Yanfeitai Scenic Area of Manas National Wetland Park is located on Township Road 307 in Manas County, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, within Manas National Wetland Park and adjacent to Xiaoli Village. The scenic area is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. With vast water areas, extensive tidal flats, numerous ponds, and beautiful natural landscapes, the scenic area is home to various waterbird and plant species. Wooden boardwalks are set up here, providing visitors with excellent viewing experiences. Manas National Wetland Park has a planned area of 47 square kilometers, with existing 60,000 mu of water surface, 60,000 mu of aquatic grassland, 30,000 mu of reed marshes, and 20,000 mu of secondary tamarisk shrubbery and populus euphratica forests. Yanfeitai Scenic Area is an important component of the entire wetland park.
History and Culture
Manas National Wetland Park was officially named a National Wetland Park in August 2016, and has successively won honors such as the "Advanced Collective for the Protection of Forests and Wildlife Resources" and the "Ecological China Wetland Protection Demonstration County". The Manas River and Taxia River flow through here, giving birth to this wetland and nurturing generations of hardworking and kind Xinjiang people. As an important station on the world's migratory bird route 3 (East Africa-West Asia Line), it has long been a home and relay station for a large number of migratory birds, witnessing the migration wonders of countless migratory birds.
Main Attractions
Yanfeitai (Wild Goose Flying Platform)
Yanfeitai provides the best bird-watching position with its unique highland shoreline. Visitors here enjoy a broad view. In spring, summer, and autumn, tens of thousands of migratory birds such as seagulls, egrets, greylag geese, mallards, and demoiselle cranes can be seen living and reproducing freely here. In autumn, large numbers of migratory birds fly from Mongolia and Siberia to the wetland to rest, replenish food, then cross the Tianshan Mountains to overwinter in the Indian Ocean and East Africa.
Wooden Boardwalk
The wooden boardwalk in the scenic area is winding and rugged. Walking on it, visitors feel as if they are integrated with the clear water and blue sky of the wetland, fully experiencing the beauty of nature and pastoral fun. When the breeze blows, the swaying reeds are reflected on the sparkling water, and migratory birds such as swans, fish gulls, and egrets dance on the water, just like an ink wash painting.
Food
Manas Earth Hotpot
Manas Earth Hotpot is rich in ingredients. Cooked in a traditional copper hotpot, it contains stuffed tofu, meatballs, vermicelli, tofu, green vegetables, beef, and mutton, etc. Added with bone soup and continuously heated over charcoal fire, it gurgles to blend the freshness of various ingredients to the extreme.
Manas Spicy and Numbing Chicken
Combining the freshness of chicken with the unique aroma of Chinese prickly ash and the slight spiciness of chili peppers, it offers an unforgettable taste and flavor.
Manas Pickled Vegetable Chicken
Different from Shawan Big Plate Chicken, Manas Pickled Vegetable Chicken uses local free-range chickens with green and red chili peppers. It features bright red color and firm chicken meat. One bite fills the mouth with rich pepper aroma, leaving a long aftertaste.
Tickets
The adult ticket price is 20 RMB per person. Subject to the actual price of the scenic area.
As of May 24, 2025, the official WeChat public account of the scenic area has not been found.
Opening Hours
10:00 to 19:00 every day. Subject to the announcement of the scenic area.
Tour Routes
After entering the park, you can first hike along the wooden boardwalk to Yanfeitai to overlook the panoramic view of the wetland; then choose to take a sightseeing car for a tour; or return along the gray brick-laid tree-lined path, enjoying the songs of birds and the fragrance of flowers while walking.
Transportation
- You can first reach Manas County, then drive to the scenic area via navigation software. The scenic area has a parking lot with free parking.
- Starting from Urumqi, you can go to Manas County along relevant highways, then drive to the scenic area.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Yanfeitai (Wild Goose Flying Platform): An excellent bird-watching spot where you can see a large number of migratory birds and feel the grand scene of birds gathering.
- Wooden Boardwalk: Walking on it, you can get close to nature, admire the beautiful scenery of the wetland, and experience the peace and beauty of nature.
Tour Tips
- It is recommended to visit in spring, summer, or autumn when there are more migratory birds and more beautiful scenery.
- Carry a telescope to facilitate better observation of migratory birds.
- Prepare sunscreen and comfortable shoes for long walks in the scenic area.
Notes
- Abide by the regulations of the scenic area and do not arbitrarily damage the environment or facilities of the scenic area.
- Do not feed migratory birds arbitrarily to avoid affecting their natural habits and health.
- When walking on the wooden boardwalk, pay attention to safety and do not run or play.
- If accompanied by children, take good care of them to avoid accidents.