Yanqi Pastoral Ecological and Cultural Tourism Scenic Area is located in Shaya County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area covers an area of 3,600 mu, integrating modern agricultural technology, folk culture and natural scenery, and is a comprehensive tourist area integrating ecological sightseeing, farming experience, popular science education, and leisure vacation. The scenic area has built multiple functional areas such as a tourist service center, modern agricultural experience hall, farming culture museum, and colorful farmland, with a total construction area of approximately 17,000 square meters.
History and Culture
Shaya County, where the scenic area is located, has a long farming history and is an important node on the ancient Silk Road. The scenic area fully excavates the local traditional farming culture, and vividly presents the evolution of agricultural production methods from ancient times to the present through physical displays, scene restoration and other means.
The educated youth culture is also an important part of the scenic area. In the 1960s and 1970s, a large number of educated youth came here to support border construction, leaving a precious spiritual wealth. The Educated Youth Memory Hall in the scenic area reproduces those passionate years through old photos, daily necessities and other exhibits.
Main Attractions
Farming Culture Museum
The museum covers an area of 2,000 square meters and collects nearly a thousand traditional farming tools, including plows, rakes, louche carts, etc. The museum comprehensively displays the farming history and cultural heritage of the Xinjiang region through a combination of text, pictures, and physical objects.
Colorful Farmland
Colorful Farmland is one of the core landscapes of the scenic area, covering an area of 500 mu. It is planted with a variety of crops such as wheat, rapeseed, and buckwheat, which present different colors in different seasons, forming a colorful pastoral landscape like a rainbow. Visitors can climb the observation deck to overlook the panoramic view or walk along the field paths to feel the charm of nature.
Yanqi Flower Sea
Yanqi Flower Sea is planted with a variety of flowers such as roses, lavender, and sunflowers, with a flowering period lasting from May to October. Every flowering season, the flower sea is colorful and full of fragrance, attracting many visitors to take photos.
Tropical Plant Hall
The Tropical Plant Hall has a construction area of 1,500 square meters, and is planted with a variety of tropical fruits and ornamental plants such as mangoes, lychees, and bananas. The hall simulates a tropical climate environment, allowing visitors to experience a strong tropical atmosphere in northern Xinjiang.
Fish-Vegetable Symbiosis Science and Technology Museum
The Fish-Vegetable Symbiosis Science and Technology Museum displays the innovative achievements of modern agricultural technology. Through a scientific ecological circulation system, it realizes the organic combination of aquaculture and vegetable planting, which not only saves resources but also improves production efficiency. Visitors can observe this magical agricultural model up close and participate in interactive experiences.
Food
Shaya Roast Whole Lamb
Selected high-quality local sheep are marinated with secret seasonings and then roasted over charcoal from fruit trees. The outer skin is golden and crispy, and the meat is tender and juicy, making it a top-grade in traditional Xinjiang cuisine.
Handmade Pulled Noodles
Made by traditional craftsmanship, the noodles are firm and chewy. Paired with fresh vegetables and rich mutton soup, they have a rich taste and endless aftertaste.
Farmhouse Earthen Hot Pot
Using local chicken, pork ribs, etc. as the soup base, adding fresh local vegetables and soy products, and stewing in a traditional earthen pot. The soup is fresh and delicious, rich in nutrition, and is a good product for keeping warm in winter.
Fruit Feast
Shaya County, where the scenic area is located, is a famous hometown of fruits. Visitors can taste a variety of fresh fruits such as Hami melons, grapes, and pears. Especially in autumn, when the fruits are ripe and full of fragrance, it is unforgettable.
Tickets
The ticket price is 50 yuan per person. Some experience projects in the scenic area require additional fees, such as picking and fishing. As of 2025-06-11, no official WeChat public account has been found.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open throughout the year. The opening hours in summer (April-October) are 8:00-22:00, and in winter (November-March of the following year) are 9:00-21:00. The opening hours may be adjusted during holidays, please refer to the scenic area announcements.
Tour Routes
Recommended one-day tour route: Tourist Center → Farming Culture Museum → Colorful Farmland → Yanqi Flower Sea → Tropical Plant Hall → Fish-Vegetable Symbiosis Science and Technology Museum → Food Square → Handicraft Experience Area → Return.
Recommended two-day tour route: Day 1: Tourist Center → Farming Culture Museum → Colorful Farmland → Yanqi Flower Sea → Dining at Ecological Restaurant → Tropical Plant Hall → Fish-Vegetable Symbiosis Science and Technology Museum → Bonfire Party → Accommodation; Day 2: After breakfast, participate in farming experiences (such as picking, planting, etc.) → Handicraft Experience Area → Lunch → Return.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Starting from Aksu City, drive about 100 kilometers east along G314 National Highway, turn into Shaya County, and then drive to the scenic area according to the signs. The whole journey takes about 2 hours.
- Public transportation: You can take a bus from Aksu City Bus Station to Shaya County, and after arriving in Shaya County, transfer to the special bus to the scenic area.
- Scenic area direct bus: The scenic area provides direct bus service from Aksu urban area to the scenic area during the peak tourist season. For specific departure times and fares, please consult the scenic area customer service.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Farming Culture Museum: Understand the farming history of Xinjiang and feel the charm of traditional culture.
- Colorful Farmland: Enjoy the colorful pastoral scenery and take beautiful photos.
- Fish-Vegetable Symbiosis Science and Technology Museum: Explore modern agricultural technology and participate in interactive experiences.
- Handicraft Experience Area: Make traditional handicrafts by hand, such as paper-cutting and embroidery.
- Yanqi Flower Sea: Walk in the sea of flowers and feel the romantic atmosphere.
Tour Tips
- The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is beautiful. In summer, pay attention to sun protection and heat prevention, and in winter, pay attention to keeping warm.
- The scenic area is large, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
- When participating in farming experience projects, you can prepare protective equipment such as gloves in advance.
- There are multiple rest areas and dining points in the scenic area, but it is recommended to carry some drinking water and snacks with you.
- Respect local customs and religious beliefs and care for the environment of the scenic area.
Notes
- Smoking and littering are prohibited in the scenic area to keep the environment clean.
- Take care of crops and flowers, and do not pick or trample at will.
- Abide by the safety regulations of the scenic area and do not enter closed areas without permission.
- Take care of personal belongings and pay attention to personal safety.
- In case of bad weather, the scenic area may temporarily close some attractions, please follow the arrangements of the staff.