Tianshan Baili Danxia · Wudao'ya Tourist Area is located in Qingshuihe Township, the southern mountainous area of Manas County, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on the south side of S101 Tourism Scenic Road, 55 kilometers away from the county seat. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area is composed of six east-west red Jurassic peaks forming five mountain passes, hence the name Wudao'ya. The mountain body has a relative height of about 200 meters, with a round or slightly pointed top. The east and west sides are steep, the south slope is relatively steep, and the north is gently connected to the grassland, integrating red mountains, green fields, and forests to form a unique landscape. It also has rich wild plant resources, such as celery, yellow flowers, asafoetida, fritillaria, etc., growing on the slopes.
History and Culture
Manas County has a long history and profound cultural heritage, and the area where Tianshan Baili Danxia · Wudao'ya Tourist Area is located is also an important part of its cultural landscape. Ethnic minorities such as the Kazakhs around here have lived here for a long time, giving birth to colorful folk cultures. Every summer and winter, the scenic area holds Grassland Culture Festival and Ice-Snow Style Tourism Festival. During the festivals, visitors can watch traditional folk sports competitions such as horse racing, girl chasing, and sheep grabbing, and enjoy characteristic performances such as Kazakh Aken ballad singing, goose dance, and bear dance, fully feeling the strong ethnic minority cultural atmosphere.
It was identified as a national 4A-level tourist attraction on December 8, 2024.
Main Attractions
Wudao'ya Peaks
It is composed of six east-west red Jurassic peaks forming five mountain passes. The mountain body is majestic and towering, with steep and steep terrain, various shapes, presenting rich colors such as ochre, orange, yellow, blue, and green, like giant sculptures carefully carved by nature. The relative height is about 200 meters, the top is round or slightly pointed, the east, west sides, and south slope are steep, while the north is gently connected to the grassland.
Wild Plant Area
Various wild plants grow on the slopes of the scenic area, such as celery, yellow flowers, asafoetida, fritillaria, etc. These plants not only enrich the ecological diversity of the scenic area but also add a different kind of vitality and color to the scenic area.
Food
Kazakh Hand-Grabbed Meat
Selected fresh mutton, stewed in clear water, with simple seasonings such as salt. When eating, directly grab the mutton by hand to feel the original flavor. The meat is tender and the soup is rich, showing the bold style of Kazakh cuisine.
Roasted Mutton Skewers
Using local high-quality mutton as raw material, cut into small pieces and strung on iron skewers. Roasted over charcoal fire, sprinkled with chili powder, cumin, and other seasonings during the process, roasted until the skin is golden and crisp, and the inside is tender and juicy, with a rich aroma. It is a common and popular food around the scenic area.
Nang (Uygur Bread)
As a traditional Xinjiang food, it has various types. Usually, take flour as the main raw material, add yeast, water, etc., knead into dough, make different shapes, and then put into a nang pit for baking. Its skin is crispy, the inside is soft, easy to carry and preserve, and suitable as dry food during play.
Tickets
Free admission.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is generally open all day, but the actual opening hours may be adjusted due to factors such as seasons and special events. Visitors can pay attention to the official information of the scenic area in advance to avoid delaying the trip.
Tour Route
After entering from the scenic area entrance, you can first tour along the viewing trail to watch the unique Danxia landform of Wudao'ya Peaks at close range. Then go to the wild plant area to know various wild plants. After that, go to the grassland area to experience the grassland scenery. If you happen to encounter the Grassland Culture Festival or Ice-Snow Style Tourism Festival, you can go to the event venue to participate in or watch folk performances and sports competitions. The whole tour is recommended to arrange 3-5 hours.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Start from Urumqi, drive along the Lianhuo Expressway to the Manas exit, then follow the signs to Qingshuihe Township direction to reach the scenic area, with a total distance of about 120 kilometers and a driving time of 2-3 hours. From Manas County Seat, drive about 55 kilometers along S101 Tourism Scenic Road to reach the scenic area.
- Public transportation: First take a bus from Urumqi North Suburb Bus Station or Manas County Bus Station to Qingshuihe Township. After arriving at Qingshuihe Township, you can choose to take a taxi or local rural transportation to the scenic area.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Wudao'ya Peaks: Unique Danxia landform peaks, colorful and various in shape, are the landmark landscapes of the scenic area.
- Folk Activity Venue (during festivals): You can experience strong Kazakh folk cultures such as horse racing, girl chasing, and Aken ballad singing.
Tour Tips
- Pay attention to sun protection in summer, carry sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, etc.; the temperature difference between morning and evening is large in spring and autumn, it is recommended to carry warm clothes.
- Wear comfortable sports shoes to facilitate walking and climbing in the scenic area.
- You can learn about some Kazakh cultural customs in advance to better integrate into the scenic area activities.
- If you are interested in plants, you can carry a plant atlas to facilitate the identification of wild plants in the scenic area.
Notes
- Abide by the regulations of the scenic area, do not climb dangerous areas at will, and do not damage the natural landscape and wild plants of the scenic area.
- Respect the customs and religious beliefs of local ethnic minorities when participating in folk activities.
- When driving to the scenic area, check the vehicle condition in advance and pay attention to the road conditions. Some sections of the scenic area are relatively rough.
- Carry an appropriate amount of drinking water and food, and the catering facilities in the scenic area may be relatively limited.