Sandao Haizi Scenic Area is located in the northeastern part of Qinghe County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, about 140 kilometers away from Qinghe County Seat, at the southern foot of the Altai Mountains. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction with a total area of approximately 50 square kilometers. The core area centers on three alpine lakes (Huahaizi, Zhonghaizi, and Bianhaizi), distributed in a "linear" pattern, all at an altitude of over 2,500 meters, making it one of the highest alpine lake groups in Xinjiang. The scenic area boasts magnificent natural landscapes, integrating diverse ecosystems such as grasslands, forests, lakes, and glaciers. The average summer temperature is 15-20°C, making it an ideal summer resort; in winter, it is wrapped in silver, suitable for ice and snow sightseeing.
Historical Culture
Sandao Haizi is a significant concentration of archaeological sites in Xinjiang and even across the country, carrying a profound grassland cultural heritage. The scenic area is dotted with numerous relics from the Bronze Age to the Sui and Tang Dynasties, including ancient tombs, stone pile tombs, and deer stones. The most famous is the "Sandao Haizi Stone Pile Tomb," identified as the tomb of a nomadic chief from around the 5th century BC. The stone pile measures 76 meters in diameter and about 8 meters in height, built with tens of thousands of huge stones, known as the "Pyramid of the Grassland." The primitive totems and animal patterns carved on the deer stones reflect the religious beliefs and life scenes of ancient nomadic peoples, serving as important physical materials for studying Eurasian grassland civilizations. Additionally, the legend that Genghis Khan passed through here during his western expedition adds a mysterious historical touch to the scenic area.
Main Attractions
Huahaizi (Flower Lake)
The largest lake among the Sandao Haizi, with a water surface of approximately 3 square kilometers, named for the golden lotus flowers, irises, and other wildflowers that bloom along its shores in summer. The lake water is clear and blue, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forming a picturesque reflection, making it a core area for photography and hiking.
Zhonghaizi (Middle Lake)
At an altitude of about 2,650 meters, the lake is oval-shaped with an area of approximately 1.2 square kilometers. It has a small island inhabited by waterbirds such as wild ducks and swans. Several deer stones and stone pile tombs are distributed along the lakeside, blending historical and natural landscapes.
Bianhaizi (Edge Lake)
The smallest lake, covering an area of about 0.5 square kilometers, adjacent to glacial meltwater streams, with icy and pure water quality. The lakeside meadow is lush and serves as a summer pasture for herders, where visitors can experience Kazakh nomadic life.
Sandao Haizi Stone Pile Tombs
The core historical relics of the scenic area, the giant stone pile tomb complex consists of a main tomb and dozens of accompanying tombs. The main tomb is 76 meters in diameter and 8 meters in height, with stones weighing from several tons to tens of tons. Their construction techniques and scale remain a mystery to this day, and they are listed as autonomous region-level cultural relics protection units.
Food
Hand-Grabbed Mutton
Made from Altay big-tailed sheep raised by local Kazakh herders, the meat is tender and fresh. It is boiled in clear water and eaten with salt or garlic paste, preserving the original meaty aroma. It is a signature dish in pastoral family restaurants around the scenic area.
Kumis (Horse Milk Wine)
A traditional Kazakh beverage fermented from fresh horse milk, with a sweet and sour taste and a low alcohol content of about 3-5 degrees. It is refreshing and thirst-quenching in summer, and some pastoral households in the scenic area offer experiences of freshly brewed kumis.
Baursak
A fried flour product, triangular or circular in shape, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often served with milk tea. It is a common snack in Kazakh breakfasts or afternoon teas, available at catering spots in the scenic area.
Sheep Intestine and Lung with Rice and Flour
A special Xinjiang snack, made by stuffing sheep intestines and lungs with rice, flour, and other ingredients, then boiling and slicing them, served with chili oil and vinegar. It has a unique taste and can be enjoyed at authentic restaurants in Qinghe County near the scenic area.
Admission
The admission fee is 28 yuan per person. 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
Open year-round, with the best visiting season from June to September (summer); in winter (November to March), some roads are closed due to snow, requiring four-wheel drive vehicles or snowmobiles for access.
Tour Routes
One-day tour: Scenic area entrance → Huahaizi (hiking or horseback riding, about 2 hours) → Zhonghaizi (visiting deer stones and stone pile tombs, about 1.5 hours) → Bianhaizi (experiencing nomadic culture, about 1 hour) → return trip. Deep tour (2-3 days): Same as the first day, on the second day, hike to nearby glacier sites and stay overnight in lakeside yurts; on the third day, visit the Sandao Haizi stone pile tomb complex and return in the afternoon.
Transportation
- By Car: Depart from Qinghe County Seat, follow S228 Provincial Highway north to Chagangoule Township, then turn onto township roads to the scenic area, totaling about 140 kilometers with a driving time of 4-5 hours (partly gravel road, SUV recommended).
- By Chartered Car: Tourist chartered car services are available in Qinghe County Seat, with round-trip fees of about 800-1000 yuan including driver and guide.
- By Hiking/Horseback Riding: Starting from Chagangoule Township, you can choose to hike or rent horses (about 80 kilometers, 2-3 day itinerary), requiring advance preparation of camping equipment.
Must-See Attractions
- Huahaizi: One of the highest altitude lakes in Xinjiang, with stunning lake and mountain scenery, ideal for photography and leisurely walks.
- Sandao Haizi Stone Pile Tombs: Mysterious relics of grassland civilization, allowing visitors to appreciate the architectural wisdom and historical vicissitudes of ancient nomadic peoples.
- Zhonghaizi Deer Stone Group: Up-close viewing of Bronze Age primitive carvings to understand Eurasian grassland cultural symbols.
Tour Tips
- In summer, bring windproof jackets, sunscreen, and sunglasses, as the temperature difference between day and night exceeds 10°C; in winter, prepare sufficient warm clothing such as down jackets and snow boots.
- When hiking at high altitudes, act according to your physical condition, and it is recommended to carry glucose oral liquid to prevent altitude sickness (altitude about 2,500 meters).
- Respect local Kazakh customs: take off your shoes before entering yurts, and avoid random photography of herders and religious sites.
- Download offline maps in advance, as there is no mobile phone signal in the scenic area. It is recommended to travel in groups and inform locals of your itinerary.
Notes
- There are no fixed catering or accommodation facilities in the scenic area; prepare sufficient food and drinking water in advance. Accommodation can be arranged in lakeside yurts (advance reservation required).
- Protect the lake ecosystem: fishing, swimming, and littering are prohibited, with penalties ranging from 500 to 2,000 yuan for violations.
- When visiting cultural relics, do not climb or damage stone piles or deer stones, and adhere to the principle of "only take photos, do not touch."
- In summer, be wary of sudden mountain weather changes; seek safe shelter immediately in case of heavy rain or lightning.