Wucaitan, also known as the Colorful Riverbank, is located in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, northern Xinjiang, on the first and second terraces of the northern bank of the Ertix River, China's only river flowing into the Arctic Ocean, at an altitude of 480 meters. It is a national 4A-level scenic area and has been shortlisted for the "100 Wonders of Mysterious Northwest China". Covering an area of approximately 3 square kilometers, it is a Yadan landform landscape known as the "No. 1 Beach in Xinjiang."
Wucaitan has a continental climate in the cold temperate zone, characterized by long and cold winters, dry springs, hot summers, rapid cooling in autumn, short summers, long winters, and a short frost-free period. The colorful riverbank is formed by the combined effects of fluvial erosion and wind erosion. The terrace slopes are crisscrossed with gullies, with alternating valleys and small earth ridges. The valleys are 5-10 meters wide, and the earth ridges are generally 5-15 meters high, with a maximum height of about 25 meters, creating a staggered landscape. The rock layers are composed of red, reddish-brown, light yellow, and light green sandstone, mudstone, and glutenite, with various rock colors forming a colorful scene resembling colored castles, monsters, and peak clusters.
The south bank of Wucaitan features oases, deserts, and a blue sky, while the north bank is composed of colorful mudstone, sandstone, and gravel, forming a strange rock landscape. The two areas are connected by the famous "Aketubieke Cable Bridge."
History and Culture
Wucaitan has a profound historical and cultural heritage and was once one of the important passages of the ancient Silk Road. Through the ages, countless merchants and travelers have left their footprints here.
In ancient times, Wucaitan was a lake. After hundreds of millions of years of rain erosion, wind and thunder attacks, and crustal movements, it formed rolling hills with exposed thick coal seams. After many vicissitudes, the coal seams were completely burned by lightning and sunlight, leaving behind sintered rocks that accumulated into peculiar landforms.
Many ancient cultural sites are distributed around Wucaitan, such as beacon towers and ancient city walls, which witness the long history of Wucaitan and provide valuable materials for understanding the ancient Silk Road. In addition, the unique culture of ethnic minorities here, such as the Uyghurs and Kazakhs, with their customs and ethnic arts, constitutes an important part of Wucaitan's historical and cultural heritage.
Main Attractions
Aketubieke Cable Bridge
The Aketubieke Cable Bridge is an important passage for Kazakh herders to transfer pastures. Locally known as the suspension bridge, it is also an excellent place to photograph the scenery of Wucaitan and the Ertix River.
Northern Yadan Landform Area
The northern bank of Wucaitan is a cliff-style Yadan landform with undulating mountains and changing colors. Under the sunlight at sunset, the rocks are mainly red, interspersed with green, purple, yellow, white, black, and transitional colors, creating a colorful and charming scene known as the "Most Beautiful Yadan Landform in Xinjiang." When the wind blows, strange sounds of different lengths and pitches can be heard from within the gullies and under the rocks, adding an air of mystery.
Southern Oasis and Forest Area
The south bank features oases, deserts, and a blue sky, where ethnic minorities such as the Kazakhs have lived for generations. In stark contrast to the Yadan landform on the north bank, it presents a unique scene of "two different landscapes on both sides of one river."
Lighthouse Viewing Platform
The Lighthouse Viewing Platform is one of the best spots to photograph sunsets. Under the reflection of the sunset, the rock layers take on a fiery red hue, allowing visitors to enjoy the most splendid colors of Wucaitan.
Windmill Valley
The large windmill cluster near the scenic area adds a modern touch. The Windmill Valley is also an excellent place to photograph sunsets, where windmills and colorful rocks set off each other under the setting sun to form a beautiful picture.
Food
Grilled Amur Pike
Amur pike is a specialty of the Ertix River, known for its tender and delicious meat. Grilled Amur pike is prepared by cleaning the fish, marinating it with local special seasonings, and slowly grilling it over charcoal until the skin is golden and crispy, while the inside remains tender and juicy with a rich aroma.
Kvass
This is a local specialty beverage brewed from fermented bread crumbs. It is similar in color to beer but slightly reddish, with a moderate sweet and sour taste and a fresh fragrance. It has the effects of appetizing, invigorating the spleen, and lowering blood pressure, making it an excellent complement to local dishes.
Hand-Pulled Rice (Plov)
It is made from rice, mutton, carrots, onions, and other ingredients. First, the mutton is fried until golden, then stir-fried with carrots and onions, and finally cooked with rice and appropriate water. The rice is distinct and absorbs the aroma of mutton and vegetables, offering a rich taste and balanced nutrition.
Grilled Lamb Skewers
Fresh local lamb is cut into small pieces, skewered on iron sticks, and grilled over charcoal while sprinkling with cumin, chili powder, and other seasonings. The lamb is grilled until golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of aroma.
Tickets
High season (May-October): 45 RMB per person; Low season (November-April): 22 RMB per person. Subject to actual prices at the scenic area.
Opening Hours
Usually open from 09:00 to 21:00, with extended hours until sunset during the high season.
Tour Routes
Recommended route: Main Entrance → Qicai Beach → Lighthouse Viewing Platform → Windmill Valley → Riverbank Suspension Bridge (overlooking the Ertix River).
Transportation
- From Burqin County Seat, drive northwest along G331 National Highway for about 24 kilometers, reaching the site in 30 minutes.
- From Kanas Scenic Area, the drive takes approximately 2.5 hours (140 kilometers).
- By air: Arrive at Altay Airport, transfer to a car to Burqin County, and then proceed to the scenic area.
- By train: Arrive at Beitun City, transfer to a car to Burqin County, and then proceed to the scenic area.
Must-See Attractions
- Northern Yadan Landform Area: The highlight of Wucaitan, with colorful scenery at sunset, known as the "Most Beautiful Yadan in Xinjiang," a paradise for photographers.
- Aketubieke Cable Bridge: A suspension bridge connecting both banks, the best spot to photograph panoramic views, offering a overlook of the Ertix River.
- Lighthouse Viewing Platform: The best spot for sunset viewing, where rock layers glow like fire in the sunset, providing an ultimate colorful feast.
Tour Tips
- In summer, take sun protection measures: carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat to avoid UV burns.
- Enter the scenic area 2 hours before sunset: reserve time to appreciate the color changes throughout the day and capture the golden moment of sunset.
- Bring your own snacks and drinks: prices inside the scenic area may be higher, so carrying lightweight food and water is more convenient and cost-effective.
- For photography enthusiasts: bring a tripod and telephoto lens to facilitate shooting details and long-exposure sunsets.
- Protect the environment: do not litter and help preserve the natural landscape.
Notes
- Pay attention to foot safety: some sections of the scenic area are rugged; avoid running or approaching cliff edges.
- No climbing on rocks: the Yadan landform is fragile, and arbitrary climbing may cause collapse or damage to the landscape.
- Keep warm in winter: if visiting in winter, wear warm clothing such as down jackets and snow boots, as the temperature often drops below -10°C.
- Suspension bridge safety: do not shake violently when crossing the cable bridge, follow the "load limit" regulations, and pass in an orderly manner.
- Respect local customs: avoid photographing sensitive scenes in ethnic minority areas and comply with local customs.