Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture (克孜勒苏柯尔克孜自治州)

1. Introduction

Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture (Kirghiz: قىزىلسۇۇ قىرعىز اپتونوم وبلاسى / Кызылсуу Кыргыз aвтономиялуу oбласты; Uyghur: قىزىلسۇ قىرغىز ئاپتونوم ئوبلاستى, Latin Uyghur: Qizilsu Qirghiz Aptonom Oblasti), abbreviated as Kizilsu Prefecture or K Prefecture, meaning "Red Water" or "Red River," is an autonomous prefecture under the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. It is located in the western part of Xinjiang and represents the westernmost point of China's territory. The prefecture borders the Aksu Prefecture to the east, the Kashgar Prefecture to the south, Tajikistan to the west, and Kyrgyzstan to the north. Situated on the southern edge of the Tianshan Mountains, the eastern part of the Pamir Plateau, the northwestern fringe of the Tarim Basin, and the northern slopes of the Kunlun Mountains, the region features undulating mountain ranges. Major rivers include the Toshkan River, Buguz River, Chakmak River, Kizilsu River, Gez River, Kushan River, and Yarkant River, with lakes such as Bulunkul Lake and Karakul Lake. The total area of the prefecture is 72,468 square kilometers, with a population of approximately 625,000. The Kirghiz ethnic group accounts for about 27% of the population, while the Uyghur ethnic group makes up about 65%. The People's Government of the Autonomous Prefecture is located at No. 3 West Pamir Road, Artux City.

2. Etymology

The name "Kizilsu" (also Kizil Su) originates from the Kizilsu River. In the Kyrgyz language (Kyrgyz), "Kizilsu" means "red water" or "red river," which is similar to the place name "Kyzyl-Suu" in Kyrgyzstan. The element "Kizil" (meaning "red") can be found in other names such as Kiziloy Township, the Kizil Caves, Kizilto Township, and Kyzyl, the capital of the Tuva Republic in the Russian Federation. Similarly, the Turkic element "su" (meaning "water") appears in other place names like Zhetysu (Seven Rivers region), Aksu (meaning "white water"), and Onsu (meaning "ten waters").

3. History

3.1 Pre-Buddhist Era

In ancient times, Kizilsu was inhabited by Indo-European Tocharian-speaking tribes around the Tarim Basin, belonging to states such as Shule, Juandu, and Yutou, near the Congling Mountains. The residents likely practiced Zoroastrianism.

Around 177 BCE, pressured by the expansion of the Da Yuezhi, states like Shule were forced to submit to the powerful Xiongnu, becoming one of its thirty-six vassal states. In 128 BCE, Zhang Qian of the Western Han Dynasty was sent as an envoy to the Western Regions. After repeated conflicts, by 60 BCE, Kizilsu was incorporated into the sphere of influence of the Western Han Dynasty and administered by the Protectorate of the Western Regions. By the end of the Western Han Dynasty, internal strife weakened the Han Empire, and Kizilsu once again became a battleground contested by the Xiongnu, Da Yuezhi, Shache, and other powers. After 73 CE, Ban Chao of the Eastern Han Dynasty used Shule as a long-term base to contend with the Northern Xiongnu for control over the Western Regions.

3.2 Buddhist Era

Around 150 CE, states like Shule became subordinate to the Kushan Empire established by the Da Yuezhi tribe. At that time, the Kushan ruler was Kanishka I, historically known as "Kanishka the Great," under whose reign the Kushan Empire reached its peak. Following the Kushan, Shule adopted Buddhism as the state religion. With this powerful support, Shule became strong and dominated the southern Tarim Basin, also ruling over Kizilsu.

In the late 3rd century, Shule experienced successive palace struggles, with kings frequently assassinating each other, leading to continuous internal turmoil. In 323 CE, Shule was conquered by Kucha and became its vassal. In the 5th century, Shule briefly became subordinate to the Rouran, who came from the east. In the early 6th century, the Hephthalite Empire, descendants of the Yuezhi, took advantage of the Rouran's decline to advance eastward into the Tarim Basin, conquering Shule as well. The Hephthalites competed with the Northern Wei Dynasty across the deserts, allied with the Rouran, and were active extensively west of the Altai Mountains, with Kizilsu also falling within the Hephthalite domain.

Between 558 and 567 CE, the Persian Sassanian Empire and the newly emerging nomadic Gokturks of Central Asia allied to crush the Hephthalite Empire at the Battle of Bukhara. After their victory, the two powers divided the Hephthalite territories and vassal states, and Kizilsu, along with Shule, was incorporated into the sphere of influence of the Western Turkic Khaganate. Starting in 648, Shule began accepting the protection of the Tang Empire's Anxi Protectorate. The Tang established the Shule Commandery in Shule, making it one of the Four Garrisons of Anxi. In 651, Shule briefly fell under the control of Ashina Helu of the Western Turkic Khaganate, but in 657, the Tang Empire defeated the Western Turks and regained Shule. In 663, the Tang Dynasty began competing with Tibetan forces. In the Battle of Dafeichuan in 670, the Tang army was annihilated, and suzerainty over Shule changed hands. From then on, Shule alternated between allegiance to both sides until 692, when the Tang Empire finally secured control over Shule.

In 751, the Abbasid Caliphate defeated the Tang Anxi Protectorate army at the Battle of Talas. The Anxi Protectorate forces withdrew to Han territories, and Shule became a contested object between the Tibetan Empire and the Uyghur Khaganate, eventually coming under the control of the Chigil tribe of the Qarluq clan. Most of Kizilsu belonged to the domain of the Western Uyghur Khaganate, while the southern part belonged to the Kingdom of Khotan.

In the early 9th century, Turkic forces on the Mongolian Plateau were severely struck by the Kyrgyz people. In 840, the Kyrgyz decisively defeated the Uyghurs, who migrated southwestward, intermingled with Turkic peoples, and underwent Turkicization (Qarluqization) in culture and language, establishing the Kara-Khanid Khanate. During this period, Kizilsu likely oscillated between the Uyghur-related Kara-Khanid Khanate and the Kyrgyz-related Yenisei Kyrgyz.

3.3 Islamic Era

In 915, Sultan Satuq Bughra Khan of the Kara-Khanid Khanate converted to Islam, and Kizilsu gradually became Islamized. In 960, Islam became the state religion of the Kara-Khanid Khanate, making it the first Turkic Islamic state. Subsequently, the Kara-Khanids engaged in prolonged wars with the Buddhist Kingdom of Khotan. Ultimately, Yusuf Qadir-Khan of the Kara-Khanid Khanate conquered Khotan in 1006, and Kizilsu completely became part of the Kara-Khanid domain.

In 1017, the westward expedition of the Khitan army triggered internal strife within the Kara-Khanid Khanate. In 1041, the Kara-Khanid Khanate split into eastern and western parts, with Kizilsu falling under the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate (Qara Khanid line). In 1134, the Western Liao conquered the Tarim Basin, and the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate became a vassal of the Western Liao, bringing Kizilsu under Western Liao influence as well. The Western Liao generally pursued a policy of religious tolerance until 1211, when the Naiman prince Küchlüg usurped the Western Liao throne. Muslims and Christians in the Kashgar region were forced to convert to Buddhism, suffering religious persecution. In 1218, Genghis Khan sent Jebe to attack the Western Liao. After entering Kashgar, Jebe proclaimed religious freedom. The Küchlüg government faced severe retaliation from the people of Kashgar and was eliminated by the Mongols.

3.4 Mongol Era

After 1225, Kizilsu became part of the Chagatai Khanate in Central Asia. In 1306, the Chagatai Khanate split, and Kizilsu was ruled by the Eastern Chagatai Khanate (Moghulistan). In 1353, Tughluq Timur of the Eastern Chagatai Khanate converted to Islam, further elevating the status of Islam in Kizilsu. In 1418, it became the hereditary domain of the Dughlat family, chief ministers of the Eastern Chagatai Khanate (also known as Moghulistan). Using this as a base, the Dughlat tribe advanced into Kashgar in 1466. In 1514, Sultan Said Khan defeated the Dughlat amir Abu Bakr and established the Yarkent Khanate, also gaining control over Kizilsu.

In 1680, the Dzungar Mongol leader Galdan advanced into Yarkent, and the Yarkent Khanate became a puppet regime subordinate to the Dzungar Khanate. After Tsewang Rabtan succeeded as Dzungar Khan, the areas south of the Tianshan Mountains were placed under the direct rule of the Dzungar Khanate.

3.5 Qing Empire

In 1757, the Qing Dynasty defeated Amursana and destroyed the Dzungar Khanate. General Bandi released the descendants of Afaq Khoja, Burhan-ud-Din and Khoja Jihan, who had been imprisoned by the Mongols in Ili. Soon after, the two brothers launched a rebellion, historically known as the Revolt of the Altishahr Khojas. In 1759, Qing troops conquering the Altishahr region entered Kashgar and stationed a Grand Minister Superintendent there to manage military and administrative affairs of the Muslim regions in Xinjiang. Rumors spread that Qing forces would advance from Kashgar into Transoxiana, reaching Samarkand. The military and political leaders of Transoxiana sought help from Ahmad Shah Durrani, the "Father of Afghanistan." As the Qing army never attacked Samarkand, Ahmad Shah withdrew his forces from Kokand and sent envoys to Beijing to discuss the status of the Khojas. However, due to frequent conflicts between Afghanistan and the Sikhs, Kashgar and Kizilsu ultimately did not become a major focus for Ahmad Shah.

In 1826 (the sixth year of the Daoguang Emperor), Jahanghir Khoja, with support from Kokand, initiated the White Mountain faction uprising. Qingxiang, the Grand Minister Superintendent of Kashgar, died in battle. However, by March of the following year, Kashgar was recaptured by Qing forces led by General Changling. After the White Mountain faction uprising, Kashgar entered a relatively peaceful period until the Revolt of the Seven Khojas in 1847 (the 27th year of the Daoguang Emperor) and the Wali Khan rebellion in 1857. Both conflicts lasted over three months and caused severe casualties. During the Dungan Revolt in Xinjiang in 1864 (the third year of the Tongzhi Emperor), Yaqub Beg used Kashgar as a base to establish the Yettishar Khanate. "Yettishar" means "Seven Cities," referring to Kashgar, Khotan, Yarkent, Yangi Shahr, Aksu, Kucha, and Korla. Kizilsu was also within the territory of the Yettishar Khanate. This led to a debate within the Qing government between coastal defense and frontier defense, ultimately resulting in the decision to send Zuo Zongtang to attack Yaqub Beg in 1872. In 1877, the Yettishar Khanate was destroyed by Qing forces, and Kizilsu returned to Qing rule. Influenced by the Khanate of Kokand, almost all Kyrgyz (Kirghiz) people in Kizilsu were Muslims.

3.6 Modern Era

In 1884 (the tenth year of the Guangxu Emperor), Xinjiang was established as a province. Present-day Kizilsu was divided among Shule Prefecture and Jiashi County of the Kashgar Circuit, and Wushi Subprefecture of the Aksu Circuit.

In 1912 (the first year of the Republic of China), the Governor of Xinjiang abolished prefectures, subprefectures, and departments, replacing them with circuits and counties. Present-day Kizilsu belonged to Jiashi County, Shufu County, Yengisar County, Tashkurgan County of the Kashgar Circuit, and Wushi County of the Aksu Circuit.

In 1924, circuits were abolished, and the area came directly under Xinjiang Province. In 1929, the Nationalist Government established the Wuqia Administrative Bureau.

In the summer of 1933, during the first phase of the Chinese Civil War, the 1933 Kashgar conflict broke out. A Uyghur and Kyrgyz (Kirghiz) alliance led by the Syrian Arab Tawfiq Bay attempted to capture Kashgar, which was held by Hui general Ma Zhancang. In November, Sabit Damolla and Muhammad Amin founded the First East Turkestan Republic in Kashgar, with Kizilsu within its territory.

On February 6, 1934, General Ma Fuyuan of the 36th Division of the Ma clique's Hui army from Qinghai led Donggan (Hui) troops to attack the Uyghur-Kyrgyz alliance in Kashgar. On April 7, Ma Zhongying, head of the Ma clique, arrived in Kashgar and delivered a speech at the Id Kah Mosque, demanding Uyghur loyalty to the Republic of China government in Nanjing. The First East Turkestan Republic was declared defunct.

In September 1938, the Artux Administrative Bureau was established, incorporating the Greater Artux Village originally under Jiashi County and the Lesser Artux Village originally under Shufu County.

In 1940, the Akqi Administrative Bureau was established.In 1949, Akqi County belonged to the Aksu Prefecture of Xinjiang Province, while Artux County and Wuqia County were part of the Kashgar Prefecture.

On July 14, 1954, to dismantle the alliance between Uyghurs and Kyrgyz (Kyrgyz) around Kashgar, the Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Region was established under the Southern Xinjiang Administrative Office. In August, Akto County was formed by separating parts from Yingjisha County, Shufu County, Puli County, and Wuqia County of the Kashgar Prefecture.

On February 5, 1955, it was renamed the Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture. In the same year, Xinjiang Province was reorganized into the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

In 1976, Akto County was transferred to the Kashgar Prefecture, while Payzawat County from the Kashgar Prefecture was reassigned to the Kizilsu Prefecture.

In 1980, the original administrative affiliations of Akto County and Payzawat County were restored.

In June 1986, Artux County was abolished and replaced by the establishment of Artux City.

4. Geography

The Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture is located on the Pamir Plateau, with mountains accounting for over 90% of its total area. The terrain rises in steps from the southeast to the northwest. The southeastern part consists of oasis fringes of the Tarim Basin and the Kashgar Plain, with the lowest point at an elevation of 1,197 meters. The northern and northwestern parts are the southern ranges of the Tianshan Mountains and the Pamir Plateau. The mountainous area is bounded by the Kizilsu River; from the northern part of Wuqia County and the northern part of Artux City to the entire area of Akqi County lies the southern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains. South of the Kizilsu River, from the southwestern part of Wuqia County to the western part of Akto County, is the Pamir Plateau and the Kunlun Mountains region. Within the autonomous prefecture, there are 16 mountains with elevations above 5,000 meters, their peaks perpetually snow-capped, with the thickest snow accumulation exceeding 100 meters. The "Father of Ice Mountains," Muztagata Peak, within the prefecture, stands at 7,546 meters. Kongur Tagh, at 7,719 meters, is the highest point in the autonomous prefecture. Glaciers are widespread among the mountains, with over 20 major glaciers covering a total area of 1,960.8 square kilometers. The main plains in Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture include the alluvial plains of the middle and lower reaches of the Qakmak-Boguze River in Artux City, the piedmont alluvial fan plains of the Pamirs in Akto County, and the delta plains of the Gez River-Kushan River. Major basins include the Halajun and Tugmanti basins in Artux City and the Heiziwei Basin in Wuqia County. Main valleys include the Toxkan Valley in Akqi County, the Upper Artux Valley in Artux City, and the Subashi and Muji valleys in Akto County. These plains, basins, and valleys generally lie between 1,200 and 3,500 meters above sea level and constitute the primary agricultural and pastoral areas of the autonomous prefecture.

The Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture features intricate networks of gullies and rivers. Seven major river systems are distributed from northeast to southwest: the Toxkan River, Boguze River, Qakmak River, Kizilsu River, Gez River, Kushan River, and Yarkant River. In the southern part of the autonomous prefecture, there are over 100 rivers of various sizes, such as the Egizyar, Qemgan, Terek, and Kiziljiyak. Most of these rivers are inland rivers. The autonomous prefecture has a total of 18 natural lake areas comprising 35 lakes. Freshwater lakes are mostly concentrated in the Bulunkul and Subashi areas of Akto County, with the largest being Bulunkul Lake and Karakul Lake. There are also a few freshwater lakes, mostly alpine lakes generally above 3,000 meters, in the northwestern mountainous areas of Akqi County, along with some glacial lakes. Saltwater lakes (salt lakes) are mainly distributed in the northern basins of Artux City, the largest being Xiaorkul Lake and Tuzsugat Salt Lake.

The climate of Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture is a typical temperate continental climate, characterized by abundant sunlight, aridity with little rainfall, cold winters, hot summers, short spring and autumn seasons, and variable temperatures. Climatic differences are extreme, with pronounced vertical zonation. There are perpetually frozen cold alpine zones as well as plains with scorching summer heat; areas with year-round snow and ice precipitation coexist with chronically arid, rainless regions. The relative temperature difference reaches 16.6°C. The total solar radiation in Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture is 130-140 kcal/cm², higher than other regions at the same latitude in China. Annual sunshine hours range from 2,700 to 3,000, with a sunshine percentage of 62-68%. The annual accumulated temperature on the plains is 4,100-4,700°C, suitable for the growth of various crops and trees; in the mountainous semi-agricultural and pastoral areas, it is 2,400-2,500°C, sufficient only for pasture, wheat crops, and forest growth. The plains have an annual average temperature of 11.2-12.9°C, with a daily temperature variation of 12°C.

Artux City Meteorological Data (1981–2010)

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |----------------|--------|--------|-------|-------|-------|--------|--------|--------|-------|-------|-------|--------|--------| | Record high °C (°F) | 19 | 18.6 | 28.4 | 34.9 | 36 | 39.5 | 41 | 41.8 | 37 | 30.9 | 25.1 | 18.9 | 41.8 | | | (66.2) | (65.5) | (83.1)| (94.8)| (96.8)| (103.1)| (105.8)| (107.2)| (98.6)| (87.6)| (77.2)| (66) | (107.2)| | Average high °C (°F) | 0.3 | 6 | 14.4 | 22.6 | 27.6 | 31.5 | 33.5 | 32.5 | 27.7 | 20.2 | 10.8 | 2 | 19.1 | | | (32.5) | (42.8) | (57.9)| (72.7)| (81.7)| (88.7) | (92.3) | (90.5) | (81.9)| (68.4)| (51.4)| (35.6) | (66.4) | | Daily mean °C (°F) | −4.7 | −0.7 | 9 | 16.7 | 21.5 | 25.3 | 27.1 | 26.2 | 21.3 | 13.8 | 4.9 | −2.8 | 13.1 | | | (23.5) | (30.7) | (48.2)| (62.1)| (70.7)| (77.5) | (80.8) | (79.2) | (70.3)| (56.8)| (40.8)| (27) | (55.6) | | Average low °C (°F) | −8.8 | −4.2 | 3.8 | 10.9 | 15.6 | 19.1 | 20.9 | 20 | 15.1 | 7.7 | −0.2 | −6.6 | 7.8 | | | (16.2) | (24.4) | (38.8)| (51.6)| (60.1)| (66.4) | (69.6) | (68) | (59.2)| (45.9)| (31.6)| (20.1) | (46) | | Record low °C (°F) | −20.5 | −20.7 | −7.9 | −0.1 | 4.1 | 8.1 | 11.4 | 11.5 | 6.5 | −2.2 | −12.6 | −19.9 | −20.7 | | | (−4.9) | (−5.3) | (17.8)| (31.8)| (39.4)| (46.6) | (52.5) | (52.7) | (43.7)| (28) | (9.3) | (−3.8) | (−5.3) | | Average precipitation mm (inches) | 2.7 | 4.9 | 8.6 | 6.4 | 13 | 12.3 | 13.6 | 13.5 | 10.2 | 6.7 | 2.5 | 2.4 | 96.8 | | | (0.11) | (0.19) | (0.34)| (0.25)| (0.51)| (0.48) | (0.54) | (0.53) | (0.4) | (0.26)| (0.1) | (0.09) | (3.8) | | Average relative humidity (%) | 62 | 50 | 38 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 32 | 35 | 38 | 42 | 52 | 64 | 42 |Data source: China Meteorological Data Network

5. Administrative Divisions

Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture administers 1 county-level city and 3 counties.

County-level city: Artux City Counties: Akto County, Akqi County, Wuqia County The entire prefecture is designated as a border management area. Non-local residents must obtain travel permits to visit.

Administrative Division Map of Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |--------------|--------|--------|-------|-------|-------|--------|--------|--------|-------|-------|-------|--------|--------| | Record high °C (°F) | 19 | 18.6 | 28.4 | 34.9 | 36 | 39.5 | 41 | 41.8 | 37 | 30.9 | 25.1 | 18.9 | 41.8 | | | (66.2) | (65.5) | (83.1) | (94.8) | (96.8) | (103.1) | (105.8) | (107.2) | (98.6) | (87.6) | (77.2) | (66) | (107.2) | | Average high °C (°F) | 0.3 | 6 | 14.4 | 22.6 | 27.6 | 31.5 | 33.5 | 32.5 | 27.7 | 20.2 | 10.8 | 2 | 19.1 | | | (32.5) | (42.8) | (57.9) | (72.7) | (81.7) | (88.7) | (92.3) | (90.5) | (81.9) | (68.4) | (51.4) | (35.6) | (66.4) | | Daily mean °C (°F) | −4.7 | −0.7 | 9 | 16.7 | 21.5 | 25.3 | 27.1 | 26.2 | 21.3 | 13.8 | 4.9 | −2.8 | 13.1 | | | (23.5) | (30.7) | (48.2) | (62.1) | (70.7) | (77.5) | (80.8) | (79.2) | (70.3) | (56.8) | (40.8) | (27) | (55.6) | | Average low °C (°F) | −8.8 | −4.2 | 3.8 | 10.9 | 15.6 | 19.1 | 20.9 | 20 | 15.1 | 7.7 | −0.2 | −6.6 | 7.8 | | | (16.2) | (24.4) | (38.8) | (51.6) | (60.1) | (66.4) | (69.6) | (68) | (59.2) | (45.9) | (31.6) | (20.1) | (46) | | Record low °C (°F) | −20.5 | −20.7 | −7.9 | −0.1 | 4.1 | 8.1 | 11.4 | 11.5 | 6.5 | −2.2 | −12.6 | −19.9 | −20.7 | | | (−4.9) | (−5.3) | (17.8) | (31.8) | (39.4) | (46.6) | (52.5) | (52.7) | (43.7) | (28) | (9.3) | (−3.8) | (−5.3) | | Average precipitation mm (inches) | 2.7 | 4.9 | 8.6 | 6.4 | 13 | 12.3 | 13.6 | 13.5 | 10.2 | 6.7 | 2.5 | 2.4 | 96.8 | | | (0.11) | (0.19) | (0.34) | (0.25) | (0.51) | (0.48) | (0.54) | (0.53) | (0.4) | (0.26) | (0.1) | (0.09) | (3.8) | | Average relative humidity (%) | 62 | 50 | 38 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 32 | 35 | 38 | 42 | 52 | 64 | 42 |

Source: China Meteorological Data Network

6. Economy

Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture (abbreviated as Kizilsu) is located in the southwest of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, situated on the Pamir Plateau and the western part of the Tianshan Mountains. It boasts abundant natural resources and a unique cultural background. The economy of Kizilsu is primarily driven by agriculture and animal husbandry, while mineral resource development and tourism have gradually become important drivers of economic growth.

In recent years, Kizilsu has achieved remarkable progress in economic development. In agriculture, both the cultivated area and output of grain have increased, and specialty agricultural products such as high-quality lamb and dairy products are highly popular in the market. In industry, Kizilsu has actively adjusted its industrial structure and promoted the development of modern industries, such as the mining and processing of mineral resources. Additionally, the development of tourism has injected new vitality into the local economy, boosting employment and improving residents' living standards.

Kizilsu also places emphasis on infrastructure construction, improving transportation and communication conditions, which provides strong support for economic development. In recent years, the economy of Kizilsu has maintained stable growth, with its gross regional product (GDP) increasing year by year. In 2023, the GDP grew by 6.2% compared to the previous year.

Despite these achievements, Kizilsu still faces challenges such as resource shortages and a fragile ecological environment. In the future, Kizilsu will continue to optimize its industrial structure, strengthen environmental protection, and promote high-quality economic development.

7. Transportation

The transportation network of the Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture (abbreviated as Kizilsu Prefecture) has seen significant improvement and development in recent years. The prefecture has established a comprehensive, multi-dimensional transportation network centered on expressways, national highways, provincial roads, and border-crossing roads, achieving the goal of connecting every county with expressways, every township with provincial roads, and every village with paved roads. Currently, the total road mileage in the prefecture has reached 5,542 kilometers, of which rural roads account for 3,564 kilometers.

Kizilsu Prefecture also boasts several important transportation hubs, including the Artux Airport and the Kashgar–Irkeshtam Port Expressway. Additionally, the prefecture is advancing major transportation infrastructure projects, such as the G315 Tuopa–Turgart Port Highway project.

Although Kizilsu Prefecture currently has no railway stations, it is accessible by taking a train from Urumqi to Kashgar City and then transferring to a bus to reach the major cities in the prefecture.

8. Education

The education system in the Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture is relatively well-developed, covering all stages from preschool to higher education. Within the prefecture, there is one college, eight secondary vocational schools, 161 primary schools, 35 middle schools, and 69 kindergartens, providing diverse educational options for students.

In recent years, Kizilsu has made significant progress in education quality, with improvements in the admission rate for junior high school classes, average scores in the high school entrance examination, and the undergraduate admission rate in the college entrance examination. Additionally, Kizilsu places emphasis on the development of vocational education. As a key local higher vocational institution, the Kizilsu Vocational and Technical College offers multiple majors and has established counterpart support relationships with regions such as Jiangsu to promote the advancement of vocational education.

The Kizilsu government has also heavily invested in educational infrastructure, constructing several new kindergartens and junior high schools to improve teaching conditions and ensure that every child has access to fair and high-quality educational resources. At the same time, Kizilsu actively promotes bilingual education, striving to enhance the language proficiency of Kirghiz students.

9. Population

At the end of 2022, the resident population of the entire prefecture was 624,700, including an urban resident population of 201,200. The urbanization rate was 33.17%, an increase of 0.77 percentage points from the end of the previous year. The birth rate was 8.52‰, the death rate was 5.62‰, and the natural growth rate was 0.35‰.

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the resident population of the entire prefecture was 622,222. Compared with the 525,570 people from the Sixth National Population Census, this represents an increase of 96,652 people over ten years, a growth of 18.39%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. Among them, the male population was 320,035, accounting for 51.43% of the total population; the female population was 302,187, accounting for 48.57% of the total population. The sex ratio of the total population (with females as 100) was 105.91. The population aged 0-14 was 184,369, accounting for 29.63% of the total population; the population aged 15-59 was 383,342, accounting for 61.61% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 54,511, accounting for 8.76% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 36,633, accounting for 5.89% of the total population. The population living in urban areas was 196,318, accounting for 31.55% of the total population; the population living in rural areas was 425,904, accounting for 68.45% of the total population.

9.1. Ethnic Groups

Among the resident population, the Han population was 35,629, accounting for 6.78% of the total population, while the combined population of various ethnic minorities was 489,941, accounting for 93.22% of the total population. Although named the Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, the Uyghur ethnic group still constitutes the majority of residents.

Ethnic Composition of Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture (November 2010)

| Ethnic Group | Uyghur | Kirgiz | Han | Tajik | Hui | Kazakh | Tibetan | Tujia | Uzbek | Mongolian | Other Ethnic Groups | |--------------|--------|--------|-------|------|------|------|------|------|-------|------|------| | Population | 339,926 | 143,582 | 35,629 | 5,547 | 447 | 88 | 51 | 49 | 44 | 40 | 167 | | Percentage of Total Population (%) | 64.68 | 27.32 | 6.78 | 1.06 | 0.09 | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.03 | | Percentage of Minority Population (%) | 69.38 | 29.31 | --- | 1.13 | 0.09 | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.03 |

10. Religion

In the Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture, Islam is the predominant religion, with most Kirghiz people adhering to Islam, particularly the Hanafi school of Sunni Islam. Additionally, some Kirghiz in the region also practice Buddhism and Taoism. Historically, the Kirghiz people practiced Shamanism before gradually converting to Islam in the 18th century. Although Islam is the mainstream religion, remnants of primitive beliefs persist in some areas, such as in Akqi County and Halajun Township, where religious consciousness remains relatively weak.

11. Culture

National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units

Aibifu·Aijiemu Mazar

National-Level Intangible Cultural Heritage

Manas (Epic)

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"Kizilsu" is a Kyrgyz term that means "red water."

Atushi City

Artux City

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