Kangqi Wetland Scenic Area is located in Arel Village, Kangqi Town, Baicheng County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction, covering an area of 3.33 square kilometers (5,000 mu). With its unique natural environment and rich wetland resources, it is known as the "Green Treasure House" and "Natural Oxygen Bar". It is a comprehensive scenic area integrating wetland protection, ecological sightseeing, leisure vacation, and folk custom experience. The scenic area has developed attractions such as the Ten-mile Gallery, Snack Street, Children's Paradise, Kangqi Wharf, homestays, agritainment, ski resort, water park, 7D cinema, and more than 100 check-in points including romantic pianos, low-altitude flights, hot-air balloons, and starry sky yurts.
History and Culture
Baicheng County is the location of the ancient city-states of Qiuci and Gumò, with a profound historical and cultural heritage. Arel Village, where Kangqi Wetland Scenic Area is located, was once a poor village. In 2018, after an inspection by the Wenzhou Aid to Xinjiang Command, a beautiful countryside plan was proposed. The local government and villagers jointly invested in construction, transforming the 5,000-mu wetland originally used only for grazing cattle and sheep into the current scenic area. This has achieved the integrated development of culture, tourism, and characteristic industries, allowing villagers to make a living from tourism.
Main Attractions
Kangqi Lake
Kangqi Lake is the soul of the scenic area. The lake water is clear, embracing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. The surrounding scenery is beautiful, with birds gathering, full of wild charm.
Ten-mile Gallery
A carefully created landscape belt in the scenic area. By integrating land and guiding farmers to plant colored rapeseed, sunflowers, etc., in continuous patches, it jointly depicts a picturesque rural landscape.
Snack Street
Gathers various special foods, including hand-pulled noodles, big plate chicken, multi-flavored cold noodles, baked buns, etc., allowing visitors to taste authentic farm dishes and local snacks.
Children's Paradise
Equipped with various entertainment facilities suitable for children, such as bumper cars, etc., it is a happy world for children.
Kangqi Wharf
Provides cruise ship rental services. Visitors can take a boat here to tour the wetland scenery and enjoy the lake and mountain views.
Homestays and Agritainment
With local ethnic characteristics, they provide accommodation and catering services for visitors, allowing them to experience the tranquility and comfort of rural life.
Ski Resort
Open in winter, it has various ice and snow activities such as snowland horse-drawn carriages, power snow spinners, snow tubes, etc., allowing visitors to enjoy the fun of playing in winter.
Water Park
Open in summer, with various water entertainment projects, it is a good place for visitors to escape the heat and relax.
7D Cinema
Provides visitors with an immersive movie-watching experience, enriching the entertainment content of the scenic area.
Food
Big Plate Chicken
Using fresh local chicken and potatoes and other ingredients, the chicken is tender, the potatoes are soft, and with a rich sauce, it tastes spicy and delicious, a classic Xinjiang cuisine.
Noodles with Sauce
The noodles are chewy, paired with various vegetable and meat stir-fried toppings such as fried meat, tomato and egg, etc., nutritious and full of flavor.
Barbecued Meat
Using high-quality mutton, marinated and grilled over charcoal fire, the outer skin is golden and crispy, the inside is tender and juicy, sprinkled with cumin, chili powder and other seasonings, fragrant.
Earthen Hot Pot
A local characteristic hot pot with rich ingredients, including various meats, vegetables, vermicelli, etc., stewed in the pot, with a strong taste, suitable for enjoying with multiple people.
Baked Buns
The outer skin is crispy, and the filling is tender mutton, onions, etc. After baking, the aroma is overflowing, one of the local characteristic snacks.
Freshly Squeezed Watermelon Juice
Squeezed from fresh local watermelons, with a sweet taste, quenching thirst and relieving heat, the best drink during visits.
Tickets
Free admission.
Opening Hours
Usually 10:00 - 18:00, but the specific opening hours may be adjusted due to seasons, weather, or special circumstances.
Tour Route
In the morning, you can first visit Kangqi Lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery and wetland scenery; then go to the Ten-mile Gallery to walk and feel the rural beauty; have lunch at Snack Street to taste special foods. In the afternoon, you can go to Children's Paradise to play, or experience the cruise project at Kangqi Wharf; if time permits, you can also visit homestays and agritainment to learn about local rural life; in winter, you can go to the ski resort to experience ice and snow projects, and in summer, you can go to the water park to escape the heat. At night, you can camp in the camping area of the scenic area and enjoy the starry sky.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Starting from Baicheng County, about 11 kilometers away from the scenic area, about 15 minutes' drive.
- Bus: There is no clear bus route information yet. You can consult the local bus company or ask about the bus route to the scenic area in the county.
- Taxi: You can choose to take a taxi to the scenic area in the county, which is convenient and fast.
Must-visit Attractions
- Kangqi Lake: The core landscape of the scenic area, with clear lake water and beautiful surrounding scenery, a good place to enjoy natural scenery and take photos.
- Ten-mile Gallery: A colorful rural landscape, like a huge picture scroll, making people intoxicated.
- Ski Resort (winter): Various ice and snow projects are rich and diverse, suitable for visitors of different ages, bringing exciting visiting experiences.
- Water Park (summer): A good place to escape the heat and enjoy water entertainment in summer, allowing visitors to fully enjoy happy times.
Tour Tips
- Choose appropriate clothing and equipment according to the season, such as sun protection in summer and warmth preservation in winter.
- If camping, prepare tent, sleeping bag and other camping equipment in advance, and pay attention to protecting the scenic area environment, taking away garbage.
- Arrange time reasonably and plan the tour route in advance to fully experience each attraction and project in the scenic area.
- When tasting local foods, choose according to your own taste and appetite to avoid waste.
Notes
- Abide by the regulations and order of the scenic area, and do not arbitrarily damage the facilities and environment of the scenic area.
- When playing by the lake and in water projects, pay attention to safety, follow the guidance of staff, and wear life-saving equipment.
- If traveling with children, take good care of them to avoid getting lost or having accidents.
- There are many mosquitoes in the scenic area, especially in summer. It is recommended to carry mosquito repellent and other anti-mosquito supplies.