Jiangbulak Scenic Area is located in Banjiagou Town, Qitai County, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is a national 5A-level tourist scenic area. The area of the scenic area is 48 square kilometers. Its characteristic lies in the integration of various natural landscapes, which is a perfect combination of typical mountain vertical comprehensive landscapes in the temperate arid zone and unique mountain wheat field prints. There are snow-capped mountains, grasslands, forests, canyons, etc., and it also integrates nine major cultures such as farming culture, frontier defense culture, and nomadic culture.
The site of Shule City (Shichengzi) in the scenic area is about 0.38 kilometers long from north to south and about 0.28 kilometers wide from east to west, with an area of about 0.11 square kilometers.
History and Culture
The Jiangbulak region has a long history. During the Western Han Dynasty, it belonged to the Hou State of Cheshi, one of the thirty-six states in the Western Regions, and was under the jurisdiction of the Western Regions Protectorate. In 102 BC, when the Han Dynasty established the "Envoy Colonel" in the Western Regions, the Han army took control of this area. In the 14th year of the Zhenguan reign of the Tang Dynasty, Tingzhou was established, and in the 2nd year of the Chang'an reign of Empress Wu, Pulai County was established, both of which were under the jurisdiction of the Beiting Protectorate. During the Song Dynasty, it successively belonged to the Tubo and Uyghur Khanates. In the early years of Möngke Khan of the Yuan Dynasty, the "Shangshu Province" was established, and later it belonged to the Chagatai Khanate. In 1697, Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty eliminated the Galdan tribe, and this region was then incorporated into the Qing Dynasty.
It was also a transportation hub and an important commercial port on the New Northern Route of the Ancient Silk Road. "Thousands of distant trees gather together, countless wells open on the flat sand, the mountains connect the northern and southern loops, and the land reaches the middle platform" is a true portrayal of it. The site of Shule City (Shichengzi) within its territory is the only Han Dynasty architectural site discovered in Xinjiang so far, and the famous "Battle of Defense of Shule City" once took place here.
Main Attractions
Tianshan Wheat Sea
Jiangbulak Scenic Area has a history of agricultural cultivation of more than 2,000 years, which first began in the era of Emperor Yan of the Han Dynasty. The area of the wheat fields within the scenic area and its surrounding areas reaches more than 200,000 mu. The wheat fields of tens of thousands of mu undulate with the mountain terrain, forming a well-arranged three-dimensional wheat field landscape, and it is known as the most beautiful wheat field in China. In 2015, the Qitai Dry Farming System was successfully declared as an important agricultural cultural heritage in China and is currently applying for the status of a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage.
Tianshan Strange Slope
In 2005, it was officially named the "Longest and Most Mysterious Strange Slope in the World". The strange slope is 290 meters long and 80 meters wide, running from north to south. When vehicles reach this place, the phenomenon of "needing to step on the gas when going downhill and sliding automatically when going uphill" will occur. When it rains or water is poured onto the slope surface, the magical phenomena of "rainwater flowing backward on cloudy days" and "water flowing uphill" will appear.
Huahaizi
Located on the hillside south of the Tianshan Strange Slope, it covers an area of 666.67 hectares and is home to more than 20 kinds of rare flowers and herbs, including various traditional Chinese medicinal materials. From June to August every year, flowers are in full bloom, creating a dreamlike sea of flowers. It is also a world for bees and beekeepers, and the honey here is sweet and popular among tourists.
Jiangbulak Grand Canyon
With an average altitude of 1,900 meters, it stretches tortuously for 15 kilometers. The birch forests and maple forests in the valley crisscross, and the scenery varies with the seasons and the sunlight. There is an observation wooden plank road built in the canyon, which is constructed according to the mountain terrain and is very steep. Looking from a distance, it is like a ladder reaching straight into the sky.
Broken Bridge
There are two versions about the origin of its name. One is that it got its name because the bridge here was often washed away by water at the beginning; the other is that due to the need of Kazakh herdsmen for pasture transfer, the originally continuous wooden plank road built on the grassland has a gap here, hence the name. Standing on the wooden plank road, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the continuous snow-capped mountains, pine forests, colorful flowers, and cattle and sheep on the grassland.
Magouliang Village
Located in the gentle slope area of the front mountains of the Tianshan Mountains, it got its name because wild hemp grows everywhere. The climate here is cool and pleasant, and the air is fresh and pure. It has the reputation of "One village in the Tianshan Mountains, with beautiful scenery in all four seasons", and one can "appreciate mountain flowers in spring, taste fruits in autumn, watch the wheat waves in summer, and view the snow in winter".
Sandaobianzi
Due to the high mountains, steep slopes, and sharp bends, the mountain road is like a rope connecting the three bends together. The local herdsmen call it "Sandaobian", which means safety in going out and coming in. The scenery here is beautiful. The green pine trees are tall and straight nearby, and the peaks in the distance are interlaced with a silver sheen.
Xinhu River
It is the main river running through the scenic area. The upper reaches are the yurts, pastures, and wooden houses of the Kazakh people, and the lower reaches flow into Shengxian Lake (Xinhu Reservoir), irrigating most of the farmland at the foot of the mountain and nurturing many people.
Delicacies
Lamb Kebabs
Select high-quality local lamb, cut it into small pieces, marinate them, and then skewer and roast them on charcoal. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and full of fragrance. You can find them at the night markets and snack streets around the scenic area.
Hand-Pulled Mutton
A traditional delicacy of the Kazakh and Uyghur ethnic groups. Select high-quality mutton, put it in a pot and cook it, and then eat it directly or dip it in seasonings. The mutton is tender, juicy, and has a rich taste. You can taste it at local restaurants and agritainment places.
Roasted Buns
Knead flour into dough, roll it into a thin sheet, wrap mutton, onions, and other fillings in it, and then put it in an oven to roast. The outer skin is crispy, and the inner filling is delicious. You can find them at the snack stalls in the streets and alleys of the scenic area.
Naan
A traditional staple food in Xinjiang. Knead flour and water into dough, roll it into a thin sheet, and put it in a naan pit to roast. It has a crispy and sweet taste and is easy to store and carry. You can buy it at the restaurants and supermarkets in the scenic area.
Milk Tea
Mix black tea and milk, boil them, and then add salt for seasoning. It has a rich and mellow taste and can warm the body and stomach. You can taste it at the restaurants and teahouses in the scenic area.
Noodles with Stir-Fried Pork Slices
The noodles in Qitai are very chewy. Paired with stir-fried pork slices and other side dishes, it has a fresh and fragrant taste. It is a local characteristic delicacy and can be tasted at the restaurants around the scenic area.
Big Plate Chicken Stewed with Taro-like Food
The big plate chicken is paired with the local characteristic taro-like food. The chicken is tender, and the taro-like food is soft and glutinous and delicious. You can eat it at the restaurants near the scenic area.
Ticket Prices
The adult ticket price is 43 yuan per person, the ticket price for the shuttle bus within the scenic area is 35 yuan per person, and the fee for self-driving vehicles (including those with seven seats or less) is 100 yuan per vehicle.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area, "江布拉克旅游", on WeChat to obtain the latest information or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
It is open from 09:30 to 20:00 throughout the year.
You can obtain the latest information on the official WeChat public account of the scenic area.
Itinerary for Visiting
Tourists can start from the tourist center and visit attractions such as the Tianshan Wheat Waves, the Strange Slope, Happy Valley, the Grand Canyon, the Broken Bridge, and Heilao Dam in sequence. You can also choose the following itineraries according to your own interests and time: A One-Day Romantic Tour of Jiangbulak, Departure Place → Jiangbulak Scenic Area → Jiangbulak Food Street → Yaozhanzi Organic Processing Factory → Qitai Museum → Xinjiang First Cellar Ancient City Wine Culture Museum → Commercial Street Night Market → Return; A One-Day Parent-Child Tour, Departure Place → Nanhu Happy Valley → Tianshan Flower Sea → Jiangbulak Food Street → Jiangbulak Scenic Area (Tube Track Slide, Strange Slope Experience, Go-Karting) → Return, etc.
Transportation
- Starting from Urumqi, it is about 195 kilometers away and takes about 3 hours by car.
- Starting from Qitai County Town, it is 45 kilometers away. You can choose to take the direct shuttle bus of the scenic area or take a taxi to get there.
Must-visit Attractions
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Tianshan Wheat Sea
With a classic wheat sea scenery, a planting history of more than 2,000 years, and 200,000 mu of wheat fields undulating with the mountain terrain, it is the most beautiful wheat field in China and has been named an important agricultural cultural heritage in China by the Ministry of Agriculture.
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Huahaizi
From June to August, flowers are in full bloom, with more than a hundred kinds of wildflowers blooming. The vegetation contains a variety of precious traditional Chinese medicinal materials, and it is also known as the "Valley of Thousands of Flowers and Hundreds of Medicines".
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Jiangbulak Grand Canyon
With an average altitude of 1,900 meters and a length of 15 kilometers, the birch forests and pine forests in the valley are interlaced. The scenery varies in different seasons, and there is an observation wooden plank road.
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Tianshan Strange Slope
It is 290 meters long and has won the "Great World Guinness Record". You can experience the strange phenomenon of "going uphill easily and going downhill with difficulty".
Suggestions for Visiting
- When going there in summer, you need to bring a coat as there is a big temperature difference between day and night in the scenic area.
- You can choose to stay overnight in the scenic area to enjoy the starry sky and the sunrise and sunset.
- Pay attention to protecting the environment during the visit and do not litter everywhere.
- When participating in entertainment projects, pay attention to safety and follow the guidance of the staff.
Precautions
- The altitude of the scenic area is relatively high, and the ultraviolet rays are strong. You should take sun protection measures, such as applying sunscreen, wearing sunglasses, and a sun hat.
- Some tourists may experience altitude sickness. You can prepare some anti-altitude sickness medications in advance, such as Rhodiola rosea, and avoid strenuous exercise during the visit.
- Respect the local customs and religious beliefs of ethnic minorities.
- When playing in areas such as by the lake and on the hillside, pay attention to safety and do not approach dangerous areas.
- When driving by yourself, strictly abide by the traffic rules, pay attention to driving safety, and slow down when passing through curves and narrow sections.