Shuimo River Scenic Area is located in Xijier Town, Mulei Kazak Autonomous County, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, belonging to the hilly mountainous area of the eastern Tianshan Mountains, 28 kilometers away from Mulei County Seat. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Adjacent to Dalongwang National Forest Park and the grassland of Danangou Uzbek Township, it is the core area for forest health development. Here, the primeval forest is dense, streams are crisscrossed, and wild animals and plants are abundant, making it a natural oxygen bar and an important component of Tianshan Mulei China Agricultural Park.
History and Culture
Shuimo River Scenic Area has a profound historical heritage. The area completely preserves Chinese traditional villages with veranda buildings from the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, such as Tunzhuangzi Village and Shuimogou Village. The grassland area represented by Danangou Uzbek Township retains unique Uzbek folk culture, and the only Uzbek folk village in China is located here.
Main Attractions
Tunzhuangzi Village
It retains a large number of veranda buildings from the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, full of historical charm.
Danangou Uzbek Township Grassland
With dense forests, crisscrossing streams, and rich wild animal and plant resources.
Dalongwang National Forest Park
With a wide variety of vegetation and primitive and beautiful ecological environment.
Xijier Town Shuimo River Forest Health Preservation Base
It is an ideal place for people to relax and recuperate. The only Uzbek folk village in China allows visitors to deeply experience the unique Uzbek folk culture, such as traditional costumes, characteristic folk songs and dances, and different living customs.
Food
Mulei Mutton
Selected high-quality sheep breeds raised in local natural pastures, with fresh and tender meat and no mutton smell. There are various cooking methods: roasted mutton is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, full of aroma; stewed mutton retains the original flavor of mutton to the greatest extent, with rich and delicious soup.
Kazakh Traditional Milk Dots
Made from fresh milk or goat's milk, rich in protein, sweet and sour, and a snack with strong national characteristics.
Nang Pit Meat
Mutton is roasted in a nang pit, and the meat aroma is integrated with the unique smoky flavor of the nang pit, with firm meat and mellow fragrance.
Tickets
The ticket price is 30 yuan/person. Subject to the actual price of the scenic area.
As of May 25, 2025, the official WeChat public account of the scenic area has not been found.
Opening Hours
Usually 09:30 - 21:30. Subject to the actual opening hours of the scenic area.
Tour Route
Visitor Service Center → Tunzhuangzi Village (appreciate veranda buildings and understand traditional farming culture) → Shuimogou Village (explore watermill ruins) → Danangou Uzbek Township (experience Uzbek folk customs and visit grassland scenery) → Dalongwang National Forest Park (stroll through the forest and feel the natural ecology) → Xijier Town Shuimo River Forest Health Preservation Base (enjoy forest health preservation) → Uzbek Folk Village (deeply experience folk culture). The whole journey is recommended to arrange 2-3 days to fully feel the charm of the scenic area.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Start from Urumqi, drive along Jingxin Expressway to Mulei Exit, then follow the signs to Xijier Town, with a total distance of about 220 kilometers and a driving time of 3-4 hours.
- Public transportation: First take a bus from Urumqi North Suburb Bus Station to Mulei County, then transfer to a rural bus to Xijier Town and get off near the scenic area.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Tunzhuangzi Village: Completely preserves veranda buildings from the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, allowing an intuitive feeling of ancient architectural styles and traditional village layouts.
- Danangou Uzbek Township Grassland: Interwoven forests and grasslands, with magnificent scenery, allowing the experience of unique Uzbek folk culture.
- Dalongwang National Forest Park: Rich vegetation and good ecological environment, an excellent place to get close to nature and relax.
Tour Tips
- Take sun protection and mosquito prevention measures in summer, and carry warm clothes as the temperature difference between morning and evening is large in autumn.
- You can hire a tour guide or use the scenic area's explanation equipment to deeply understand the historical culture of the scenic area.
- The scenic area is large, so arrange time and routes reasonably to avoid being too hasty.
- Take care of the environment in the scenic area, do not litter, and jointly maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the scenic area.
Notes
- Abide by the regulations of the scenic area and do not enter closed areas without permission.
- When visiting the grassland area, respect the customs and religious beliefs of local ethnic minorities.
- When driving to the scenic area, understand the road conditions and parking lot locations in advance to avoid delaying the journey.
- If participating in special projects or activities in the scenic area, understand the relevant precautions in advance to ensure personal safety.