Wucaiwan
Wucaiwan, located in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, is a 50-square-kilometer geological marvel renowned for its rainbow-hued sandstone cliffs and dinosaur fossil beds. Designated a national geological park in 2005, its layered rock formations—dating to the Cretaceous period—display hues of red, gold, purple, and green, earning it the nickname "Rainbow Hills." The site also preserves one of China’s richest dinosaur fossil zones, with remains of Sinraptor and Xinjiangtitan species. Once a stop on the northern Silk Road, it now merges natural beauty with paleontological significance.
Historical Overview
- Cretaceous Period (140–65 million years ago): Formed by sedimentation in ancient lakes and rivers, with dinosaur habitats.
- 1920s: Fossils first discovered by Swedish geologist Johan Gunnar Andersson.
- 1980s: Systematic excavations uncovered over 30 dinosaur species.
- 2005: Designated a national geological park, initiating tourism development.
- 2015: Recognized as a national paleontology education base.
Structural Layout
The park is divided into three zones:
- Colored Hills Zone:
- Rainbow Cliffs: A 3 km stretch of layered sandstone with iron-oxide pigments.
- Sunrise Viewpoint: Ideal for capturing golden-hour light on the cliffs.
- Dinosaur Fossil Zone:
- Fossil Excavation Sites: Protected areas with dinosaur bone beds.
- Museum: Displays Xinjiangtitan (Asia’s largest sauropod) replicas.
- Wetland Ecosystem Zone:
- Ayake Lake: A seasonal saltwater lake attracting migratory birds.
- Desert Poplar Forest: Ancient Populus euphratica trees near dry riverbeds.
Major Attractions
- Rainbow Cliffs: Photogenic sandstone layers resembling abstract paintings.
- Dinosaur Valley: Walking trails through fossil-rich areas (guided tours only).
- Ayake Lake: Summer home to flamingos and pelicans.
- Fossil Museum: Interactive exhibits with 3D dinosaur models.
- Sunrise Viewpoint: Panoramic vistas of the colored hills.
- Desert Poplar Grove: 500-year-old trees with twisted trunks.
Suggested Itineraries
-
Classic Route (3–4 hours):
Entrance → Rainbow Cliffs → Sunrise Viewpoint → Fossil Museum → Ayake Lake → Exit.
Highlights: Geological formations and wetland birds. -
Paleontology Route (5–6 hours):
Entrance → Dinosaur Valley → Fossil Excavation Site → Museum → Desert Poplar Grove → Exit.
Highlights: Dinosaur history and guided fossil tours. -
Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Entrance → All zones above + Sunset at Rainbow Cliffs → Campfire Dinner → Overnight in Eco-Lodge.
Highlights: Full exploration of natural and historical wonders.
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book via Ctrip or the official WeChat account (Wucaiwan Geological Park).
- On-Site: Tickets at the entrance (¥70 adults, ¥35 students; includes basic entry).
- Packages:
- "Geology + Paleontology" Bundle: ¥120 (includes fossil site access and museum).
- Guided Tour: ¥200/group (includes paleontologist-led fossil tour).
- Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and journalists.
Transportation
- By Car: Self-drive from Urumqi via G216 Highway (260 km, 4 hours).
- By Bus: Take the Urumqi–Jimsar County bus (¥60, 3 hours) → transfer to a park shuttle (¥30, 1 hour).
- By Taxi: Direct ride from Urumqi Airport (¥600, 4.5 hours).
- Local Transport: Electric carts (¥40/hour) within the park.
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Season: June–September (mild weather, active wildlife).
- Avoid Crowds: Visit early (9 AM opening) or late afternoon (4–6 PM).
- Essentials:
- Sunscreen, hat, and polarized sunglasses (for glare off cliffs).
- Sturdy shoes for rocky terrain.
- Binoculars for birdwatching.
- Prohibited: Drones, climbing unmarked cliffs, and fossil collection.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
