The Grassland Stone City Scenic Area is located in Tuosite Township, Jimunai County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 40 kilometers away from Jimunai County Seat. The total area of the scenic area is 270 square kilometers, with a core area of 67 square kilometers. It is a national 4A-level scenic area and has successively obtained the titles of Autonomous Region National Geopark and Autonomous Region Scenic Spot, while actively applying for a higher-level scenic area. The scenic area is characterized by magnificent geological landscapes, a unique granite landform formed by corrosion and wind erosion. The area features rolling hills and numerous strange stone formations, both in shape and spirit, making it highly ornamental and known as a "museum of strange stones on earth." From June to July each year, hundreds of mountain flowers such as pink peonies, wild poppies, and globe-flowers bloom in the scenic area, creating a breathtaking scene, and wild mushrooms can be easily picked. Additionally, this area was the private pasture of Ailin Khan, the only Kazakh khan recognized and appointed by the Qing and Republic of China governments.
Historical Culture
The Grassland Stone City Scenic Area is rich in historical heritage. It was once the private pasture of Ailin Khan, the Kazakh khan, witnessing the khanate history of the Kazakh people. The Tongtian Cave Site in the scenic area is the first Paleolithic cave site discovered in Xinjiang. Archaeological findings include cultural layer deposits from the transition between the Middle and Late Paleolithic periods, approximately 45,000 years old, and the earliest wheat remains ever found in China, filling a gap in Xinjiang's prehistoric cave archaeology and representing a major discovery in Chinese Paleolithic archaeology. Meanwhile, the scenic area is shrouded in mystery due to puzzles such as the stone coffin tombs, the strange slope, the mysterious inscriptions, and the sacred spring in the stone cave.
Main Attractions
Tongtian Cave
The largest granite cave in China, located at an altitude of 1,810 meters, contains human activity relics from 45,000 years ago and is an important archaeological discovery.
Sacred Spring in Stone Cave
Located on the mountainside, this natural spring never runs dry. Legend has it that its water can prolong life, attracting many tourists to pay homage and sightsee.
Tadpole Script Stone
A huge stone engraved with mysterious symbols, whose patterns and inscriptions are regularly arranged but still uninterpreted, exuding an air of mystery.
Figurative Stone Landscapes
The scenic area features numerous figurative stones such as the "Dinosaur," "Wolf Grandma," "Chinese Dragon," and "Santa Claus," with vivid shapes that make visitors feel like they have entered a "world of figures" and an "ocean of animals."
Food
Baked Baozi
A local specialty with a crispy outer skin and a filling usually made of mutton, offering a rich aroma.
Hummus
With a smooth texture and rich nutrition, it has a strong ethnic flavor.
Sawuer Mountain Mutton
Mutton from Sawuer Mountain is moderately fat and lean, of extremely high quality, fresh, and not greasy. The sheep feed on Chinese herbal medicines and drink glacial water, and the mutton has obtained national ecological origin certification and approval from the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.
Admission
Full-price ticket: 43 yuan (including shuttle bus); student/senior ticket: 26 yuan. Subject to actual prices at the scenic area. As of May 21, 2025, the official WeChat public account of the scenic area has not been found.
Opening Hours
9:00 - 20:00 daily, with possible shorter hours in winter.
Tour Routes
Scenic area entrance → "Dinosaur," "Wolf Grandma" and other figurative stones → "Chinese Dragon," "Santa Claus" → Tongtian Cave Site → Sacred Spring in Stone Cave → One-Line Sky.
Transportation
- By Car: From Urumqi, take G219 National Highway via Awu Expressway and Kui'a Expressway, about 700 kilometers, driving for 8-10 hours; or from Habahe County, drive along G219 to Jimunai County.
- By Route Bus: First reach Jimunai County Seat, then transfer to a route bus to the scenic area.
Must-See Attractions
- Tongtian Cave: The largest granite cave in China, of great archaeological value, allowing visitors to experience ancient human civilization.
- Sacred Spring in Stone Cave: A mysterious natural spring with beautiful legends and scenic beauty.
- Figurative Stone Landscapes: Numerous vivid stone formations, like being in a fantasy sculpture garden, making people marvel at nature's craftsmanship.
Tour Tips
- Visit in summer (June-August) when grassland flowers are in full bloom, the weather is mild, and it is suitable for hiking and photography.
- Stay in yurts within the scenic area to experience the lifestyle of the Kazakh people.
- Prepare sunscreen and comfortable sports shoes to better enjoy the scenic beauty.
Notes
- Respect local ethnic cultures and customs.
- In winter, keep warm and note that some areas may be closed due to snow; check ahead for information.
- Protect the environment and do not litter in the scenic area.