Xinjiang Ancient Ecology Park

Historical Overview

200 BC–200 AD: Silk Road caravans passed through the region, leaving behind petroglyphs and relics.

1980s: Discovery of petrified wood forests, later declared a protected geological site.

2005: Establishment of the Xinjiang Silk Road Cultural Museum to house ancient artifacts.

2010: Opening of the park as a cultural-ecological tourism destination.

2018: Introduction of the "Horse Culture Museum" and equestrian shows.

Structural Layout

The park is divided into four zones:

• West Zone (Geological Wonders)

Petrified Wood Forest: A 50-hectare expanse of 200-million-year-old fossilized trees, some reaching 20m in length.

Silk Road Petroglyphs: Rock carvings depicting camels, hunters, and celestial patterns from the Han Dynasty.

Mineral Museum: Displays of jade, gold, and turquoise sourced from Xinjiang’s mountains.

• Central Zone (Equestrian Culture)

Horse Culture Museum: Traces the history of Xinjiang’s native breeds, including the famed Akhal-Teke.

Equestrian Arena: Daily performances by the "Snow Lotus" troupe, featuring horseback archery and traditional dancing.

Stable Visits: Interact with Purebred Kazakh horses and learn about grooming techniques.

• East Zone (Art & Heritage)

Silk Road Cultural Museum: Houses 1,000+ artifacts, including Tang Dynasty pottery and Uyghur musical instruments.

Sculpture Garden: Modern art installations inspired by Xinjiang’s landscapes and folklore.

Ethnic Crafts Market: Shop for handmade carpets, knives, and embroidery.

• South Zone (Nature & Recreation)

Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to Przewalski’s horses, snow leopards, and red deer.

Herb Garden: Showcases medicinal plants like snow lotus and licorice root.

Camel Riding Track: A 1km loop for riding Bactrian camels.

• Supporting Structures

Silk Road Café: Serves Xinjiang specialties like laghman (hand-pulled noodles) and roasted lamb skewers.

Yurt Campground: Traditional Kazakh yurts for overnight stays (heated in winter).

Souvenir Pavilion: Sells fossil replicas, jade jewelry, and equestrian-themed gifts.

Major Attractions

Petrified Wood "Dragon Tree": A 28m-long fossilized trunk, the largest in the park, resembling a coiled dragon.

"Golden Horse" Statue: A 5m-tall bronze sculpture symbolizing Xinjiang’s equestrian legacy.

Horseback Archery Demo: Witness riders hit targets while galloping at 40 km/h.

Uyghur Folk Dance Show: Evening performances with dancers in embroidered costumes.

Suggested Itineraries

• Half-Day Cultural Tour (3–4 hours)

Morning: Petrified Wood Forest → Silk Road Petroglyphs → Horse Culture Museum.

Lunch: Silk Road Café (try nang bread and kumis fermented mare’s milk).

Afternoon: Equestrian Arena Show → Ethnic Crafts Market.

Highlights: Ancient fossils, horseback stunts, and Silk Road artifacts.

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

Morning: Camel Riding → Wildlife Sanctuary Tour → Herb Garden Workshop (make herbal sachets).

Lunch: Yurt Campground (BBQ with local mutton).

Afternoon: Petrified Wood Hike → Archery Lesson → Uyghur Dance Show.

Evening: Stargazing at the South Zone observatory.

Highlights: Wildlife encounters, hands-on crafts, and night skies.

• Two-Day Horse Culture Retreat

Day 1:

Morning: Stable Visit → Grooming Session → Horseback Riding Lesson.

Afternoon: Silk Road Museum Tour → Petroglyph Sketching.

Evening: Dinner at the Yurt Campground (live dutar music).

Day 2:

Morning: Equestrian Archery Competition → Herb Garden Tea Ceremony.

Afternoon: Mineral Museum → Fossil Hunting Expedition.

Evening: Farewell Bonfire with Kazakh folk songs.

Highlights: Immersive equestrian experiences, cultural performances, and camping.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via WeChat Mini Program "Xinjiang Ancient Ecology Park" (up to 14 days in advance; combo tickets with Heavenly Lake available).

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

• Prices:

Peak Season (May–October): Adults ¥120, Students/Seniors ¥60.

Equestrian Show: ¥80 (optional).

Off-Season (November–April): 50% discount.

Free: Children under 1.4m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.

Transportation

By Subway: Line 1 to Beijing Road Station, then 15-minute taxi ride.

By Bus: Route 532 to "Ancient Ecology Park Stop."

By Taxi: Direct to West Zone entrance (¥40 from Urumqi Diwopu Airport).

Departure: Exit via South Zone to Heavenly Lake (40-minute drive) or East Zone to Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar.

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 are busiest; weekdays are quieter.

Weather: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for outdoor activities.

• Essentials:

Wear closed-toe shoes (trails can be rocky).

Bring sunscreen and a hat (high UV exposure).

Photography allowed (no flash near fossils).

Prohibited Items: Outside food (except in picnic zones), drones, and smoking.

Insider Tip: Combine a visit with Heavenly Lake for alpine scenery or the Grand Bazaar for shopping.