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring or autumn months when the weather is pleasant, and fewer tourists visit the area.
The entrance to the Malan Martyrs Cemetery is free of charge. Visitors can enter directly without needing to purchase tickets. However, donations for maintenance and upkeep are welcomed.
No advance booking is required, as entry is free. However, if you're visiting with a tour group, check with the tour operator in advance to ensure everything is arranged.
Exploring the Malan Martyrs Cemetery usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. This allows time for quiet reflection, exploring the monuments, and understanding the significance of the site.
The main highlights of the cemetery include the large memorial monument dedicated to the martyrs, as well as the smaller memorial plaques scattered throughout the site. The area provides a quiet, contemplative atmosphere perfect for understanding the sacrifices made during the war.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and it is possible to arrange one in advance. There are no audio guides available in other languages, so having a local guide or translator might be helpful for non-Mandarin speakers.
The cemetery is a solemn and quiet place, but there are several areas where visitors can take photographs. The monument at the entrance offers a good viewpoint for wide-angle shots of the cemetery. The surrounding landscape, especially during sunrise or sunset, also provides excellent photo opportunities.
Start your visit by paying respects at the central monument. Then, explore the smaller plaques and memorials throughout the site. You can finish your visit by walking through the surrounding park area to reflect on the experience.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Malan Martyrs Cemetery. It is a daytime attraction, and the solemnity of the site is best appreciated in natural light during the day.
The cemetery is generally not crowded, except during national holidays or special remembrance days. The least crowded times are on weekdays during the off-peak tourist season (autumn and spring).
Basic facilities such as public toilets are available at the cemetery. However, there are no restaurants or shops on-site, so it's advisable to bring your own water and snacks, especially if visiting in the summer.
The cemetery is accessible, but there may be uneven terrain in some areas. Elderly and disabled visitors may find it more challenging to navigate the site, especially if mobility is a concern. It's recommended to check the accessibility of the site before visiting.
Cash is preferred at the cemetery, though mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are increasingly accepted in the surrounding area, particularly in Korla.
There are no restaurants or cafes directly inside the cemetery, but nearby Korla offers several options for dining, including local eateries serving Xinjiang cuisine.
In Korla, you can find a variety of local restaurants offering halal food, especially in the Uyghur community areas. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available in many restaurants.
There are several hotels in Korla, including budget hotels and more comfortable accommodations. Some well-known hotels are the Korla Hotel and the Xinjiang Tianshan Hotel.
Other nearby attractions include the ancient city of Jiaohe and the Tianshan Mountains. These can be visited on a day trip from Korla or after visiting the cemetery.
There are no souvenir shops within the cemetery itself, but in Korla, visitors can find local handicrafts, including Uyghur carpets, textiles, and jewelry.
Taxi or private car is the best way to continue your trip from the cemetery. Public transportation options may be limited for travel to more remote destinations.
