The Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden is located in Qingshuihe Town, Huocheng County, Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is a national 4A-level tourist scenic area. Situated in the Yili River Valley at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, it has similar geographical locations, climatic conditions, and soil environments to Provence in France. It is the third largest lavender planting base in the world, following Provence in France and Furano in Japan, and it is also the only main production area of lavender in China. The garden is composed of the lavender production and processing area, the Lavender Museum, the Lavender and Herb Garden, etc. It once covered an area of 220 mu, and later added 300 mu of high-yield lavender viewing flower fields, 12 mu of the Princess Jieyou Tian Shan Xiangyun Rose Garden, and 50 mu of the Princess Jieyou Herb Variety Garden, further expanding the total area.
Historical Culture
The Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden is named after Princess Jieyou in the Western Han Dynasty. In order to consolidate the alliance between the Han Dynasty and the Wusun people, the princess married far away from home and dedicated her life to the alliance between the Han and Wusun, eliminating the threat of the Xiongnu to the Han Dynasty. Later generations named the lavender manor after her to commemorate her legendary story and great contributions. Here, people can not only admire the lavender but also learn about the history and culture of the Western Han Dynasty.
Main Attractions
Lavender Distillation Furnace
It demonstrates the traditional distillation process of lavender essential oil, allowing visitors to understand how lavender is transformed from flowers into precious essential oil.
Lavender Cultural Square
It is the cultural center of the garden, often hosting cultural activities and performances related to lavender. It is also an important place for visitors to rest and learn about lavender culture.
Colorful Flower Field
Located in the center of the garden, it is planted with various colorful flowers in strips. Different colored flowers are interspersed. Decorations such as scarecrows, colorful flower gates, windmills, and sculptures are set up among the flower fields. The best viewing period is from June to July every year, and it is very beautiful, suitable for taking photos.
Herb Lovers
With a romantic theme, various herb plants are planted around it, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere. It is a popular check-in spot for couples.
Lavender Seedling Demonstration Garden
It shows the seedling raising process and technology of lavender, enabling visitors to understand the growth process of lavender from seedlings to mature plants.
Zihai Yuntian Viewing Platform
Visitors can overlook the large lavender fields from the viewing platform, admire the magnificent scenery like a purple ocean, and feel the shocking beauty of the lavender garden.
Aromatic Workshop
It allows visitors to visit the production and processing process of lavender and learn about the production technology of products such as lavender essential oil and soap.
Lavender Street
There are various shops here, selling characteristic products such as lavender essential oil, dried flowers, soap, and aromatherapy. Visitors can purchase their favorite lavender souvenirs.
Delicacies
Lavender Tea
Made from lavender petals, it has a unique taste. At first, you may not be used to it, but after tasting it a few times, you will feel its sweetness and coolness.
Herb-flavored Pastries
Made from the herbs planted in the garden, it has a rich herb aroma and a rich taste. It is a characteristic snack in the scenic area.
Admission Tickets
The admission ticket for the Lavender Garden is 35 yuan per person in the peak season and 17 yuan per person in the off-season. There is no admission fee for watching lavender on the highway. If you enter the farmland for sightseeing and taking photos, you need to pay about 5 to 10 yuan to the farmers. Subject to the actual prices in the scenic area.
Opening Hours
In the peak season (March 1 - September 30), the opening hours are from 09:00 to 20:00, and the admission stops at 19:30. In the off-season (October 1 - February 28 of the following year), the opening hours are from 10:00 to 19:00, and the admission stops at 18:30.
Itinerary for Visiting
Visitors can enter the scenic area from the main gate. First, visit the Lavender Museum to learn about the planting, utilization, and processing of lavender. Then go to the Colorful Flower Field to admire the colorful flowers and romantic decorations. After that, go to the Zihai Yuntian Viewing Platform to overlook the lavender fields. Next, go to the Aromatic Workshop to watch the production process of lavender products. Finally, purchase souvenirs on Lavender Street.
Transportation
- Charter a car starting from Urumqi. The regular route takes about seven days, and you can visit multiple scenic spots in the Yili River Valley together. The price of chartering a small car in Urumqi is about 500 yuan per car per day in the peak season.
- Charter a car starting from Yili urban area for a one-day round trip. The price of a small car is about 400 to 500 yuan per car.
Must-visit Attractions
- Colorful Flower Field: The main viewing area in the garden, with rich flower colors and romantic decorations. The best viewing period is from June to July, and it is suitable for taking photos.
- Zihai Yuntian Viewing Platform: You can overlook the large lavender fields, admire the magnificent scenery of the purple ocean, and feel the shocking beauty of the lavender garden.
- Lavender Museum: The only science popularization and cultural exhibition hall with a lavender theme in China. There are real objects, specimens, products, etc. of lavender in the museum, enabling people to comprehensively understand lavender knowledge.
Suggestions for Visiting
- The lavender is in full bloom in mid-June every year, and the best viewing time is only about a week. It is recommended to visit during this period.
- You can rent a sightseeing vehicle in the scenic area for convenient sightseeing. The deposit is 200 yuan, and it costs 88 yuan per hour.
- Take sun protection measures and bring sun protection clothing, sun hats, etc. The sunlight in the scenic area is strong.
- Reserve 3 to 4 hours for the visit to fully visit each attraction.
Precautions
- The flowering period of lavender is short. Learn about the flowering period in advance to avoid missing the best viewing time.
- Do not pick lavender casually, or you will be fined. Walk on the open ground and do not step on the lavender.
- There are bees in the scenic area. If you don't provoke them actively, the chance of being stung is small.
- The temperature is high in summer. Take sun protection and moisturizing measures. Pay attention to the possible change of the business hours of the scenic area when visiting in winter.
- Respect the local customs and culture.