Gongnaisi National Forest Park is located in Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, at the southern foot of the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains, 240 kilometers away from Hejing County and 350 kilometers away from Urumqi. The park covers a total area of 786 square kilometers with a forest coverage rate of 82%. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and a national forest park. The scenic area is characterized by snow-capped spruce forests, alpine meadows, and river valley wetlands, with an altitude of 1,600-2,400 meters and an average annual temperature of 6.1°C. It is cool and pleasant in summer, serving as a natural summer resort. The park has construction facilities such as a reception center and holiday hotels, capable of accommodating 500 people for accommodation and 2,000 people for dining simultaneously.
History and Culture
Gongnaisi means "Sunny Slope" in Mongolian. Since ancient times, it has been a grazing land for nomadic peoples and historically belonged to the territory of the Wusun Kingdom. In the Qing Dynasty, a military station was established here, serving as an important passage connecting northern and southern Xinjiang. The scenic area still retains historical relics such as the Wusun ancient tomb cluster and rock carvings. Among them, the Wusun ancient tomb cluster has a history of more than 2,000 years, with over 100 stone tombs of varying sizes distributed here. Gongnaisi is also one of the main nomadic areas for the Mongolian Tuergen tribe after their eastward return, with a profound ethnic cultural heritage. Traditional activities such as the Naadam Festival are held here from June to August every year.
Main Attractions
Banchan Valley
Named after the 10th Panchen Lama who once chanted prayers here, the valley is densely covered with snow-capped spruces and winding streams, spanning about 10 kilometers in length. The best visiting time is from May to June when wild flowers are in full bloom, painting a picturesque scene.
A'ersen Valley
Famous for its hot spring group, it has 12 natural hot springs with water temperatures ranging from 43-63°C, containing minerals such as sulfur and fluorine, which have medical and health care effects. The hot spring area covers about 2 square kilometers.
Hongjialike Valley
The valley features alpine meadows and river valley wetlands, serving as a habitat for wild animals. Animals such as red deer and argali are commonly seen here. The valley is about 15 kilometers long, suitable for hiking and exploration.
Gongnaisi River
A tributary of the Tarim River, the river winds through the forest, forming a unique landscape of "forest and river coexistence". The best shooting spot is the viewing platform in the middle section of the river valley.
Guoleng Mongolian Township Folk Village
Showcasing the folk culture of the Mongolian Tuergen tribe, it features traditional yurts, saddle-making craftsmanship, etc. Visitors can experience activities such as horseback riding and archery. The village covers an area of about 0.5 square kilometers.
Delicacies
Roasted Mutton
Made from local black-headed sheep, the meat is tender. After roasting, it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder. The per capita consumption is 50-80 yuan.
Hand-Grabbed Meat
Boiled bone-in mutton served with onions and salt, the meat is tender and the soup is delicious. The per capita consumption is 60-100 yuan.
Horse Milk Wine
A traditional Mongolian beverage made by fermenting horse milk, with an alcohol content of about 3-8 degrees. It is sweet and refreshing, with nourishing effects, priced at 40-60 yuan per kilogram.
Bao'ersake
Fried pasta, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often served with milk tea. It is a must-have for Mongolian breakfast, with a per capita cost of 10-20 yuan.
Wild Mushroom Soup Noodles
Cooked with wild mushrooms, mutton, and noodles from the Gongnaisi mountain area, the soup is rich and nutritious. The per capita consumption is 30-40 yuan.
Admission Tickets
The ticket price is 35 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "绿色巩乃斯" to get the latest updates. As of June 3, 2025, the official public account does not provide an online ticketing function.
Opening Hours
Open throughout the year, daily from 08:00 to 20:00. In winter (November to March of the following year), some sections are closed, only accessible by foot or off-road vehicles.
Tour Routes
One-day tour: After arriving in the morning, take an interval bus to Banchan Valley and hike for 2-3 hours to enjoy the spruce forest and wildflowers; have lunch in Gongnaisi Town; go to A'ersen Valley for hot springs in the afternoon, then visit Guoleng Mongolian Township Folk Village; shoot the sunset by the Gongnaisi River in the evening. Two-day tour: The first day's itinerary is the same as above. On the second day, go hiking in Hongjialike Valley, the whole journey takes about 5 hours. You can bring picnic ingredients for lunch in the meadow and return in the afternoon.
Transportation
- Self-driving: From Urumqi, drive about 350 kilometers along G218 National Highway, taking 5-6 hours; from Yining, drive about 160 kilometers along G218 National Highway, taking 2.5 hours.
- Shuttle bus: There is a shuttle bus from Hejing County to Gongnaisi Town at 10:00 every day, taking 4 hours with a fare of 50 yuan; there is an interval bus from Gongnaisi Town to the scenic area, departing every 15 minutes with a fare of 10 yuan.
- Tourist chartered car: The two-day round-trip chartered car fee from Urumqi is about 800-1000 yuan per car, including driver and fuel costs.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Banchan Valley: A canyon landscape where snow-capped spruces coexist with wildflowers, with a mature hiking route about 5 kilometers in total. The best visiting period is from May to June.
- A'ersen Valley Hot Springs: 12 natural hot springs are distributed on both sides of the river valley, with suitable water temperatures for experiencing wild hot springs. The hot spring area is at an altitude of 1,900 meters.
- Gongnaisi River Valley: The river passes through the forest, and the best shooting spot is at the K1620 milestone, suitable for photographing morning mist and sunset.
Tour Tips
- The best tourist season is from May to October, among which May-June sees wildflowers blooming all over the valley, and September-October features forests dyed in layers.
- The temperature difference between day and night in the mountains is large. Bring a hard shell jacket and fleece jacket, and prepare a thin coat even in summer.
- Wear waterproof hiking shoes when hiking, and carry sufficient drinking water and high-calorie foods (such as chocolate and beef jerky).
- Bring your own swimsuit for the hot spring area. Some hot spring pools are open-air, so pay attention to privacy and keep warm.
- Respect Mongolian customs: take off your shoes before entering a yurt, and do not touch sacrificial items casually.
Notes
- Open fires are prohibited in the scenic area. Do not carry kindling when hiking, and smoke only in designated areas.
- The ground in A'ersen Valley hot spring area is slippery. Pay attention to anti-slip when soaking in hot springs, and the elderly and children need to be accompanied by a special person.
- Some sections are snow-covered in winter. Self-driving vehicles need to install anti-skid chains, and it is recommended to enter with a guide vehicle.
- There are many wild animals. Do not feed or approach animals such as red deer and argali, and keep a distance of more than 50 meters.
- Mobile phone signals are weak in the scenic area. It is recommended to inform family members of your itinerary in advance and travel in groups.