Kizilsu Museum: The Epic Soul of the Kirghiz and the Pamir Silk Road

1.The Kezhou: Museum, located on Munar Road (尔路) in Atushi City, serves as the primary cultural landmark of the Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture. As the only institution in China dedicated to the comprehensive study and display of Kyrgyz (Kirgiz) history and culture, it holds a significant position as a National Second-Class Museum. The facility features an exhibition area of 8,000 square meters and houses a collection of over 5,000 artifacts that span from the Neolithic Age to the modern era, offering a profound narrative of the "Western Regions".

The soul of the museum is the "Manas" Epic, one of the three major epics of China's ethnic minorities. The museum utilizes detailed historical documents, artifacts, and multi-dimensional displays to bring this oral tradition to life, illustrating the bravery and survival wisdom of the Kyrgyz people in the harsh Pamir Plateau environment. Visitors can explore dedicated halls that showcase traditional Kyrgyz life, including exquisite white felt hats (Ak-kalpak), intricate embroidery, and traditional musical instruments like the Komuz.

Beyond ethnic heritage, the museum highlights the region's pivotal role on the Silk Road. Kezhou was historically part of the Shule Kingdom and served as a junction between Eastern and Western civilizations. The collection includes ancient coins, pottery, Buddhist relics, and multilingual documents—such as those in Han, Old Uyghur, and Arabic scripts—that testify to the cultural fusion of the Pamirs. Additionally, a natural history section introduces the unique geological formation of the Pamir Plateau, its glacier systems, and the specialized flora and fauna of the "Roof of the World".

2.Highlights 核心亮点: China's Only Kyrgyz Cultural Hub: Explore the nation's premier collection of Kyrgyz artifacts, focusing on the history, lifestyle, and spiritual heritage of this "Highland Tribe". The "Manas" Epic Gallery: Immerse yourself in the world of the world-famous Manas epic through vivid scenes and historical relics that define the Kyrgyz spirit. Pamir Silk Road Crossroads: View rare coins and multilingual scripts that document Kezhou’s ancient history as a vital trading post between Central Asia and the Central Plains. Traditional Kyrgyz Craftsmanship: Marvel at the National Intangible Cultural Heritage items, including hand-woven textiles and the iconic white felt hats.