Yanquan Mountain Scenic Area is located at No. 1, Yanshan Road, Wushi County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The scenic area covers an area of about 960 mu, with an altitude of about 1,400 meters. It was rated as a national 4A-level tourist attraction in 2016. The scenic area integrates geological wonders, historical and cultural landscapes, and natural landscapes. The garden is shaded by green willows and picturesque, with pavilions, terraces, towers, and pavilions scattered in a staggered manner, and springs murmur all year round. It is a well-known tourist resort in southern Xinjiang and is known as the "First Scenic Spot in Tiannan".
Historical Culture
Yanquan Mountain Scenic Area has a long history and was once the location of the ancient Wensu Kingdom, one of the thirty-six kingdoms in the Western Regions. Tang Xuanzang crossed the Biedeli Pass here and went west to seek Buddhist scriptures. Liu Jintang wrote "Far Beyond the Han and Tang Dynasties, Continuing to Surpass and Chase Qian", telling the ancient history of Wushi. Yanzishan was anciently called Wuchi Mountain. During the middle and late Qianlong period (1766-1786), there were many temples on the mountain. For example, the Guandi Temple had a plaque and couplet in Qianlong's imperial brush steel characters, with the plaque reading "Lingzhen Yanjang" and the couplet reading "Yilun Mingbing Qianqiu Day, Jingbian Weixing Wanli Wind". The top of the mountain had a Weituo Hall, and there were also many shrines, Sheji Altar city walls, etc. in the mountain. Every spring and autumn and on the first and fifteenth days of each month, ministers led all officials to offer sacrifices and perform rituals. Yanzishan was extremely prosperous at that time but was destroyed by the war in the third year of Tongzhi (1864 AD). After liberation, only bunkers, city walls, and White Bone Pagodas remained on the top of the mountain.
Main Attractions
Yanzishan (Swallow Mountain)
Yanzishan has a vertical height of about 90 meters and is a stone mountain formed by crustal movement. The two north-south mountain ridges converge at the top from east to west, with a valley in the middle. It is named because there are many stone swallow-like shell fossils in the mountain rocks. The mountain road is winding, and the outer perimeter is built with a protective wall, which resembles the ancient Great Wall and is called the "Yanzishan Great Wall". At the top of the mountain is an ancient-style Yilan Pavilion. Climbing to the top of the mountain and looking out from the pavilion, you can have a panoramic view of Wushi's mountains and rivers, snow-capped peaks, sunrises and sunsets, and the entire county seat.
Jiuyan Spring (Nine-Eye Spring)
Located at the foot of Yanzishan, it is a major highlight of the scenic area. These nine clear springs flow continuously throughout the year, with spring eyes rolling like boiling water, and the water quality is clear and sweet. Surrounded by lush green trees, the spring has a pleasant scenery and is a good place for tourists to relax and escape the heat.
Xiao Xihu (Little West Lake) and Huxin Island (Mid-Lake Island)
Xiao Xihu is an artificial lake in the scenic area. The lake water is clear and green, surrounded by lush green trees and picturesque scenery. A Huxin Island is built in the lake, with lush green trees on the island, which contrasts interestingly with the surrounding scenery. Tourists can row on the lake here and enjoy tranquility and comfort.
Other Attractions
The scenic area also includes attractions such as Lingong Pavilion, Zuixia Pavilion, Wang Bridge, Husband and Wife Tree, Brother Tree, plank road, Yilan Pavilion, Xiaoyou Garden, Yanshan Waterfall, etc. These attractions each have their own characteristics, some winning with natural scenery and some with historical and cultural heritage, jointly constituting the rich connotations and unique charm of Yanquan Mountain Scenic Area.
Delicacies
There may be some food and beverage points providing local characteristic snacks in the scenic area, where tourists can taste traditional Xinjiang cuisines such as grilled lamb skewers, hand-pulled rice, and grilled nang. There are also various delicacies in the surrounding counties, such as the big plate of chicken and meatball soup in Wushi County.
Tickets
The ticket price is 30 yuan per person. Subject to the announcement of the scenic area. As of June 11, 2025, no official WeChat public account has been found.
Opening Hours
Open from 10:00 to 19:30 throughout the year.
Tour Route
Tourists can first go to Yanzishan from the scenic area entrance, climb Yanzishan, admire the along the way shell fossils, "Yanzishan Great Wall", etc., and climb to the Yilan Pavilion at the top of the mountain to overlook the panoramic view; then go down the mountain to Jiuyan Spring to feel the agility and coolness of the clear spring; then go to Xiao Xihu to walk by the lake or row on the lake to admire the lake and mountain scenery; finally, they can visit other attractions in the scenic area, such as Lingong Pavilion and Zuixia Pavilion, to experience the unique charm of different attractions.
Transportation
- Self-driving: You can reach the scenic area via G219 turning to S306, and then via Resta Road and Yanshan Road.
- Public transportation: You can take local transportation in Wushi County to the scenic area, which is only 0.2 kilometers away from the county center.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Yanzishan: With unique geological landscapes, it allows you to admire ancient shell fossils, as well as the "Yanzishan Great Wall" and Yilan Pavilion, where you can overlook the beautiful scenery. It is a good place to feel the uncanny workmanship of nature and the vicissitudes of history.
- Jiuyan Spring: The clear spring flows continuously throughout the year, with clear and sweet water quality, and pleasant surrounding scenery. It is a good place for leisure and summer escape, adding agility and beauty to the scenic area.
- Xiao Xihu: The artificial lake has a picturesque scenery. Rowing on the lake allows you to enjoy tranquility and comfort, and the Huxin Island is lush with green trees, contrasting interestingly with the surrounding scenery.
Tour Tips
- It is recommended to play for half a day to a day to fully appreciate the beauty and cultural connotations of the scenic area.
- Summer and autumn are the best times to visit, when the climate is pleasant and the scenery is more beautiful.
- Carry a camera to record the beautiful scenery and precious moments.
- Wear comfortable shoes for easy walking in the scenic area.
Notes
- Abide by the regulations of the scenic area and do not arbitrarily damage the plants and facilities in the scenic area.
- Pay attention to safety when climbing mountains and approaching the lake, and do not go to dangerous areas.
- Respect local customs and culture.
- Pay attention to environmental protection and do not litter.