Fuyun County Riverside Scenic Area is located in the urban area of Fuyun County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, adjacent to the Irtysh River. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction integrating ecological sightseeing, leisure entertainment, and cultural experience. The scenic area covers a total area of approximately 1.2 million square meters, with a green space area of 800,000 square meters and a riverfront line of about 5 kilometers. Taking the "Riverside Green Corridor" and "Cultural Axis" as its core, the scenic area combines local natural landscapes and folk culture, featuring facilities such as walking boardwalks, waterfront platforms, theme squares, and sculpture clusters, serving as an important leisure and tourism destination for local residents and visitors.
Historical Culture
Fuyun County is named for its rich mineral resources, and the Irtysh River basin where the Riverside Scenic Area is located serves as an important axis of local historical development. The scenic area preserves elements reflecting mining culture and the Grassland Silk Road, such as sculpture clusters embodying the meritorious history of the "No. 3 Ore Vein" and horse statues symbolizing nomadic culture. Additionally, the scenic area regularly hosts traditional Kazakh festivals, such as "Aken Ballad Singing Gatherings" and "Winter Slaughter Festivals," showcasing the rich ethnic customs of the region.
Main Attractions
Irtysh River Riverside Green Corridor
The riverside green corridor built along the Irtysh River spans approximately 5 kilometers, planted with various trees such as poplars, willows, and birches, and equipped with 3-meter-wide walking boardwalks and cycling paths. Multiple waterfront platforms are set within the corridor, allowing visitors to enjoy close-up views of the river. In summer, the green trees on both banks create a shady and ideal place for summer retreat.
Cultural Sculpture Square
Located in the center of the scenic area, the Cultural Sculpture Square covers an area of about 20,000 square meters. A large-scale theme sculpture "Soul of Fuyun" stands in the center of the square, reaching 12 meters in height and combining the shapes of ore and horses to symbolize the local resource endowment and nomadic culture. Surrounding it are multiple groups of small-scale sculptures recreating scenes of miner mining and Kazakh herdsmen's lives.
Musical Fountain Square
The Musical Fountain Square is situated in the eastern section of the scenic area. The main fountain jet reaches up to 30 meters in height, equipped with multiple sets of colorful lights and a music system. Every night from 21:00 to 22:00, fountain performances are held, integrating ethnic music and modern music to create a dynamic audio-visual experience.
Food
Kazakh Hand-Grabbed Mutton
Locally pasture-raised sheep are selected, and the bone-in mutton chunks are boiled in clear water and served with onions and salt. The meat is tender and retains its original flavor, making it a classic Kazakh dish for entertaining guests.
Kumis (Horse Milk Wine)
A traditional fermented beverage of the Kazakh people, made from fresh horse milk through fermentation. With an alcohol content of about 3-5 degrees, it has a sweet and sour taste and a slight (intoxicating) effect. Drinking it in summer can help relieve heat and refresh the body, and it is available in restaurants around the scenic area.
Roasted Buns (Samsa)
A characteristic Xinjiang snack, the filling consists of diced mutton, onions, etc., wrapped in dough and baked on the walls of a nan pit. The outer skin is golden and crispy, and the inner filling is fresh and juicy. It can be tasted at snack stalls at the scenic area entrance and urban restaurants.
Tickets
The scenic area is free to visit without tickets. Some recreational facilities (such as bicycle rentals) require separate fees, with specific prices subject to on-site announcements.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours a day (musical fountain performances are from 21:00 to 22:00 in summer, adjusted according to weather conditions in winter).
Tour Routes
Enter from the west entrance of the scenic area and start by walking or cycling along the riverside green corridor to enjoy the scenery of the Irtysh River, stopping at waterfront platforms for photos; then proceed to the Cultural Sculpture Square to visit theme sculptures and folk scene sculptures; at noon, taste Kazakh cuisine at nearby restaurants; in the afternoon, go to the Musical Fountain Square to experience leisure facilities; in the evening, return to the green corridor to enjoy the sunset, and in summer, stay to watch the musical fountain performance.
Transportation
- Public Transport: Take bus routes 1 or 3 within Fuyun County and get off at the "Riverside Scenic Area" station.
- Self-Driving: Navigate to "Fuyun County Riverside Scenic Area." The scenic area has a free parking lot located beside the Cultural Sculpture Square.
- Walking/Cycling: Within the county urban area, you can walk or rent a shared bicycle to go there, walking about 10-15 minutes along the main road towards the Irtysh River.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Irtysh River Riverside Green Corridor: A 5-kilometer-long riverside trail suitable for walking and cycling, allowing close contact with riverside ecology.
- Cultural Sculpture Square: A core area to learn about local mining history and folk culture, with detailed sculpture clusters suitable for photo check-ins.
- Musical Fountain Square: The summer night fountain performance integrates sound and light effects, making it a popular project in the scenic area.
Tour Tips
- When visiting in summer, bring mosquito repellent as there are many mosquitoes in the riverside green areas.
- Cycling enthusiasts can rent bicycles at the scenic area entrance (approximately 20 yuan per hour) to enjoy a tour along the green corridor.
- Arrive at the square 10 minutes early to watch the musical fountain, choose a suitable viewing position, and pay attention to protecting personal belongings.
- When visiting in winter, pay attention to anti-skidding as some walkways may be slippery after snow; it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes.
Notes
- Comply with scenic area regulations, do not play in the river or climb over safety barriers to ensure personal safety.
- Take care of greening facilities and do not trample on lawns or pick flowers and trees at will.
- Throw garbage into designated trash cans to keep the scenic area clean.
- Respect local ethnic customs and follow on-site guidance when participating in festival activities.