Horgos Port, located in the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang, China, marks the border between China and Kazakhstan, defined by the meandering Horgos River. As the largest land port in Northwest China, it serves as a crucial link between eastern China and five Central Asian countries to the west. This emerging city, fueled by its port and a commitment to openness, presents a rich tapestry of Chinese and foreign cultures for visitors. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore this vital gateway.
CCTV reporter Wang Li says: “We’re at the Horgos Highway Port in the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang. This impressive structure we see here is the sixth generation of the national gate, directly facing Kazakhstan across the river. It represents an essential portal for China’s western expansion, bridging us to the expansive Eurasian continent. Historically, Horgos was a pivotal point on the ancient Silk Road. Over a century ago, the Horgos Highway Port officially initiated operations, transforming from its modest beginnings in the 1950s to the remarkable facility we see today— a testament to the growth of this border city.”
Beneath the clear blue sky, the sixth-generation gate stands proudly, emblazoned with bold red characters that read “People’s Republic of China Horgos Port.” The sweeping eaves on either side symbolize the flourishing economic partnerships between China and Central Asia.
By 10 AM, the port is alive with the first influx of international businesspeople and tourists. Visitors can purchase a bus ticket from the international passenger station to take a five-hour ride to Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan.
As the first land port in Xinjiang to separate passenger and cargo traffic, Horgos sees a steady flow of electric vehicles heading to Central Asia and Europe, alongside heavy trucks frequently transporting goods from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Wang Li continues: “If we head north from the sixth-generation gate, we reach the fifth-generation gate. Although it’s no longer in operation, it has been transformed into the Horgos National Gate Cultural Exhibition Hall, which showcases the history of the national gate and the port through exhibits of text, images, and videos.”
As we enter the Horgos National Gate Cultural Exhibition Hall, a guide takes us on a journey back to the barren landscapes of over 70 years ago. In the 1950s, Horgos saw the construction of its first national gate, a simple flat-roofed building with just five interlinked rooms, rarely attracting any visitors.
In 1983, with the port’s official reopening, the limited facilities could no longer accommodate the burgeoning trade traffic, prompting the first upgrade to the national gate. By 1987, the second-generation gate was inaugurated in a newly selected location. As foreign trade flourished, the third, fourth, and fifth-generation gates followed suit, marking a new era of openness for China.
On September 27, 2018, the sixth-generation gate became operational, establishing itself as a comprehensive port that integrates customs trade and cultural exchanges, becoming a fresh landmark for Horgos.
Amidst the bustling border town, visitors can also appreciate the beauty of intangible cultural heritage. At the China-Kazakhstan international border cooperation center, the striking Horgos China Cultural Center showcases vibrant Chinese cultural elements for guests from around the world.
Within the Horgos China Cultural Center, tourists are enchanted by displays of Chinese calligraphy, silk, and embroidery. A particularly captivating exhibit features intricately designed gourd art, fascinating many visitors with its unique artistic designs.
Kazakhstani visitor Aina Guli notes, “I absolutely love this gourd art; it’s a reflection of China’s traditional culture. With 5,000 years of history, I find it all incredibly fascinating. This is my first trip to China, and I can’t wait to share my experiences with my family. I hope to come back again.”
In Chinese culture, gourds symbolize blessings and prosperity, making this unique art form a cherished component of Horgos’s intangible cultural heritage.
In Jarsul Village of the Yichegashan Sibo Ethnic Township, 48-year-old Cao Guangyao dedicates his life to creating gourd art. An avid painter, he adeptly employs an electric soldering iron as his brush, bringing Xinjiang’s captivating scenes to life on each gourd.
“Each stroke is a labor of love,” Cao shares as the sweet aroma fills the air during the burning process. With an array of shapes and sizes, the gourds in his hands are transformed into vibrant artworks that capture the essence of Xinjiang’s landscapes, traditional dances, and bountiful harvests.
Cao Guangyao, a gourd art inheritor, says: “I focus on showcasing Xinjiang’s unique attributes. The beauty of hot-pressed and burned art lies in its natural aesthetics and timeless charm. As a custodian of this craft, it’s vital that we continue to pass down our rich culture.”
Many folk artists, like Cao, call Horgos home. Following the sounds in Yichegashan Sibo Township leads us to elder Kong Yuchong, another custodian of cultural heritage whose “Gashan Peony” band performs frequently at city events.
Kong’s band harmonizes ethnic instruments with Western ones, most notably featuring the “Mandarin Duck Harp,” played by both Kong and his apprentice.
Elder Kong Yuchong, a master of ethnic musical instrument craftsmanship in Horgos, explains: “The ‘Mandarin Duck’ is a stunning instrument with two resonating bodies that can serve as both backs. The head resembles two ducks, allowing it to be played either standing or sitting, making it incredibly versatile.”
At 83, Kong Yuchong, formerly a teacher at Horgos Yichegashan Primary School, has been passionate about various instruments since childhood. He recounts how he learned about the “Mandarin Duck Harp” through a local legend.
“Over 270 years ago, our ancestors were stationed at the frontier. A young man who loved music thought, why not create a double-sided instrument? The local Sibo people used gourds to drink water, so he simply fashioned a double-sided harp from a gourd.”
Kong shares, “Nobody had seen the ‘Mandarin Duck Harp’ until, over two decades ago, an elderly man named Wang approached me with a drawing.”
“He asked if I could create that instrument. Seeing it, I realized it was the legendary double-sided harp. I said yes, and that was how it all started.”
In 2005, building on traditional Sibo and Western instruments, Kong Yuchong successfully developed the “Mandarin Duck Harp,” an instrument that features both plucking and bowing capabilities.
The melodies from the “Mandarin Duck Harp” combine the rich traditions of classic instruments with the bright tones of modern ones, resulting in beautiful harmonies.
Kong expresses his aspirations, “I aim to enhance the quality of this instrument and elevate it globally, so our music resonates worldwide, showcasing its exquisite sound.”
With 2024 designated as “Kazakhstan Tourism Year” in China, border tourism, cross-border travel, and shopping are attracting increasing numbers of visitors. Any trip to Horgos would be incomplete without a visit to the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center, where guests can enjoy tax-free shopping and experience the thrill of stepping between two countries.
Wang Li remarks: “Here at the joint inspection hall of the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center, no prior appointments are necessary. You simply present your passport or valid entry documents for quick passage through customs. If you don’t have a passport, an ID card will suffice for a one-time exit permit, ensuring efficient access to the center.”
In less than thirty seconds and with my passport in hand, I successfully completed the customs process and entered the cooperation center.
Zhang Liangbo, Team Leader at Horgos Customs Inspection Station, shares, “We see an average of 26,000 travelers entering and exiting the park daily. To streamline their passage, we implement a staggered clearance system, dynamically adjusting our manual inspection lanes based on traveler flow, with a maximum of up to 12 lanes operational at peak times.”
The China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center stands as the world’s only cross-border economic trade zone jointly governed by two countries.
Wang notes: “Within the cooperation center, the ‘One Step Across Two Countries’ passage is a must-see for tourists. The red and blue areas denote the national boundary, with red for China and blue for Kazakhstan. In an instant, you can ‘travel abroad’ to Kazakhstan.”
In this jointly managed area, streets lined with small shops offer an array of products, with most owners fluently switching between multiple languages to attract customers. From Kazakh chocolates to wooden carvings and Kyrgyz honey, nearly ten thousand unique items from China, Central Asia, and Europe are available for purchase, with each visitor enjoying a tax-free shopping limit of 8,000 RMB per day.
For those feeling weary, a range of international cuisines awaits at the cooperation center. Hainar, a local restaurateur, has opened a restaurant that features dishes from both China and Kazakhstan, with chefs from each country.
The Kazakh dish “Huldak,” meaning “stir-fried meat,” is a traditional offering from Kazakh herders to their guests. Rich in flavor and nutrition, horse meat and horse sausage often take center stage in Kazakhstan. Hainar’s goal is to provide an authentic taste of both cultures.
Restaurant owner Hainar states: “I established this restaurant to unite chefs from both countries, allowing our guests to savor the unique flavors of our heritages. We will keep striving to improve.”
As visitors exit the cooperation center, they can ascend the 108-meter West Region Pearl observation tower located in Central Asian Cultural Street, providing breathtaking views of both countries.
When night falls, the vibrant pedestrian street of this historic port transforms into a lively hub, illuminated by dazzling lights and filled with delicious local aromas. Wandering through the night market, taking in the evening sights, and sampling delightful treats has sparked the nighttime economy of Horgos, breathing new life into the city’s cultural and tourism landscape.
