The Wild Walnut Gully Scenic Area is located in Gongliu County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 4A-level tourist scenic area and also an autonomous region-level nature reserve. The scenic area has a unique ecological environment. Its core feature is the world-rare and Asia's only wild walnut forest. Wild walnuts are relic species of the Tertiary period. The scenic area is about 3.2 kilometers long from east to west and about 4.7 kilometers long from north to south, with a total area of 1,214 hectares. There are more than 10,000 mature wild walnut trees in the gully, covering an area of 44.67 hectares. In addition, the scenic area also has the wild ancestor of wheat - Aegilops tauschii, as well as various rare plants such as wild apples, wild hawthorns, apricots, and black currants, just like a natural mesophytic botanical garden. The scenic area is equipped with relatively complete tourism service facilities. In recent years, entertainment projects such as rainbow slides and internet-famous swings have been added.
History and Culture
The Wild Walnut Gully has a long history. As a relic species of the Tertiary period, the wild walnut forest has witnessed the long geological changes and has extremely high scientific research value. This area was once the activity area of ancient ethnic groups such as the Wusun. The Wusun earth mounds in the gully are important historical relics, reflecting the funeral customs and cultural traditions of the ancient Wusun people. For a long time, the residents who have lived here for generations have integrated their respect for wild walnut trees into their lives, following the ancient tradition of "not cutting the branches in spring and picking half of the fruits in autumn", living in harmony with nature and inheriting a unique cultural connotation.
Main Attractions
The King of Wild Walnut Trees
The King of Wild Walnut Trees is a landmark attraction in the scenic area. This ancient wild walnut tree has gone through thousands of years of wind and rain. It was once struck by lightning and its crown fell to the ground, but it still grows vigorously. Now it is lush with numerous fruits, witnessing the vicissitudes of time and the tenacity of life, attracting many tourists to visit.
Wolf Howling Spring
The Wolf Howling Spring is a scenic spot full of mysterious color in the scenic area. The spring water is crystal clear and the surrounding environment is quiet and beautiful. It is said that wolves once drank water and howled here, hence the name. With its unique natural landscape and mysterious legend, the Wolf Howling Spring is a good place for tourists to explore nature and legends.
Moya Cliff
The Moya Cliff is a magnificent natural landscape in the scenic area. The cliff is steep and has unique textures, just like a work of art carefully carved by nature. Tourists can admire its magnificent scenery up close and feel the great craftsmanship of nature.
Yueliangwan (Moon Bay)
Yueliangwan is shaped like a crescent moon. The stream flows gurgling, and the surrounding area is shaded by green trees, with beautiful scenery. The air here is fresh and the scenery is pleasant. It is a good place for tourists to take a leisurely walk and take photos, allowing people to relax in the embrace of nature.
Wusun Earth Mounds
The Wusun earth mounds are the burial remains of the ancient Wusun people and have important historical and cultural value. These earth mounds have witnessed the activities of the Wusun people on this land and are important physical materials for studying the ancient Wusun culture, attracting many history and culture enthusiasts to explore.
Botanical Garden
The botanical garden in the scenic area has planted a variety of rare plants. In addition to wild walnut trees, there are also wild apples, wild hawthorns, etc. Here, tourists can learn about the growth habits and characteristics of different plants, feel the magic and diversity of nature, and it is a good place for popular science education and plant appreciation.
Honghua Terrace (Safflower Terrace)
During the flowering season, the Honghua Terrace is covered with blooming safflowers, which contrast with the surrounding green mountains and trees, forming a colorful picture. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful scenery of nature here and feel the vibrant atmosphere.
Viewing Platform
The viewing platform is an excellent location for overlooking the entire scenic area. Standing on the viewing platform, the beautiful scenery of the Wild Walnut Gully is all in sight. On a clear day, you can also see the whole picture of Gongliu County. Tourists can enjoy the sunrise and sunset here and feel the magnificent scenery of nature.
Delicacies
Roasted Whole Lamb
The roasted whole lamb in the scenic area's catering reception center is one of the local characteristic delicacies. High-quality local lamb is selected, carefully marinated and roasted. The outer skin is golden and crispy, and the meat is tender and juicy with a rich aroma. The roasted whole lamb is usually suitable for multiple people to enjoy and is a good choice for group tourists to taste local food.
Hand-Pulled Rice (Handheld Rice)
Hand-pulled rice is a traditional Xinjiang cuisine, and authentic hand-pulled rice can also be tasted in the Wild Walnut Gully Scenic Area. It is cooked with ingredients such as mutton, carrots, onions, and rice. The rice is distinct and has absorbed the flavor of mutton, with a rich taste and delicious nutrition. It is one of the must-try delicacies for tourists to experience the local food culture.
Wild Walnuts
The wild walnuts in the scenic area are naturally delicious. There are various varieties of wild walnuts here, including hard-shelled and thin-shelled ones, with a crispy and delicious taste and rich nutrition. It should be noted that tourists may not be allowed to pick wild walnuts at will in the scenic area. Tourists can buy processed wild walnut products in the scenic area store.
Entrance Tickets
The entrance ticket price is 50 yuan per person. Subject to the actual price in the scenic area.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open from 10:00 to 20:00 every day.
Tour Routes
After entering the scenic area, tourists can first take the shuttle bus to the depths of the scenic area, and then walk along the wooden plank road. Along the way, they can enjoy the beautiful scenery of areas such as Love Valley and Wild Walnut Gully, and observe various plants such as wild walnut trees and wild apple trees. Finally, they can reach the viewing platform and overlook the entire scenic area. The whole journey takes about 2 to 3 hours. If tourists have good physical strength, they can also choose the mountain-circling route to experience more abundant natural landscapes.
Transportation
- Starting from Gongliu County, driving along Z785 for about 10.7 kilometers can reach the Wild Walnut Gully Scenic Area.
- Another route is to start from Gongliu County, passing through the town government of Gongliu Town, the government of Dongmaili Township, Qianjin Village of Dongmaili Township, and Nanzhigan Ditch, and it is about 13 kilometers to reach the scenic area.
Must-visit Attractions
- The King of Wild Walnut Trees: A thousand-year-old tree that is still lush and full of vitality despite going through vicissitudes. It is the soul of the scenic area and has witnessed the changes of time and the tenacity of life.
- Viewing Platform: An excellent viewing location where you can have a panoramic view of the scenic area and the scenery of Gongliu County. With a broad view, you can enjoy the magnificent natural scenery, especially the charming scenery during sunrise and sunset.
- Love Valley: With beautiful scenery, fewer people and beautiful scenery, it is full of the tranquility and beauty of nature. It is a good place for tourists to relax and take photos, feeling the peace and romance of nature.
Tour Suggestions
- It is recommended to visit in summer and autumn. At this time, the wild fruits in the scenic area are ripe, and the scenery is pleasant, allowing you to better experience the charm of nature.
- Reserve 2 to 3 hours for the tour to fully visit each attraction in the scenic area and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.
- Wear comfortable sports shoes and clothing suitable for outdoor activities. Since some sections in the scenic area require walking and there are many activities such as climbing mountains, comfortable equipment can make the tour more relaxed and enjoyable.
- Bring a camera or mobile phone. The scenery in the scenic area is picturesque, and there are many places worth taking pictures to record the beautiful moments.
Notes
- Comply with the regulations of the scenic area. Do not pick wild fruits or damage the vegetation at will to protect the ecological environment of the scenic area.
- Pay attention to safety when climbing mountains or hiking. Walk along the designated route and do not deviate from the plank road to avoid accidents.
- Pay attention to the weather changes. The temperature difference between day and night in the scenic area is relatively large. It is recommended to bring warm clothes such as jackets to prevent catching a cold.
- Take good care of personal belongings, especially in places with a large number of people, and beware of theft and other situations.