Shuimogou Scenic Area is located in Shuimogou District, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 5 kilometers northeast of Urumqi, at the foot of Dongshan and the end of Hongshan. As a national 4A-level tourist attraction, it consists of five mountains (Hongqiao Mountain, Qingquan Mountain, Wenquan Mountain, Shuita Mountain, Xuelian Mountain) and one river (Shuimogou River), integrating ice-snow customs and landscape beauty. Covering an area of 36 square kilometers, it is a large mountain park.
History and Culture
Shuimogou Scenic Area has a long history, with the earliest records traceable to folk accounts in the 16th century. In 1733, the Qing government purchased two watermills with 240 taels of silver for flour milling here, giving birth to the name "Shuimogou" (Watermill Gully). In 1901, Zaiyi, a minister of the Qing government, and his brother Zailan, the "Duke of Zhenguo," were exiled to Urumqi. They invested tens of thousands of taels of silver from Xinjiang's treasury to build "Lan Park" and numerous structures like the "Jieguan Pavilion" and "Xiaocao Pavilion". In 1907, Wang Shunan, the Governor of Xinjiang, used the rapid current to build an "official watermill," adding to over a hundred private watermills, taking the scenic area to its initial scale. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the government carried out a series of planning, expansion, and development, gradually forming the current scale. The area is rich in legends of historical figures such as Ji Xiaolan and Mao Zemin, boasting profound cultural heritage.
Main Attractions
Main Gate
The main gate adopts a Qing-style architectural pattern, with a length of 33.32 meters, width of 9.74 meters, height of 14.2 meters, and a construction area of 651 square meters. The roof and beams are painted with vivid, bright-colored pictures. The interior is fully functional: the first floor has a security office on the left and a tourist center on the right; the second floor is the scenic area office; the third floor is the reception center.
Jieguan Pavilion
The original pavilion was built in 1901 by Zaiyi and Zailan to facilitate receiving officials and relatives. It was a wooden structure with carved beams and painted rafters, but collapsed during the Republic of China period due to disrepair. In 2003, the Shuimogou District Government funded its reconstruction.
Fragrant Concubine's Bath
Legend has it that in 1760, the "Fragrant Concubine" bathed in the hot spring while passing through Dihua (now Urumqi), leaving a faint fragrance, giving rise to the story of "Fragrant Concubine's Bath," referring to the charming scenery of Shuimogou in the northeastern suburbs of Urumqi.
Hanwen Ridge
With a total length of 360 meters, it is the first landscape in Xinjiang integrating culture and scenery, divided into poetry stele areas, ancient rock painting areas, garden sketch areas, etc.
Jianting Beauty
Located in the artificial lake of Shuimogou Park, covering an area of 1,500 square meters, it includes an artificial lake and an island connected by two arch bridges. The island has its own water system, with one Jianting Pavilion and one inscribed stone, surrounded by lush trees and flowers.
Jinshiyuan (Present Fate)
Composed of the "Fuxi and Nüwa Relief," "Oath Stele," "Lianxin Pavilion," etc., among which the white marble Fuxi and Nüwa relief was first discovered in Turpan, Xinjiang in 1928, carrying profound meanings.
Qingquan Temple
Built in 1989, it is located on the middle hillside of Qingquan Mountain, covering an area of over 7,000 square meters. It is the largest Han Buddhist temple in Xinjiang and the location of the Urumqi Buddhist Association.
Shuimofang (Watermill Workshop)
Constructed in June 1992, covering an area of 21 square meters, it features an antique steel frame structure with a sloping roof paved with straw and decorated with birch bark around. Inside are two antique wooden watermills.
Yipao Chenggong (One Cannon Success)
In 2001, the Shuimogou District Committee and Government invested 4.8 million yuan to rebuild it 2 kilometers east of the original site. In 1876, Zuo Zongtang appointed Liu Jintang as the frontline commander. The Qing army fired a cannon on the mountain ridge of Liudaowan, Urumqi, collapsing a section of the Dihua City wall and successfully recovering Urumqi. To commemorate this battle, local people built a battery named "Yipao Chenggong."
Food
Xinjiang Roasted Lamb Skewers
Fresh lamb is cut into small pieces, marinated with special spices, and roasted. The outer skin is crispy and aromatic, while the inside is tender and juicy, exuding an inviting aroma.
Hand-Pulled Rice
Made with high-quality rice, lamb, carrots, onions, and other ingredients, stewed with special seasonings. The rice is soft and glutinous, the lamb is tender, and the taste is delicious.
Roasted Buns
Using high-quality flour as the skin and lamb, onions, etc., as the filling, seasoned and wrapped into buns, then baked in an oven. The outer skin is crispy, and the filling is tender and juicy with a rich aroma.
Mixed Noodles
Made with high-quality noodles, paired with special sauces and various vegetables and meats, mixed evenly before eating. It has a smooth taste and rich sauce.
Local Snacks
Includes Nang (baked bread) and yogurt. Nang has a unique aroma, and yogurt is sweet and sour, with a strong local flavor.
Countryside Cuisine
On Guanyuan Road's rural food street, there are farmhouse dishes like stir-fried cock, big-plate local chicken, braised beef steak, and characteristic dishes with Kazakh style such as smoked horse meat, lamb, butter milk tea, etc.
Tickets
Free admission.
Opening Hours
Open 24/7 throughout the year.
Tour Route
Visitors can enter through the main gate, first visiting Hanwen Ridge to experience the integration of culture and scenery; then proceed to Jieguan Pavilion to understand its historical origin; next, go to Fragrant Concubine's Bath to admire the charming scenery; then visit Jianting Beauty to enjoy the artificial lake and pavilions; after that, explore Jinshiyuan to feel its romantic implication; followed by Qingquan Temple to experience Buddhist culture; then visit Shuimofang to experience traditional watermill culture; finally, go to "Yipao Chenggong" to learn about historical stories. If time permits, take a stroll by the lake to enjoy natural scenery or play with children in the kids' entertainment area.
Transportation
- Bus: Take city buses No. 34, 104, 106, 801, 537, 535, etc., and get off at Shuimogou Park Station.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Qingquan Temple: The largest Han Buddhist temple in Xinjiang, with splendid architecture. It is bustling during temple fairs, allowing visitors to feel the solemnity and sanctity of Buddhist culture.
- Yipao Chenggong: Of great historical significance, it enables visitors to learn about Zuo Zongtang's recovery of Xinjiang and enhance national pride.
- Hanwen Ridge: The first landscape in Xinjiang integrating culture and scenery, with poetry steles, ancient rock paintings, etc., allowing visitors to appreciate rich cultural connotations.
Tour Tips
- The recommended visit time is 3-5 hours. Extend the time appropriately if you want to fully experience all activities and attractions.
- Bring some snacks and water to enjoy in the rest areas of the scenic area to replenish energy.
- If interested in Buddhist culture, participate in the temple fair activities of Qingquan Temple to feel the strong religious atmosphere.
- Take sun protection measures in summer and keep warm in winter, as the temperature difference between day and night in the scenic area is large.
Notes
- Abide by the scenic area regulations and do not damage public facilities, flowers, or trees at will.
- Keep quiet and respect religious beliefs and customs when visiting temples and other religious sites.
- Visitors with children should take good care of them and avoid playing in dangerous areas like lake sides.
- Pay attention to environmental protection, do not litter, and keep the scenic area clean.