Tacheng City, Administrative center in northwestern Xinjiang, China
Tacheng is a city in the Dzungarian Basin near the Kazakhstan border, situated at 534 meters elevation and surrounded by the Tarbagatay Mountains. It serves as an administrative center for the region and connects multiple valleys and basins across northwestern Xinjiang.
The city grew during the 19th century as a major trading hub on the route between China and Russia. Tea commerce drove much of the growth that connected these two regions together.
The city is home to Kazakh, Hui, Uyghur, Mongolian, and Russian communities whose traditions, music, and celebrations shape daily life. This diversity appears naturally in local markets, street life, and gatherings that reflect how these groups coexist in the city.
The city is reachable by the Karamay-Tacheng Railway and Tacheng Qianquan Airport, with regular connections to Ürümqi and other regional destinations. Visitors should prepare for dry conditions and varying elevations when exploring the surroundings.
Every primary and secondary school in the city includes accordion lessons in its curriculum, earning it the title of Accordion City of China. This musical distinction remains a mark of identity and shows up in local cultural events.
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