Zonglang Lingquan Scenic Area is located in Lingquan 2 Village, Zonglang Township, Yecheng County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 4A-level scenic area. The total area of the scenic area is about 18 square kilometers, with a north-south length of about 12 kilometers and an average east-west width of 1.5 kilometers. Here, the natural resources are primitive and rich, with tens of thousands of mu of natural grasslands. It is a spring overflow zone where springs flow continuously throughout the four seasons, and the spring water is cool and sweet. The scenic area is covered with lush and unique ancient willows with intertwined roots, as well as unique wetland scenery, making it a rare tourist, sightseeing, and leisure area mainly featuring natural wetland landscapes in Yecheng County and even the southern Xinjiang region.
History and Culture
The origin of Zonglang Lingquan can be traced back to 999 AD. The name "Zonglang Lingquan" has various origins. One saying is that it is the transliteration of the Arabic word "Zunong," meaning "water with fish," while another saying is that it is the transliteration of the Uyghur word "Zaoerma Ke," meaning "Holy Land" or "Tomb of Saints." On the cliff of the mountain, there were once two cursive Chinese characters as large as cartwheels - "Lingquan," and there were also wooden plaques with Chinese characters "Ze Ji Bian Li" (Benefiting Border Officials) and red silk banners with "You Qiu Bi Ying" (Granting Every Wish). Zonglang Mazha on the cliff is the tomb of Laylai Jiubai Bilande Kamal from Iraq. Every July, it is the peak period for religious activities at Zonglang Mazha. Believers come here to perform "Duwa," make donations, throw items such as small knives, swords, coins, and jewelry into the holy water pool, or drink the spring water to pray to Allah for blessings and disaster relief. The scenic area has a history of about 1,400 years, witnessing the long cultural inheritance and religious beliefs of the local area.
Main Attractions
Zonglang Lingquan
The core landscape, Zonglang Lingquan, is known by locals as the "Holy Water Pool," "Lingquan Pool," and "Tianma Spring." There is a stone cliff as high as 140 meters, under which clear springs flow rapidly into a circular pool with a diameter of about 10 meters, and the pool water is crystal clear. The spring water contains a large amount of minerals and trace elements, especially a high content of strontium. Locals believe that this spring water has health-care, disease-treatment, life-prolonging, and beauty effects.
Millennium-old Willows
Four hundred-year-old willows under the cliff, about 800 years old, have tree trunks with a diameter of 1 meter. Their roots are intertwined, and the tree trunks have lying down and risen into the air several times, just like a long dragon, adding a sense of mystery to Lingquan.
Zonglang Mazha
Located on the cliff, it is a local characteristic tomb. The cliff is full of caves with no grass growing, among which several wooden poles stand, with ropes on the poles and flags on the ropes.
Ten-thousand-mu Grassland
The scenic area has nearly ten thousand mu of natural grassland, where tourists can ride horses. The grassland is endless, with green grass like a carpet, malan flowers in full bloom, and small rivers flowing, presenting a very beautiful scenery.
Willow Shadows and Beautiful Scenery
In the scenic area, ancient willows and poplar trees grow side by side, sometimes as concentric or as couples, forming the unique scenery of "Willow Shadows and Beautiful Scenery," adding a romantic atmosphere to the scenic area.
Delicacies
Farmhouse Barbecue
There are delicious farmhouse barbecues inside and around the scenic area, using fresh local ingredients such as lamb and chicken. After unique marination and grilling, they are full of fragrance and make people drool.
Yecheng Walnuts
Yecheng walnuts are special products of Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and are Chinese national geographical indication products. The walnuts here have plump fruits, crispy taste, and rich nutrition.
Hippophae rhamnoides
Hippophae rhamnoides fruits contain rich nutrients and bioactive substances, including a large amount of vitamins A, C, E, K1, B1, B2, 17 kinds of amino acids, more than 20 kinds of trace elements, 4 kinds of organic acids, and 6 kinds of monosaccharides. They can be eaten fresh or processed into fruit juice, jam, etc.
Flat Peaches
Flat peaches are oblate in shape, with a small depression forming a nest at the top. Their peel is dark yellow, with a red halo at the top. The flesh is delicate, juicy, and sweet.
Big Plate Chicken
There are Big Plate Chicken restaurants at the entrance of the scenic area and around, which are cost-effective. Big Plate Chicken is a characteristic food in Xinjiang, mainly made of chicken, potatoes, green peppers, etc., with belt noodles, and has a rich, spicy, and delicious taste.
Tickets
The ticket price is 25 yuan per person. As of 2025-06-13, no official WeChat public account has been found.
Opening Hours
Open throughout the year. Spring and summer: 10:00 - 20:00; autumn and winter: 10:30 - 19:30.
Tour Route
Tourists can walk along the wooden plank road of the scenic area to enjoy the wetland scenery. First, visit the thousand-year-old willows to feel their unique shapes and historical charm; then go to Zonglang Lingquan to taste the spring water and watch the beautiful scenery of the spring flowing into the pool; then climb the cliff to visit Zonglang Mazha and learn about the local religious culture; finally, go to the ten-thousand-mu grassland to experience the fun of horseback riding or have a picnic and relax on the grassland.
Transportation
- Public transportation: There is no public transportation to the scenic area, and self-driving is recommended.
- Self-driving route: Drive from Wenhua West Road in Yecheng County into Hetaota Avenue, turn right into Xueyu Avenue and drive 6 kilometers, enter G219 and drive 21.9 kilometers, enter X533 and drive 7.6 kilometers to reach the destination.
Must-visit Attractions
- Zonglang Lingquan: The core attraction of the scenic area, with magical holy spring water rich in minerals and health-care effects. The surrounding scenery is beautiful, and the cliff, clear spring, and pool form a unique picture.
- Millennium-old Willows: After 800 years of history, they have unique shapes and intertwined roots, like a dragon lying on the ground, adding a mysterious color to the scenic area and being a must-see landscape.
- Ten-thousand-mu Grassland: A vast natural grassland full of green, which is a good place to experience grassland scenery and horseback riding activities, making people feel relaxed and happy.
Tour Tips
- The recommended tour time is 2 - 3 hours. You can reasonably choose the attractions to visit according to your interests and time arrangement.
- When going in summer, pay attention to sun protection measures and carry sun hats, sunscreen, etc.; when going in spring and autumn, the weather is more comfortable, and you can wear light clothes.
- Tourists who like photography can carry professional photography equipment. The wetland scenery, ancient willows, Lingquan, etc., in the scenic area are all good shooting subjects.
Notes
- Abide by the regulations of the scenic area, care for the environment, and do not litter everywhere.
- When visiting Zonglang Mazha, respect the local religious beliefs and customs, and do not touch or damage religious facilities at will.
- When riding a horse, follow the guidance of the staff, pay attention to safety, and avoid accidents.
- If swimming in the scenic area, pay attention to your own safety and avoid going to areas with deep water or rapid currents.