The Kuerdening Scenic Area is located in Gongliu County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 4A-level tourist scenic area, a World Natural Heritage Site, a National Snow Ridge Spruce Nature Reserve, and a National Water Conservancy Scenic Area. The total area of the scenic area is 1,470 square kilometers, of which 130,000 mu of the Snow Ridge Spruce area is a national nature reserve. Kuerdening is a mountain valley running from north to south, about 14 kilometers long and up to 1 kilometer wide. The average altitude of the valley bottom is 1,500 meters, and the altitude of the peaks ranges from 3,000 meters to 4,200 meters, with Mount Kabangbayi being the highest peak. The original forest types and vegetation in the scenic area are complete, making it a typical representative of the Tianshan forest ecosystem. It can be called a "natural gene bank" for wild biological species in the hinterland of Eurasia. There are more than 1,000 species of higher plants, 196 species of insects, 1,594 species of vascular plants, 223 species of wild vertebrates, and more than 30 species of national key protected animals.
History and Culture
In 1984, Kuerdening was designated as a Snow Ridge Spruce Nature Reserve at the autonomous region level. In April 2000, it became part of the Western Tianshan National Nature Reserve. It has rich cultural heritage. Mount Kabangbayi is named after the Kazakh national hero Kabangbayi, whose original name was Aizibachar. He was from the Halaklie clan family of the Naiman tribe and was an important general of the Middle Kazakh Khanate in the mid-18th century. Due to his bravery in battle and outstanding contributions, he was honored as "Kabangbayi Batyr", and this mountain peak was named after his title, carrying the local historical memory and national spirit.
Main Attractions
The Fairy Wall of Wuyaling
The Fairy Wall of Wuyaling is located on the river beach land east of Kapuqi Sea. On both sides of the highway are secondary forests on the river beach composed of wild apricots, seabuckthorn, and berberis. To the north is the Dajiergala River. Through the forest south of the road, there are many shapes of various forms, some like people and some like animals, hence the name. Wuyaling was originally called Wuyalin. In the past, a large number of crows built nests in the trees. Later, due to the artificial damage to the ecological environment, the trees were destroyed and the crows flew away, and it was later renamed Wuyaling.
He Cang Pass
He Cang Pass is under the He Cang Bridge. "He Cang" means "pass" in Kazakh. The pass cuts into the ochre limestone and is long and narrow like a corridor, showing a unique geological landscape.
He Cang Pass Waterfall
Walk more than a hundred meters upstream along the He Cang Pass River, and you can see the He Cang Pass Waterfall. The Kuerdening River is blocked by the dam and rushes down from the three Shimen Gates, falling into a canyon more than 6 meters deep. The water is turbulent and the scenery is spectacular.
He Cang Canyon Waterfall
Cross the He Cang Bridge and drive along the He Cang Canyon winding mountain road. You can reach the He Cang Canyon Waterfall not far away. The waterfall is 3 to 4 meters wide and more than 30 meters high. Because there are various wild fruits and mountain delicacies in the Tian Valley, it is often jokingly called the "Water Curtain Cave of Huaguo Mountain". In the middle of winter, the waterfall freezes and icicles hang, forming a unique winter landscape, like peaks and mountains, which is very magnificent.
Mount Kabangbayi
Mount Kabangbayi has an altitude of 4,257 meters and is the highest peak of the Nalati Mountains and one of the famous peaks in Yili. There are rare animals such as snow leopards, brown bears, argali sheep, golden eagles, and snow cocks. The mountain peak is majestic and magnificent, carrying rich ecological resources and historical and cultural significance.
Forest Sea
The Tikekala Gayi Forest Sea is located on the south side of the broad valley. "Tikekala Gayi" means towering spruce trees in Kazakh. On the steep mountains like walls, spruces grow up the slopes, tall and towering, like a green Great Wall built along the mountain, showing the majestic momentum of the primeval forest.
Red Birch Forest
Drive about 3 kilometers south along the west bank road of the Kuerdening Iron Bridge River, and you can reach the Red Birch Forest. The Red Birch Forest is between more than ten meters and tens of meters wide and nearly 1 kilometer long. Under the forest and shrubs, strawberries, cloudberries, mushrooms, etc. can be found everywhere, full of natural wild interest.
Kuerdening Prairie
Climb up through the forest on the east side of the broad valley, and you can reach the Kuerdening Prairie. On the prairie, wildflowers are in full bloom, cattle and sheep are moving, and herds of horses are galloping, presenting a vibrant scene. There is a small lake on the southwest side of the prairie, as smooth as a mirror and crystal clear, forming a delightful contrast with the prairie.
Delicacies
Freshly Baked Baorsak with Milk Tea
Baorsak is a traditional Kazakh delicacy. It is made by frying, with a golden color, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Paired with rich milk tea, it has a mellow taste and is a characteristic delicacy that should not be missed when visiting the scenic area, allowing people to feel the strong national flavor.
Horse Meat Naren
Horse meat Naren is a local specialty. Cook the horse meat and cut it into small pieces, lay it on the noodles, and pour on the sauce prepared with horse meat soup. The noodles are chewy, the horse meat is fresh and fragrant, and the sauce is rich. Every bite is full of unique flavor and is a must-try dish to experience the local food culture.
Smoked Handheld Mutton
Smoked handheld mutton is made from high-quality mutton. After being smoked, it has a unique smoked flavor. Eat it directly with your hands. The meat is tender, and the outer skin has a crispy layer, with a unique flavor, showing the rich grassland food characteristics.
Noodles Mixed with Wild Strawberry Jam
Noodles mixed with wild strawberry jam is a summer-limited delicacy. Make jam from local fresh wild strawberries and mix it with noodles. It is sweet and sour, full of rich strawberry flavor, refreshing and greasy, and is a delicious choice for summer outings.
Xinjiang Big Plate Series
Such as Big Plate Chicken, Big Plate Tripe, etc. The Big Plate Series is known for its large quantity and delicious taste. Chicken or tripe is paired with ingredients such as potatoes and green peppers, spicy and enjoyable. You can taste authentic Xinjiang Big Plate Series dishes at places like the Green Valley Resort (Lao Qin Homestay) near the scenic area.
Handheld Rice
Handheld rice is a classic Xinjiang cuisine. The rice is distinct, paired with mutton, carrots, raisins, and other ingredients, rich in nutrition and fragrant. You can taste authentic handheld rice at many places in Kuerdening Town outside the scenic area, which is one of the frequently ordered dishes by tourists.
Roasted Mutton Skewers
Roasted mutton skewers are made of fresh mutton strung on iron skewers and roasted. Sprinkle with seasonings such as cumin and chili powder, and roast until the outer skin is golden. The mutton is tender and juicy, with a very delicious taste. It is a common characteristic snack in the streets and alleys and can also be tasted around the scenic area.
Mixed Noodles
The noodles in mixed noodles are chewy and are paired with various toppings of stir-fried vegetables and meat, such as noodles mixed with fried meat and noodles mixed with tomato and egg. The taste is rich and can meet different taste needs. It is one of the common staple foods locally and can be tasted in restaurants near the scenic area.
Entrance Ticket
The entrance ticket price is 60 yuan per person, and the shuttle bus ticket price is 48 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area, "库尔德宁风景区", to get the latest news or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open from 10:00 to 19:00. Tourists are prohibited from entering after 19:00.
Tour Route
Recommended tour route: First, arrive at the tourist center of the scenic area and take a shuttle bus to each attraction. First, go to the Heritage Center and visit the exhibition hall on foot to learn about the historical culture and ecological knowledge of the scenic area; then view Mount Kabangbayi from a distance and feel the majesty of the mountain peak; then walk to the iron bridge and admire the surrounding scenery; then view the unique landform of the Sleeping Buddha of Tianshan from a distance; take a sightseeing bus to the King Spruce scenic spot and appreciate the elegance of the tall spruces; then walk down the wooden plank road to the Cloudy Prairie and enjoy the prairie scenery; dine at the Green Valley Resort or the fast food restaurant and taste the local delicacies; after dining, walk to the parking lot of the Heritage Center, and finally take a shuttle bus back to the tourist center to end the trip.
Transportation
- By plane: You can first arrive at Nalati Airport in Yining City, which is 80 kilometers away from the Kuerdening Scenic Area. After arriving at the airport, you can take other transportation methods to the scenic area.
- By car: It takes about 2.5 hours to take a car from Yining City to the Kuerdening Scenic Area; it takes about 1.5 hours to take a car from Gongliu County.
- By self-driving: The road network around the scenic area is relatively complete, and it is convenient to drive there. The Yidun Expressway and Dunna Expressway pass through Gongliu from the east and west. The Yia Railway running through Kuerdening has been included in the medium and long-term railway network plan, providing convenient conditions for self-driving travel.
Must-visit Attractions
- Qimengde Viewing Platform: Located between the Middle Gully and the East Gully, it is one of the highlight attractions of the scenic area. Standing on the viewing platform, you can overlook the magnificent snowy mountains, forests, and grasslands around, making it an excellent place for viewing and taking photos.
- Kuerdening Prairie: On the vast prairie, wildflowers are in full bloom, there are herds of cattle and sheep, and a clear small lake is dotted among them. Here you can fully enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature, experience the grassland style, and it is suitable for walking, taking photos, and relaxing.
- Mount Kabangbayi: As one of the famous peaks in Yili, with an altitude of 4,257 meters, the mountain peak is towering and magnificent. The surrounding area is rich in ecology and has many rare animals. You can not only admire the majestic mountain landscape but also feel its profound historical and cultural heritage.
- He Cang Canyon Waterfall: The waterfall is magnificent and beautiful, and the valley is rich in wild fruits. In summer, the waterfall has a turbulent flow and great momentum; in winter, the flying waterfall freezes and icicles hang, forming a unique winter scene, which is a must-visit attraction in all seasons.
Tour Suggestions
- Since there is a significant temperature difference between day and night in the scenic area, it is recommended to bring warm clothing such as a windbreaker and a fleece jacket to prevent catching a cold.
- Some attractions require hiking. Prepare a hiking pole, which can provide better stability on the slippery pasture roads and reduce the fatigue of hiking.
- You can bring a folding kettle to conveniently boil hot water and meet the drinking water needs when resting at the campsite.
- If you plan to ride a horse, ask about the price in advance and whether there are overtime fees to avoid unnecessary disputes.
- When visiting the scenic area from June to August, remember to bring mosquito repellent spray. There are many mosquitoes in summer, and taking anti-mosquito measures can make your visit more comfortable.
- Mobile payment may not be available in some pastoral areas of the scenic area. It is recommended to prepare some cash for purchasing items or paying related fees.
Notes
- There may be no mobile phone signal in some areas of the mountain, and there are no facilities such as small shops. Remember to bring enough dry food and drinking water in advance to ensure sufficient energy and water during the visit.
- Protect the environment in the scenic area and do not litter to keep the scenic area clean and beautiful.
- Respect the local customs and religious beliefs, especially in ethnic minority-inhabited areas, to avoid unnecessary troubles caused by inappropriate behavior.
- Comply with the regulations and signs of the scenic area, and do not enter undeveloped or prohibited areas without permission to ensure the safety of the visit.
- When hiking or climbing, follow the designated route and do not take dangerous small paths to prevent accidents.
- If you encounter bad weather such as heavy rain and strong winds, find a safe place to take shelter in time and follow the arrangements of the staff in the scenic area.