China Green Jade Garden is located in Manas County, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The total area of the park is about 2,000 mu, including more than 530 mu of the main park and more than 1,500 mu of supporting areas such as jade processing bases and wineries, with a total commercial area of over 300,000 square meters. As the first large-scale Han and Tang-style building complex in Xinjiang, the scenic area takes the jasper culture industry as the core and integrates functions such as shopping, tourism, accommodation, catering, leisure and entertainment. It is the largest complex commercial center in Manas.
History and Culture
The Manas River is famous for its "golden plate and jade bottom". During the Tang Baoying period, the Shartayi mine was opened at an altitude of 3,800 meters in the Tianshan Mountains. The jasper produced here was presented as a tribute to the imperial court, and at that time, it was the only jasper producing area in China. Gold panning and jade mining were popular in the Qing Dynasty, and the Lvyu Factory was opened with more than ten mining spots. Up to now, the Palace Museum still has several pieces of Manas jasper carvings from the Qing Dynasty in its collection. Manas jasper is fine and mellow, and is mostly used to make utensils, pendants, figures, flowers and birds and other jade crafts, which is the top choice for jade carving materials.
Main Attractions
China Green Jade Culture Theme Museum
The museum displays various jasper treasures. From ancient utensils to modern carving art, it systematically shows the historical context and artistic achievements of jasper culture, and is the core window to understand jasper culture.
Manas Civic Culture Hall
Through forms such as pictures, texts, objects and multimedia, it shows the local historical evolution, folk customs and cultural heritage of Manas, vividly presenting the regional development process.
Seven Theme Squares
Including Wedding Square (China's first wedding culture theme square), Children's Square (parent-child amusement facilities), Performance Square (normalized cultural performances), Jade Rice Square (jade trading and display), Tourism Distribution Square (consulting services), Gate Square (Han and Tang-style entrance buildings), Food Square (gathering of characteristic catering), meeting the needs of different tourists.
Ten Professional Jade Markets
Covering jade wholesale malls, tourism boutique malls, boutique jade streets, jade flagships, jasper rice, large-scale exhibition centers, celebrity workshops, master workshops, creative workshops, raw stone and rough stone trading centers, providing full-category jade products for purchase.
Seven Supporting Functional Areas
Including jade processing distribution centers, strange stone markets, private museums, jade carving training bases, antique collection markets, wineries, and tourism culture streets, forming a complete cultural industry ecosystem.
Food
Roast Lamb Skewers
Using fresh local lamb, marinated with secret seasonings and roasted over charcoal fire until the outside is charred and the inside is tender, with a golden color and rich meat aroma, it is a representative of classic Xinjiang cuisine.
Hand-grabbed Rice
Using high-quality rice, fresh lamb, carrots and raisins as raw materials, the lamb is tender and flavorful, the carrots are sweet and soft, and the rice is clear in grains. It is a traditional local staple food with rich nutrition.
Nang
A special noodle food in Xinjiang, made of flour, with various shapes and patterns pressed on the surface. After being baked in a nang pit, the outer skin is crisp and the wheat aroma is full, which can be preserved for a long time.
Big Plate Chicken
The chicken is fresh and tender, the potatoes are soft and delicious, and it is served with wide belt noodles. It integrates the spicy flavor of chili and Chinese prickly ash, and is a popular northwest special dish among tourists.
Tickets
China Green Jade Garden implements a free admission policy, and visitors can enter the park for free to visit.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open all day (24 hours), and the opening hours of each commercial store and venue are subject to on-site publicity.
Tour Route
Recommended route: China Jasper Culture Theme Museum (learn about the history of jasper) → Ten Jade Markets (purchase characteristic jade) → Seven Theme Squares (experience the romantic atmosphere of the Wedding Square and watch the performance of the Performance Square) → Food Square (taste local food) → Manas Civic Culture Hall (deeply understand the regional culture) → Seven Supporting Markets (explore cultural experiences such as strange stones and antiques).
Transportation
- Airplane: After arriving at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, transfer to a long-distance bus to Manas County, and then take a taxi or bus to the scenic area.
- Train: Take the train to Manas County Railway Station, and after leaving the station, take a taxi for about 10 minutes to reach the scenic area, or take the bus route in the county.
- Self-driving: Depart from Urumqi or Changji, drive along the Lianhuo Expressway to the Manas County exit, and follow the navigation instructions to the scenic area. The park has a parking lot.
- Bus: Take bus No. 1 and No. 3 in Manas County and get off at China Green Jade Garden Station.
Must-visit Attractions
- China Jasper Culture Theme Museum: Systematically understand jasper culture and admire precious collection exhibits.
- Jade Trading Market: Covering ten professional markets and seven supporting areas, experience jade purchase and cultural exchange.
- Performance Square: Watch normalized performances such as national songs and dances and folk performances, and feel the charm of regional culture.
- Wedding Square: China's first wedding culture theme square, punch in Han and Tang-style buildings and romantic scenes.
Tour Tips
- The recommended tour time is 1-2 days to fully experience jade culture, folk performances and characteristic food.
- Those interested in jade can participate in interactive activities such as jasper carving experience and hand-made DIY in the scenic area.
- Take sun protection and heatstroke prevention measures when traveling in summer, keep warm in winter, and some venues in the park have heating supply.
- When tasting food, you can try halal characteristic catering, and it is recommended to choose regular catering stores in the scenic area.
Notes
- When purchasing jade in the jade market, it is recommended to understand jade knowledge in advance and ask the merchant for an appraisal certificate to avoid buying counterfeit products.
- There are a large number of people in the scenic area, so take care of your personal belongings, especially in public places such as squares and markets.
- Respect local religious beliefs and folk customs, and abide by the visiting etiquette when entering cultural venues.
- Take care of the environment of the scenic area, do not litter, and abide by public order and venue regulations.