Xibaiyanggou

Historical Overview

13th Century: Kazak tribes began seasonal migrations to the valley, leaving yurts and rock art.

1950s: The valley became a state-run pasture for Kazak livestock.

1980s: Opened to tourism; yurts converted into guesthouses.

1999: Declared a protected forest park; trails and viewing platforms built.

2010: Listed as a "National Eco-Tourism Demonstration Zone" for biodiversity.

Structural Layout

The park spans 80 hectares and is divided into three zones:

• West Zone (Nomadic Culture)

Kazak Yurt Village: Traditional yurts with handicrafts, horseback riding, and kumis (fermented mare’s milk) tasting.

Rock Art Gallery: 200+ petroglyphs depicting hunting scenes and celestial motifs (Tang Dynasty).

Eagle Huntress Performance: Daily demonstrations of Kazak falconry (seasonal).

• Central Zone (Nature & Adventure)

Fairy Tears Waterfall: 40-meter cascade with mist trails and a "Rainbow Bridge" viewing spot.

Pine Forest Trail: 5km loop through ancient spruce trees and wildflower meadows.

Rock Climbing Cliffs: 12m-tall granite faces for beginners (gear rental available).

• East Zone (Eco-Leisure)

Azure Lake: Boating area with swan-shaped paddle boats and a "Reflection Pavilion" for sunset photography.

Herbal Garden: Traditional Uyghur medicinal plants, including snow lotus and licorice root.

Skywalk Observatory: 360° views of the Tian Shan Mountains and the valley’s "Golden Meadow" (autumn foliage).

• Supporting Structures

Horse Carriage: 3km tour through the valley (seasonal).

Yurt Café: Serves nang (flatbread), lagman (noodles), and Kazak baursaks (fried dough).

Major Attractions

Fairy Tears Waterfall: Hike to a hidden pool below the falls for meditation.

Kazak Eagle Huntress: Watch a female falconer train her golden eagle (daily at 11 AM).

Pine Forest "Whispering Path": A 2km trail where wind rustles through spruce needles, creating natural music.

Rock Art of the Nomads: A 14th-century stone relief depicting a Kazak warrior and his horse.

Azure Lake Kayaking: Paddle through emerald waters past grazing yaks.

Suggested Itineraries

• Half-Day Nomadic Culture Tour (3–4 hours)

West Zone: Eagle Huntress Performance → Kazak Yurt Village (lunch: lagman noodles) → Rock Art Gallery.

Central Zone: Fairy Tears Waterfall Trail → Skywalk Observatory.

Highlights: Falconry, petroglyphs, and waterfall views.

• Full-Day Nature & Adventure Tour (6–8 hours)

Morning: Rock Climbing Cliffs → Pine Forest "Whispering Path" → Azure Lake Kayaking.

Afternoon: Herbal Garden Tour → Horse Carriage Ride (seasonal) → Sunset at "Reflection Pavilion."

Evening: Stargazing at the "Golden Meadow" (telescopes provided).

Highlights: Adventure sports, herbalism, and night skies.

• Two-Day Nomadic Retreat

Day 1:

Morning: Yurt-making workshop → Rock Art sketching → Lunch at "Nomad’s Kitchen" (mutton kebab).

Afternoon: Eagle Huntress photography contest → Yurt stay (traditional Kazak dinner).

Evening: "Moonlight Walk" through the pine forest.

Day 2:

Morning: Herbal Garden tea-making workshop → Azure Lake yoga → Lunch at "Spring Café" (herbal infusions).

Afternoon: Skywalk kite-flying → Star-gazing at the "Golden Meadow."

Evening: Campfire at "Pine Campground."

Highlights: Spiritual workshops, herbalism, and camping.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via Ctrip or Meituan (up to 7 days in advance; combo tickets with Tian Shan available).

On-Site: Tickets at West Zone entrance (queues peak 11 AM–2 PM).

• Prices:

Peak Season (June–September): Adults: ¥60, Students/Seniors: ¥35. Horse Carriage: ¥40 one-way, ¥70 round-trip.

Off-Season (October–May): 40% discount on all tickets.

Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.

Transportation

By Bus: Route 108 to Xibaiyanggou Stop (1.5-hour ride from Urumqi).

By Taxi: Direct to West Zone entrance (¥150 from People’s Square).

Departure: Exit via East Zone to Nanshan Ski Resort (20-minute drive) or West Zone to Kazak Cultural Village (10-minute drive).

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–2 PM (tour groups); visit 9–11 AM or 4–6 PM.

Crowds: Weekends and summer holidays (e.g., Kazak New Year) are packed; weekdays are calmer.

Weather: Summer (June–August) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for hiking.

• Essentials:

Wear hiking boots (trails can be muddy after rain).

Bring a reusable water bottle (spring refill stations available).

Photography allowed (no drones near yurts).

Prohibited Items: Outside food (except in picnic zones), loudspeakers, and bicycles.

Insider Tip: Combine a visit with Nanshan Ski Resort (for winter sports) or Kazak Cultural Village (for traditional music performances).