Altay history

Foundation and Historical Roots

The city of Altay, located in the northern part of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, possesses a profound history inextricably linked to the nomadic civilizations of the Great Steppe. Although the city received its modern administrative status in the 20th century, settlements in this fertile valley have existed since ancient times. The territory, now part of China, has served for centuries as a significant centre of attraction for various tribes due to its favourable location at the foot of the mountains.

Key Factors of Development

The formation of the city as a significant centre was driven by several key circumstances:

• Geography and Climate: The city is spread across the picturesque valley of the Cran (Kelan) River. The presence of a constant water source and the protection provided by the mountain range against harsh winds created a unique microclimate here, suitable for permanent habitation and agriculture.
• "Golden Mountains": The name of the area itself comes from Turkic-Mongolic roots meaning "gold". Historically, the region was renowned for the extraction of precious metals, which attracted craftsmen and merchants, contributing to the economic growth of the settlement.
• Trade Routes: Its location in the border zone made the city an important point on caravan routes connecting various parts of Central Asia.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of the early period relied on a symbiosis of nomadic herding and resource extraction. Vast alpine meadows allowed local residents to breed horses, sheep, and camels, which formed a rich culture based on the traditions of the steppe peoples. Furthermore, the city developed as a centre of exchange, where livestock products were traded for goods brought by caravans, laying the foundation for its future prosperity.

Major Historical Milestones

• Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD): The territory of the modern city was under the influence of the Xiongnu, and later entered the sphere of contact of the Protectorate of the Western Regions.
• Tang Dynasty (618–907): The region was governed by the Beiting Protectorate, ensuring the safety of trade routes in the north.
• 1755: The Qing Empire established firm control over the region, beginning the process of administrative organisation of the lands.
• 1907: The post of administrator of the Altay District was established, designating the territory as an independent administrative unit.
• 1919: The Altay region was officially incorporated into Xinjiang Province, strengthening ties with the central part of China.
• 1949: The authority of the PRC was established in the region, marking the beginning of a period of industrialisation and social development.
• 1954: The Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture was formed, which included this territory.
• 1984: The county was officially transformed into the county-level city of Altay, becoming the administrative and cultural centre of the prefecture.
• 1995: Activation of geological exploration works, confirming rich reserves of minerals and precious metals.
• 2005: Adoption of a strategy for the development of eco-tourism, turning the city into a popular destination for travellers.
• 2011: Opening of railway connections with neighbouring junction stations, significantly simplifying tourist access to the region.
• 2017: Completion of a large-scale reconstruction of the local airport, allowing for an increased flow of guests to the ski resorts.

Milestones of Modern Development

The transformation of the city of Altay from a traditional settlement into an important economic and tourism hub in northwest China is driven by a series of strategic reforms. These changes have affected not only infrastructure but also the cultural positioning of the region.

• Attaining City Status (1984): The official transformation of the county into a prefecture-level city was a key administrative step. This allowed for centralised management, attracted state investment in urban construction, and launched processes of planned urbanisation.
• Integration into the Railway Network: The opening of railway communication connected the city with the transport system of Xinjiang and the entire country. This event had colossal economic significance, reducing the cost of goods logistics and making the region accessible for mass passenger traffic.
• Modernisation of the Air Gateway: The reconstruction and expansion of the airport allowed it to receive more flights from major metropolises. Air transport became a driver for tourism development, ensuring rapid access to resorts even during the winter season.
• Formation of a Winter Tourism Cluster: The development of the "Jiangjunshan" ski resort directly within the city limits became a unique urban planning and economic decision. This turned the city into the "Snow Capital", ensuring an influx of tourists and the creation of jobs in the service sector.
• Cultural Branding "Birthplace of Skiing": Scientific confirmation of the antiquity of local rock carvings depicting skiers allowed the city to declare itself as the place where skiing originated. This status became the basis for international marketing and cultural festivals.
• Ecological Revitalisation of the Cran River Valley: Large-scale landscaping works on the embankments of the Kelan (Cran) River changed the urban landscape. The creation of park zones and a "green belt" significantly improved the quality of life for citizens and the environmental situation.
• Development of Green Energy: The construction of wind power stations in the vicinity of the city marked a transition to modern types of industry. This not only strengthened energy security but also highlighted the region's status as an environmentally clean destination.

Urban Planning and Landscape

The architectural appearance of the city of Altay is inextricably linked to its unique geographical position. The city extends linearly along the picturesque valley of the Cran (Kelan) River, nestled between mountain slopes. Such a location dictated the layout features: main thoroughfares and public spaces are oriented towards the water artery, creating a "green corridor" within the urban environment. Unlike flatland metropolises, high-rise construction here is strictly regulated so as not to obstruct views of the majestic mountain landscapes.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The city's built environment is relatively young and reflects the dynamic development of the region in recent decades. The architecture shows a blend of pragmatism and a striving for national identity:

• Functionalism (Late 20th Century): Residential and administrative quarters, erected after receiving city status, are executed in a restrained style. They are characterised by simple geometric forms, the use of concrete, and a lack of excessive decoration, which corresponded to the tasks of rapid urbanisation.
• Postmodernism with Ethnic Elements (21st Century): Modern China pays great attention to cultural identity. New buildings often include stylised elements: roofs resembling tent slopes, facades with traditional ornaments, and a colour scheme harmonising with the natural shades of stone and wood.
• Recreational Architecture: In tourist zones, the "chalet" style and the use of natural materials (wood, wild stone) predominate, creating the atmosphere of a cosy mountain resort.

Landmark Structures Shaping the City

There are no ancient fortresses in the city, but there are modern landmarks that have become its calling cards:

• Jiangjunshan Ski Resort: This is the architectural and landscape dominant of the city. The slopes and infrastructure of the resort are located directly on the slope of General's Mountain, effectively overlooking the residential quarters. The evening illumination of the slopes creates a unique visual backdrop for the entire city.
• Cran River Embankment: A complex of hydraulic and park structures, including picturesque bridges and pavilions. This is an example of modern landscape architecture, where granite embankments are combined with wildlife zones.
• Cultural Centres and Museums: Public buildings are often built with the scale inherent in modern Chinese urban planning, using glass and metal to create the image of a progressive city looking towards the future.

Historical Figures and Explorers

• Emperor Qianlong (1711–1799) — Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. His administrative decisions and military campaigns in the mid-18th century played a key role in integrating the region into the empire. It was during this period that the foundations of the modern administrative division, within which Altay developed, were laid.
• Xu Song (1781–1848) — A prominent scholar, historian, and geographer. While in Xinjiang, he conducted large-scale research on the geography of the Western Regions. His detailed descriptions of the rivers, mountains, and routes of the Altay region became an invaluable historical source for future generations.
• Shan Zhaojian (Contemporary) — A renowned researcher and expert on the history of skiing. Thanks to his many years of work and study of ancient rock carvings, the theory that China (specifically the Altay Prefecture) is the birthplace of skiing was scientifically substantiated. His works formed the basis of the city's modern tourism brand.

Cultural and Sports Figures

• Li Juan (born 1979) — A famous writer and essayist. Her collection of prose "My Altay", based on personal experience of life in the region, became a literary phenomenon. Li Juan's books revealed the beauty of the local nature and the lifestyle of nomadic peoples to a wide audience, inspiring many people to travel to these lands.
• Dinigeer Yilamujiang (born 2001) — A professional skier and native of Altay. She became a symbol of the region's sporting achievements by participating in the cauldron lighting ceremony at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Her career highlights the city's status as a centre for winter sports.
• Erlanbieke Katai (born 1990) — A Greco-Roman wrestler. A native of the city, he successfully represented the country in the international arena, including the Olympic Games, becoming an example for local youth and the pride of the regional sports school.