Daolang Tribe

Historical Overview

• 13th Century: Formed by Mongol exiles fleeing war, who settled near the Yarqant River and adopted a semi-nomadic lifestyle.
• 14th–16th Centuries: Evolved into a multi-ethnic community of farmers, hunters, and fishermen, blending Uyghur, Mongol, and Tajik traditions.
• 1950s: Rediscovered by ethnographers, documenting its unique language, dance, and "Dolan hunting culture."
• 2011: Awarded "Autonomous Regional Leisure Agriculture Demonstration Park."
• 2012: Recognized as a national leisure tourism demonstration site.

Structural Layout
The tribe is divided into five zones:

1. Cultural Exhibition Zone:
   • Folklore Museum: Displays hunting tools, mud-brick artifacts, and Dolan Muqam instruments.
   • Nomadic Tents: Replicas of goat-hair yurts used by early settlers.
2. Huyang Forest Zone:
   • Millennium Poplars: A 2 km trail through 1,000-year-old Huyang trees, dubbed "living fossils."
   • Observation Tower: Panoramic views of the desert-forest junction.
3. Traditional Sports Zone:
   • Archery Range: Experience Dolan-style horseback archery.
   • Ostrich Farm: Feed and ride ostriches, introduced in the 2000s for tourism.
4. Water Entertainment Zone:
   • Canal Boating: Paddle through reclaimed wetlands.
5. Artisan Village:
   • Pottery Workshops: Craft traditional "Dolan-style" earthenware.
   • Embroidery Houses: Learn Uyghur silk embroidery techniques.

Major Attractions

1. Dolan Muqam Performance: A UNESCO-listed musical genre blending lute, drum, and poetic chants.
2. Hunting Dance: A reenactment of ancient hunting rituals, performed daily at the central square.
3. Mud-Brick Village: A preserved 19th-century settlement with courtyards, grape arbors, and canal-fed gardens.
4. Silk Road Caravanserai: Remnants of a 12th-century inn for merchants trading between Kashgar and Hotan.
5. Camel Riding: Explore the dunes on camelback, following historic trade routes.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (3–4 hours):
   Entrance → Folklore Museum → Huyang Forest Trail → Archery Range → Mud-Brick Village → Exit.
   Highlights: Cultural exhibits and natural scenery.

2. Adventure Route (5–6 hours):
   Entrance → Ostrich Farm → Canal Boating → Hunting Dance Show → Camel Riding → Artisan Village.
   Highlights: Interactive activities and local crafts.

3. Cultural Immersion (Full Day):
   Entrance → All zones above + Dolan Muqam Performance → Evening Campfire Dinner → Overnight in a Nomadic Tent.
   Highlights: In-depth cultural experiences and stargazing.

Ticket Purchase

• Online: Book via Ctrip or the official WeChat account (Awati Daolang Tribe).
• On-Site: Tickets at the entrance (¥70 adults, ¥35 students; includes basic entry).
• Packages:
  • "Culture + Adventure" Bundle: ¥120 (archery, ostrich ride, and museum).
  • Guided Tour: ¥200/group (includes Uyghur guide and traditional lunch).
• Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and journalists.

Transportation

• By Car: Self-drive from Aksu City via G580 Highway (58 km, 1 hour).
• By Bus: Take the Aksu–Awati County bus (¥25, 1.5 hours) → transfer to a tribe shuttle (¥10).
• By Taxi: Direct ride from Aksu Airport (¥150, 1.2 hours).
• Local Transport: Electric carts (¥20/hour) within the tribe.

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Season: April–October (mild weather, folklore festivals).
• Avoid Crowds: Visit early (10 AM opening) or late afternoon (3–5 PM).
• Essentials:
  • Sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses (high UV exposure).
  • Comfortable shoes for sandy/rocky terrain.
  • Cash for artisan purchases (limited card facilities).
• Prohibited: Drones, smoking in cultural zones, and picking Huyang leaves.