Shayanzhou Scenic Area, also known as Tarim River Wetland Tourism Scenic Area (Primitive Populus Euphratica Forest Ecological and Cultural Scenic Area), is located in Gaizikumucun, Gaizikumu Township, on the south bank of the Tarim River in Shaya County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 4A-level scenic area with a total area of about 42 square kilometers. It is a comprehensive cultural landscape resort integrating wetland populus euphratica, gobi populus euphratica, desert populus euphratica, and water populus euphratica, combining various landscapes such as populus euphratica, Tarim River, lakes (reservoirs), wetlands, waterbirds (sand geese), farming (cotton), nomadism (sheep herding), and wild animals. The scenic area has diverse vegetation types, with a total of 24 families, 36 genera, and 48 species of plants, as well as a large number of wild animals. Here, sand dunes undulate, with some dunes reaching a height of more than 20 meters; populus euphratica trees are scattered, and ancient trees that can be embraced by several people can be seen everywhere.
History and Culture
The area where Shayanzhou Scenic Area is located has a profound historical and cultural heritage. It was once an important passage of the ancient Silk Road, witnessing ancient commercial exchanges and cultural interactions. There is also a beautiful legend about the scenic area. It is said that a pair of childhood sweethearts, Kunkali and Aiyikezi, were not allowed to be together due to the disparity in their family status. They bravely fled but were separated by floods. Aiyikezi's sad tears turned into the "Moon Bay", while Kunkali turned into an island in the water, which is today's Shayanzhou, waiting for Aiyikezi's return for all his life. In addition, it has hosted twelve Populus Euphratica Festivals and two Shaya Qunying Meetings, serving as an important carrier of Populus Euphratica culture and Tarim River culture.
Main Attractions
Populus Euphratica Post
It provides a place for tourists to rest and replenish supplies, surrounded by populus euphratica trees, full of a simple atmosphere.
Populus Euphratica Marathon Zero Kilometer
It is the starting point of the Populus Euphratica Marathon event, of commemorative significance, with beautiful surrounding scenery where a large area of populus euphratica forest can be admired.
Floating Wharf
Built by the lake, tourists can take a boat here to tour the lake and enjoy the water populus euphratica and surrounding wetland landscapes up close.
Populus Euphratica Lake
The lake water is clear, and the surrounding populus euphratica trees are reflected in it, forming a beautiful picture, making it an excellent viewing spot for photography enthusiasts.
Crescent Lake
The water area is shaped like a crescent moon, with clear green water, complementing the surrounding populus euphratica and desert landscapes.
Shepherd's Home
It allows visitors to experience the customs of local nomadic life, feel the simplicity and enthusiasm of shepherds, and understand sheep herding culture.
Bird Island
It is a habitat for many waterbirds, inhabited by various birds such as black storks, great bustards, egrets, and swans, with rich bird resources.
Jinghu Lake (Quiet Lake)
The lake surface is as calm as a mirror, and the surrounding environment is quiet, making it a good place to enjoy natural scenery and relax.
General Tree
An ancient populus euphratica tree with a magnificent shape and a unique posture, as if a general is guarding this land.
Populus Euphratica Desert Camping Area
It provides camping sites for tourists, allowing them to experience the fun of camping in the desert and enjoy the starry sky and desert night view.
Warrior Observation Tower
Climbing the observation tower, visitors can overlook the entire scenic area, with a broad view of populus euphratica, lakes, deserts, and other beautiful landscapes.
Populus Euphratica Lighthouse
It has the functions of guiding direction and decoration. When the lights are on at night, it adds a mysterious atmosphere to the scenic area.
Populus Euphratica Former Residence
It displays the local life scenes and cultural characteristics related to populus euphratica, allowing visitors to understand the important position of populus euphratica in the lives of local people.
Millennium Populus Euphratica Tree
With a long history, it has witnessed the changes of time. Its thick trunk and unique shape make people marvel at the magic of nature.
Sun Island
It is an island in the scenic area with lush populus euphratica trees and beautiful scenery, enjoying the reputation of "surrounded by the fragrance of flowers in spring, grand khan ceremonies in summer, freehand brushwork like Van Gogh in autumn, and dignified snow-covered scenery in winter".
Shayan Island
Named after the frequent habitat of sand geese, the island has a good ecological environment and is a paradise for sand geese. Tourists can observe the living habits and flying postures of sand geese.
Tarim River Ancient Ferry
Once an important ferry on the Tarim River, it witnessed ancient transportation and trade activities, and some historical relics are still preserved today.
Delicacies
Roasted Lamb Skewers
Using fresh local lamb, skewered on red willow wood and roasted, the meat is fragrant, with the fragrance of red willow, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Hand-Pulled Rice
Braised with rice, lamb, carrots, raisins, and other ingredients, the rice is grainy, the lamb is tender, and the taste is rich.
Populus Euphratica Mushroom Soup
Using the unique populus euphratica mushrooms in the scenic area as the main ingredient, the soup is delicious and nutritious.
Naan
A traditional local pasta with various flavors such as original flavor and sesame flavor, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, easy to carry and store.
Yogurt Zongzi (Rice Dumpling)
Dip zongzi in thick yogurt and sprinkle with some honey, with a sweet and sour taste, a characteristic dessert.
Admission Ticket
The admission ticket price is 30 yuan per person.
You can search for the public account "我爱沙雁洲" on WeChat to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
Open from 10:00 to 20:00 from Monday to Sunday throughout the year.
Tour Route
Tourists can first take a sightseeing bus or drive to the Populus Euphratica Post to learn about the relevant information and history and culture of the scenic area; then go to the Populus Euphratica Marathon Zero Kilometer to feel the atmosphere of the marathon; then go to the Floating Wharf to take a boat to tour the Populus Euphratica Lake and admire the water populus euphratica; after that, visit Crescent Lake, Shepherd's Home, Bird Island and other attractions in turn to experience different landscapes and cultures; finally, climb the Warrior Observation Tower to overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire scenic area and end the pleasant journey. The whole tour is recommended to take 3-5 hours. If time permits, you can also camp in the Populus Euphratica Desert Camping Area to experience the charm of the scenic area more deeply.
Transportation
- Airplane: Take a flight to Shaya County Airport. After leaving the airport, take an airport bus or taxi to the urban area, and then transfer to a vehicle to the scenic area.
- High-speed Railway/Train: Take a high-speed railway or train to Aksu Station, and transfer to a bus or taxi to Shayanzhou Scenic Area.
- Self-driving: Obtain the self-driving route through navigation software. Starting from Shaya County, drive about 36 kilometers along the relevant road to reach the scenic area. You will pass through multiple checkpoints on the way, so please carry relevant documents.
- Tourist Special Line: Shaya County has opened a tourist special line from the county to Shayanzhou Scenic Area. The bus route is 37 kilometers long, with a full fare of 10 yuan. The first departure is at 10 a.m., and the operation ends at 8 p.m. The starting point is Yanming Lake People's Park, and the terminal is Shayanzhou Scenic Area, with no stops along the way.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Populus Euphratica Lake: The lake and populus euphratica set off each other, an excellent photography spot where beautiful reflection photos can be taken.
- Warrior Observation Tower: It can overlook the entire scenic area, with a broad view of various landscapes such as populus euphratica, lakes, and deserts.
- Sun Island: The scenery varies with the seasons, and each season has its unique charm, allowing tourists to feel different natural landscapes.
- Bird Island: Rich in bird resources, it allows close observation of various waterbirds and feels the vitality and energy of nature.
Tour Tips
- It is recommended to visit in autumn (September-November) when the populus euphratica leaves are golden and the scenery is the most spectacular.
- Carry sunscreen products such as sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen, as the sunlight in the scenic area is strong.
- Prepare comfortable sports shoes for easy walking in the scenic area.
- If camping, prepare camping equipment such as tents and sleeping bags, and pay attention to keeping warm at night.
- Respect local customs and religious beliefs and travel civilizedly.
Notes
- Self-driving tourists should pay attention to safety, obey traffic rules, and avoid peak hours.
- Part of the area in the scenic area has a fragile ecological environment. Please do not trample on the lawn or damage the vegetation at will.
- Carry mosquito repellent supplies to prevent mosquito bites.
- When playing by the lake, pay attention to safety and do not approach dangerous areas.
- Abide by the regulations of the scenic area, do not spit or litter, and keep the scenic area clean.