Baishitou Scenic Area is located in Yizhou District, Hami City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, at the eastern section of the northern foot of Tianshan Mountains, about 70 kilometers away from Hami urban area. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction, named after a huge white granite boulder in the area.
The scenic area features distinct natural landscapes integrating forests, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and unique rocks. It is a summer resort with cool climate in summer and suitable for ice-snow activities with silver-wrapped scenery in winter. The total area of the scenic area is about 1,900 square kilometers, among which the core tourist area covers about 10 square kilometers. The altitude in the area varies significantly from 1,800 meters to 3,000 meters, with rich vegetation types including spruce forests and grasslands, and diverse wildlife resources.
History and Culture
The Hami region where Baishitou Scenic Area is located has a long history and is an important node of the ancient Silk Road. The area around the scenic spot was once the activity area of nomadic peoples, and some relics of ancient nomadic culture are still preserved.
The Baishitou (White Stone) itself in the scenic area also has a unique legend. According to local folklore, this white boulder was transformed from a jade Ruyi dropped by immortals, so it is regarded as an auspicious object, attracting many tourists to pray for blessings.
In recent years, based on the protection of natural landscapes, the scenic area has gradually developed tourism resources, combined with the cultural characteristics of local ethnic minorities such as the Kazakh people, and launched folk custom experience activities, allowing visitors to feel the charm of diverse cultures while enjoying natural beauty.
Main Attractions
Baishitou (White Stone)
The core attraction of the scenic area, it is a huge white granite boulder weighing thousands of tons, about 15 meters high and 20 meters in diameter. The smooth surface of the boulder shines brilliantly in the sun, very spectacular. Wooden walkways surround the boulder, facilitating visitors to view and take photos up close.
Tianshan Pine Sea
A large area of spruce forest in the scenic area, with tall and straight trees stretching endlessly like a green ocean. The air in the forest is fresh, with high negative ion content, making it a natural oxygen bar. Visitors can walk in the forest and feel the tranquility and coolness of the forest.
Grassland Scenic Area
A grassland covering about 5 square kilometers. In summer, the grass is green, wildflowers are everywhere, and herds of cattle and sheep can be seen. Projects such as grassland horseback riding and folk song and dance performances are set up here, allowing visitors to experience the fun of grassland nomadic life.
Hanqi Valley (Cold Air Valley)
A valley about 8 kilometers long, named for the biting cold wind in winter. The valley is full of grotesque rocks and murmuring streams. In autumn, the vegetation in the valley presents colorful colors, making it an excellent shooting spot for photography enthusiasts.
Hongliu Gorge (Red Willow Gorge)
A gorge about 10 kilometers long, with steep cliffs on both sides and a large area of red willows growing at the bottom. In spring and summer, red willows bloom in pink, forming a delightful contrast with the green grass and blue sky, presenting a very beautiful scene.
Delicacies
Roast Whole Lamb
A characteristic food around the scenic area, using locally free-range lambs with tender meat. The roasted whole lamb has a crispy outer skin and juicy inner meat, paired with seasonings like cumin and chili, with a tangy aroma, serving as a grand feast for entertaining guests.
Kazakh Milk Knots
A traditional food made from fermented fresh milk, rich in nutrition and sweet and sour in taste. There are two types: dry and wet. Dry milk knots are easy to preserve, while wet milk knots are more fresh and tender, being a favorite snack of local herders.
Hand-Grabbed Meat
Large pieces of mutton are boiled in clear water and eaten with seasonings like salt and onions. The meat is tender and not greasy, reflecting the rough food culture of nomadic peoples.
Hami Melon
A fruit abundantly produced in the Hami region, famous for its high sweetness and crisp taste. In summer, fresh Hami melons can be picked and tasted in the orchards around the scenic area.
Baorsak
A traditional pasta of the Kazakh people, made by deep-frying small pieces of kneaded flour, with a crispy outer layer and soft inner layer. It is usually eaten with milk tea and is a common choice for local breakfast.
Tickets
The ticket price is 45 yuan per person. Some experience projects in the scenic area such as horseback riding and folk performances need to be charged separately, and the specific prices are subject to on-site publicity. As of 2025-06-01, the official WeChat public account has not been found.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open throughout the year from 8:00 to 20:00. Subject to the actual opening hours of the scenic area.
Tour Route
After entering the scenic area, visitors can first visit the core attraction Baishitou for sightseeing and photography, then walk along the wooden walkway to Tianshan Pine Sea to feel the forest scenery. Then go to the Grassland Scenic Area to experience horseback riding and watch folk performances. Have local food in the restaurant near the grassland at noon, hike in Hanqi Valley in the afternoon, and finally enjoy the canyon scenery in Hongliu Gorge. The whole route takes about 5-6 hours, and it is recommended to arrange time reasonably according to personal conditions.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Start from Hami urban area, drive about 60 kilometers north along G7 Beijing-Xinjiang Expressway, then turn into S238 Provincial Road and continue driving about 10 kilometers to reach the scenic area. The whole journey takes about 1.5 hours, and the scenic area has a large parking lot.
- Tourist bus: There are two tourist buses from Hami urban area to Baishitou Scenic Area every day, departing at 9:00 and 11:00, and returning at 16:00 and 18:00, with the fare about 30 yuan per person.
- Chartered car: Chartered cars can be hired in Hami urban area to the scenic area, with the charter fee about 200-300 yuan per day, suitable for family or group tourists, facilitating flexible itinerary arrangement.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Baishitou (White Stone): The landmark attraction of the scenic area, the huge white boulder is highly visually impactful, a must-visit place for photo-taking.
- Grassland Scenic Area: The core area to experience grassland nomadic culture, with various projects such as horseback riding and folk performance viewing.
- Hanqi Valley (Cold Air Valley): The scenery is extremely beautiful in autumn, with colorful vegetation, grotesque rocks and streams forming a unique landscape, suitable for hiking and photography.
Tour Tips
- It is recommended to visit in summer (June-August) or autumn (September-October). The climate is cool in summer and the scenery is gorgeous in autumn.
- The temperature difference between day and night in the scenic area is large. Even in summer, a coat should be carried, and warm clothing should be worn in winter to keep warm.
- When engaging in grassland activities, follow the guidance of staff and wear safety equipment when riding horses to ensure safety.
- Carry enough drinking water and snacks. There are few shopping spots in the scenic area, and the signal is weak in some areas. It is recommended to travel in groups.
- Respect the customs and habits of local ethnic minorities, and follow the guide's arrangements when entering the grassland or participating in folk activities.
Notes
- Smoking and littering are prohibited in the scenic area to protect the natural environment.
- Do not climb dangerous rocks such as Baishitou casually to avoid accidents.
- When visiting in summer, take sun protection measures, apply sunscreen, and wear sun hats and sunglasses.
- When entering forest areas, carrying fire sources is strictly prohibited to prevent forest fires.
- In case of bad weather (such as heavy rain, strong wind, etc.), outdoor activities should be stopped immediately and take shelter in a safe area.
- When taking tourist buses, remember the departure time and license plate number to avoid delaying the return journey.