Tianshan Mulei China Agricultural Park is located in the southwestern mountainous and hilly dry-farming areas of Mulei Kazakh Autonomous County, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 15 kilometers away from the county seat. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction, covering a total area of 568 square kilometers and stretching 75 kilometers from east to west. It spans the vast southern mountainous areas of Mulei from Zhaobi Mountain Township to Yinggebao Township, including the entire administrative regions of Zhaobi Mountain Township, Dongcheng Town, Xijier Town, Yinggebao Township, and the summer pastures of Danangou Uzbek Ethnic Township and Qieren Township. It is the only "China Agricultural Park" in Xinjiang and the largest agricultural park in China by area.
With a mild climate featuring warm winters and cool summers, the park boasts picturesque scenery where snow-capped mountains, lush pine forests, vast grasslands, and terraced dry farms create a natural wonderland of snow-capped ridges, blooming flower seas, and ten-thousand-mu dry farmlands. The park is also a treasure trove for producing natural organic agricultural products, abundant in wheat, peas, rapeseed, potatoes, chickpeas, and various Chinese herbal medicines. Its pristine ecosystem, clear blue skies, and verdant landscapes have given rise to the unique "Mulei Blue," making it a well-known tourism brand.
History and Culture
Tianshan Mulei China Agricultural Park has a history of dryland farming culture and grassland civilization spanning over three millennia. It is an important area for the origin and development of dryland agriculture in Mulei's Sidaogou region. The unique natural and geographical environment has shaped the local agricultural patterns and social life, providing high-quality resources for the construction of the agricultural park.
The "Balangfang" houses, which absorb the architectural artistry of Shaanxi, Gansu, Beijing, Shanxi, and Hebei provinces, are scattered throughout the villages of the agricultural park, forming a distinctive local architectural culture. Traditional rural life is well-preserved in these farmhouses, allowing visitors to experience ancient farming culture by staying in boutique homestays.
In December 2018, it was awarded the title of "China Agricultural Park"; in December 2019, it became a national 4A-level scenic area; and in December 2020, it was recognized as an autonomous region-level agricultural science and technology demonstration park.
Main Attractions
Pingdingshan Dry Farmland
Spanning hundreds of thousands of mu, this area features magnificent dry farmland scenery and is a prime location for producing natural organic agricultural products. Here, fertile fields stretch as far as the eye can see, covered in lush greenery. Natural attractions include Longwangmiao Reservoir, Shenlongtan Pond, and Pingdingshan Wetland, while historical and cultural sites include the Tang Dynasty Dushan Shouzhuo City, ancient tombs, rock paintings, and primitive village ruins.
Maquanwan
The core attraction of the agricultural park, it features Xinjiang's first and China's fourth musical road. When vehicles travel at a constant speed of 40 km/h on this road, it automatically plays the melody of "Xinjiang Is a Good Place."
Caizigou Artists' Village
Immersed in artistic ambiance, this village attracts numerous artists and tourists, offering a unique cultural experience and rural charm.
Shuimo River Scenic Area
Characterized by clear rivers and dense forests, this area is an ideal destination for summer retreats and leisure activities.
Sidaogou Ruins
An important historical and cultural site, it bears witness to the ancient human life and cultural development in the Mulei region.
Yueliangdi Traditional Village
Equipped with public cultural and recreational facilities such as an ancient stage, small garden, picking orchard, village history museum, and farming museum, the village has transformed its residential houses into distinctive homestays. It has become a demonstration site for rural tourism integrating cultural experiences, agricultural sightseeing, farming activities, and boutique accommodations.
Cuisine
Mulei Lamb
Known for its tender meat, delicate flavor, and absence of muttony odor, Mulei lamb is a local specialty. It can be grilled or stewed, each method offering a unique taste.
Mulei Chickpeas
Nutrient-rich, these chickpeas can be cooked, stir-fried, or ground into powder to make various dishes such as chickpea porridge and chickpea cakes.
Kazakh Milk Tea
Brewed from brick tea and mixed with fresh cow or goat milk, then topped with butter and roasted grains, this rich and nutritious beverage is a favorite among the Kazakh people and a must-try for tourists seeking ethnic flavors.
Admission Ticket
The admission ticket is priced at 30 yuan per person. Prices are subject to the actual rates of the scenic area. As of May 23, 2025, no official WeChat public account has been found for this scenic area.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours.
Tour Route
Start your journey at Pingdingshan Dry Farmland to admire the vast dry farmland scenery and natural and cultural attractions. Proceed to Maquanwan to experience the musical road, then head to Caizigou Artists' Village to immerse yourself in artistic culture. Next, visit Shuimo River Scenic Area for a refreshing summer retreat, followed by Sidaogou Ruins to learn about local history. Conclude your tour at Yueliangdi Traditional Village to enjoy rural tourism. This route covers the main attractions of the scenic area, allowing you to fully appreciate the charm of Tianshan Mulei China Agricultural Park.
Transportation
- Self-driving: It is approximately 78 kilometers from Urumqi Urban Area, with a driving time of about 2.5 hours. Take the Beijing-Xinjiang Expressway to reach Mulei County, then continue via Renmin North Road and Renmin South Road to reach the park.
- Public transportation: Take a long-distance bus from Urumqi Passenger Station to Mulei County, which takes about 3 hours. Upon arrival, transfer to local transportation to reach the scenic area.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Pingdingshan Dry Farmland: Features spectacular dry farmland scenery, abundant natural landscapes, and a long history of cultural heritage, serving as the iconic attraction of the agricultural park.
- Maquanwan: This scenic spot features a unique musical road and has become a popular social media check-in destination, offering stunning alpine grassland views.
- Yueliangdi Traditional Village: Provides an immersive experience of rich rural culture and folk customs, showcasing the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
Tour Tips
- The best time to visit is from September to November, when the climate is pleasant and the dry farmland scenery is colorful.
- Prepare sunscreen and warm clothing due to the significant temperature difference between day and night in the mountainous area.
- For those interested in history and culture, it is recommended to learn about the local history of Mulei in advance to enhance the visiting experience.
- Consider staying in local homestays to experience rural life and savor authentic local cuisine.
Precautions
- Respect local customs and ethnic cultures, especially in areas inhabited by ethnic minorities.
- Protect the environment by refraining from littering and damaging natural landscapes or crops.
- When visiting mountainous areas, pay attention to safety, abide by the regulations of the scenic area, and do not enter undeveloped areas without permission.
- Drive carefully on mountain roads, which are winding and steep.