Balruke Tourist Scenic Area is located south of Yumin County, Tacheng Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with the Balruke Mountains as its main body. The scenic area was upgraded to a national 4A-level scenic area and an autonomous region-level ecological tourism demonstration zone in 2014.
The scenic area is characterized by a unique blend of the rugged nobility of the Tianshan Mountains and the gentle grace of the Altai Mountains, featuring diverse landscapes such as snow-capped mountains and grasslands. It is known as the "Garden of Wild Plants and Natural Museum of Wild Animals," preserving a pristine natural oxygen bar. In spring, hundreds of thousands of mu of wild almond apricot blossoms cover the land; summer brings blooming mountain flowers; autumn presents golden waves of crops; and winter wraps the area in silver, creating picturesque scenery throughout the four seasons.
The Balruke Mountains are a branch of the Western Tianshan Mountains, situated between the Tianshan and Altai mountain ranges. The entire mountain range is of medium-to-high altitude, stretching 250 kilometers in length, 80 kilometers at its widest point, and with an average altitude of over 2,000 meters. The total area of the Balruke Mountain National Nature Reserve in Xinjiang is 115,037.3 hectares, with 102,958.4 hectares within Yumin County, where most of the scenic area is located.
History and Culture
Yumin County at the foot of the Balruke Mountains has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with four groups of ancient rock paintings, the most famous of which is the Bardaku Rock Painting Complex. Located 23 kilometers southwest of the county seat, more than 300 rock paintings are carved on an exposed reddish-brown rock slightly higher than the surrounding hills. The content prominently reflects the ancestors' worship of reproduction and bold depictions of it, showcasing the ancient local residents' hope for a thriving population. It also vividly depicts scenes of ancestors' herding, daily life, and entertainment, vividly demonstrating the self-sufficient grassland life at that time. According to the latest research by Xinjiang archaeologists, the Bardaku rock paintings date back 4,000-10,000 years and were listed as a cultural relic protection unit of the autonomous region in 2003.
In the late Qing Dynasty, the Balruke Mountains were forcibly leased by Tsarist Russia. Through the joint efforts of the people and the government in 1894, the Balruke Mountains, which had been occupied by Russia for 10 years, were returned to the motherland. Therefore, the Balruke Mountains are called the "Heroes' Mountains" by the local people.
Xiaobaiyang Post is also an important historical and cultural symbol of the scenic area. Established in 1962, it was originally named Tasti Post and renamed Xiaobaiyang Post in 2002. In the 1980s, a Xibe soldier from Yili, Chen Fusen, told his mother the story of the post soldiers defending the border during a home visit. His mother asked him to take more than a dozen small white poplar seedlings back to the post, urging him to take root in the border area like a white poplar and guard the frontier for the motherland. The soldiers carefully nurtured these seedlings. Despite water shortages, they saved water from washing faces and brushing teeth (without soap or toothpaste) to water the trees, which eventually thrived. In 1983, the famous military writer Liang Shangquan created the song "Xiaobaiyang" after hearing this story. Today, Xiaobaiyang Post has become a red tourism attraction and a patriotism education base.
Main Attractions
Wild Almond Apricot Reserve
This area preserves the world's largest wild almond apricot forest, covering 24,000 mu. Wild almond apricot is a relic species from the Tertiary period, and currently, only Yumin County, China, and a few regions like California, USA, possess this endangered rare wild plant resource. Every spring, wild almond apricot blossoms cover the mountains, forming a sea of pink that is breathtaking.
Turgaliao Grassland
Known as the "Royal Pasture," it is the spring pasture of the Balruke Mountains. The vast grassland is carpeted with green grass and dotted with wildflowers, where horses gallop and cattle and sheep graze, presenting a beautiful prairie landscape and an excellent place to experience grassland customs.
Cuisine
Bashibai Lamb Meat
Bashibai sheep are a unique and excellent sheep breed native to Yumin County. Their meat is tender, has a proper color and delicious taste, is free from muttony odor, and is rich in nutrients. Whether made into grilled lamb skewers, hand-grabbed lamb, or clear stewed lamb, it is endlessly memorable.
Tickets
Admission is 30 yuan per person. Please refer to the actual price at the scenic area.
Opening Hours
Usually open daily from 08:00 to 18:00, with entry prohibited after 18:00.
Tour Routes
One-day route: Xiaobaiyang Post - Turgaliao Grassland - Tasi River Valley Scenic Area. This route allows visitors to experience both the natural landscapes and cultural heritage of the Balruke Mountains in one day.
Two-day route: Day 1, Wild Almond Apricot Reserve - Akeqiok Summer Pasture - Horimde Lake, enjoying natural scenery and lake views; Day 2, Bardaku Rock Paintings - Wild Peony Valley, feeling the integration of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Transportation
- Long-distance bus: Take a long-distance bus to Yumin County seat first, then hire a local tourist vehicle or chartered car to the scenic area.
- Self-driving: From Tacheng Prefecture, take S201→S221→S318; from Urumqi, take Lianhuo Expressway→G312→S305→S205→S318.
Must-See Attractions
- Wild Almond Apricot Reserve: The world's largest wild almond apricot forest, an excellent place for flower viewing in spring, with rich rare plant resources.
- Turgaliao Grassland: The "Royal Pasture" with magnificent grassland scenery, ideal for experiencing grassland nomadic life.
- Xiaobaiyang Post: A red tourism attraction where visitors can feel the spirit of border guards and receive profound patriotism education.
Tour Tips
- Choose appropriate clothing according to the season: wear sunscreen in summer, prepare long-sleeved jackets for large morning-evening temperature differences; keep warm in winter.
- Carry necessary medications such as cold medicine, stomach medicine, and motion sickness pills in case of physical discomfort.
- Due to strong UV rays in the scenic area, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, and other sun protection items.
- For outdoor activities like hiking, wear comfortable sports shoes or hiking boots and check routes and weather conditions in advance.
- Respect local customs and ethnic cultures, especially when interacting with ethnic minorities.
Notes
- Abide by scenic area regulations and do not arbitrarily damage the environment or public facilities.
- When visiting grasslands, do not trample on flowers and plants arbitrarily, and protect the natural environment.
- If visiting dangerous areas such as mountains or riverbanks, pay special attention to safety, avoid traveling alone, and preferably be accompanied by a guide.
- When visiting cultural relics like rock paintings, do not touch or carve on them to maintain their integrity.
- Mobile phone signals may be weak in some areas of the scenic area; inform family or friends of your itinerary in advance for easy contact.