Hami today is the eastern gateway to Xinjiang,a rich oasis in the midst of a seemingliy endless desert,and famous throughout China for its melons,the hamigua.It is a convenient stopping piont along the road between Sunhuang and Tuepan. Historically,Hami has always been an important part of the Silk Road,occupying one of the few fertile spots between Gansu and Turpan.Kept small by the surrounding inhospitable desert,the town cantries around the northern end of Zhongshan Road.