[2025 Hejing Attraction] Travel Guide for Tianshan Stone Forest (Updated Jun)

In the vast Xinjiang, there is a famous Duku Highway, which connects countless amazing sights. But do you know? Just beside this road, there is a little-known mysterious corner. The rocks there are rugged, magnificent and shocking, as if they are nature's hidden treasures. It is the Tianshan Stone Forest. Today, follow my footsteps and uncover the mystery of Tianshan Stone Forest. Tianshan Stone Forest, also known as Kuikewusu Stone Forest, is located at the foot of Kuikewusu Pass in the western section of Tianshan Mountains and the northern foot of Nalati Mountain. It is 9,000 meters long, about 5,000 meters wide, and has a relative height of 30 meters. Stepping into this stone forest is like entering the mysterious territory of ancient giants. Nature, the top sculptor, has spent millions of years meticulously carving the sand and rocks here into various shapes and forms. Look, those stone peaks, some look like solemn and majestic European castles, as if telling the legends of the Middle Ages; some are like sharp swords drawn from their sheaths, piercing the blue sky, with extraordinary momentum; and some are like pedestrians and animals of various shapes, lying or reclining, lifelike. The stone forest is dotted with large and small caves, and narrow passages crisscross each other, forming a natural maze. When you walk through it, you can only see a strip of blue sky above your head. It is mysterious and exciting. Not only are the stones here unique, but the surrounding scenery is also breathtakingly beautiful. In the distance, snow-capped mountains rise and fall, shining with holy light under the sunlight; at your feet, the vast grassland is lush and green, with wild flowers of various colors blooming and dotted in between; groups of big-headed sheep and goitered gazelles shuttle among the stone forests, making this ancient stone forest full of vitality. Near the snow line, you may be lucky enough to pick precious Chinese medicinal herbs such as snow lotus and Codonopsis pilosula. In the center of the stone forest, there is a clear pool like a mirror. This is the "Lujing Lake". The water is so clear that you can see the bottom, reflecting the surrounding stone forest and blue sky. It is so beautiful that it seems out of this world. In addition to the natural scenery, Tianshan Stone Forest also hides a profound cultural heritage. It witnessed the great epic of the Torghut tribe's return to the east. The layers of rock walls look like the figures of warriors lined up in battle formation. According to legend, the hero Galteng once bravely fought against demons here to protect the grassland. His heroic deeds are still passed down from generation to generation by local herdsmen. From Beijing Chaoyang to Tianshan Stone Forest - Plane: Fly directly from Beijing Capital International Airport or Daxing International Airport to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, the flight time is about 4 hours. After arriving in Urumqi, transfer to Kuqa Qiuci Airport, the flight time is about 1.5 hours. It takes about 4-5 hours to charter or rent a car from Kuqa to Tianshan Stone Forest. The road conditions are good throughout the journey, but there are many bends in the second half of the mountain road, so you need to drive carefully. - Train: Take Train Z69 from Beijing West Railway Station to Urumqi Railway Station. The journey takes about 30 hours. After arriving in Urumqi, take the train to Kuche Station, and then choose to charter or rent a car from Kuche to Tianshan Stone Forest. Train travel allows you to enjoy the magnificent scenery along the way, but it takes a long time and you need to plan your trip in advance. - Self-driving: The whole journey is about 3,500 kilometers, starting from Beijing, driving along the Beijing-Tibet Expressway to Inner Mongolia, then turning to the Beijing-Xinjiang Expressway, passing through Gansu, entering Xinjiang and driving along the Lianhuo Expressway to Urumqi, then turning to the G217 National Highway (Duku Highway). The road conditions are diverse, including expressways, national roads and mountain roads. It takes about 4-5 days. Self-driving can arrange the itinerary freely and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way at any time, but you need to pay attention to rest during long-distance driving, and check the vehicle and prepare supplies in advance. Recommended hotels in the surrounding area - Bayinbuluke Yindeng Hotel: Located on Sairimu North Street, Bayinbuluke Town, Hejing County, close to Tianshan Stone Forest. The hotel was renovated in 2018 and has business standard rooms, single rooms, triple rooms, a total of 110 rooms. The supporting service facilities are complete, with sufficient hot water supply and fiber-optic WIFI Internet access. The restaurant can provide rich buffet breakfast, special snacks and standard group meals. The reference price is 300 - 600 yuan per night. - Homestays or yurts in Bayinbuluke Town: These accommodations are more local and allow you to deeply experience the Mongolian lifestyle. The prices are relatively affordable, with the reference price for homestays ranging from 200 to 400 yuan per night. The price of yurts may be lower, ranging from 100 to 300 yuan per night, but the accommodation conditions may be relatively simple. Activities - Wilderness camping: camp by the Alshasay River near the Stone Forest, fall asleep to the sound of gurgling water, look up at the brilliant snow-capped mountains and starry sky at night, be gently awakened by the first rays of sunshine in the morning, and maybe even encounter a herd of yaks grazing leisurely. - Cultural Exploration: Learn more about the history of the Torghut tribe’s return to the east, explore the “Warriors’ Formation” hidden on the rock wall, and listen to the legendary story of the hero Galteng. - Ecological exploration: In summer, rare flowers such as snow lotus and gentian bloom on the grassland meadows. You can follow the local guide to find these precious plants (be sure to pay attention to protecting the environment and do not pick them at will). Tianshan Stone Forest is definitely worth a visit. There are no bustling tourists, no over-developed commercial atmosphere, only the purest natural beauty and profound cultural heritage. Whether you are a photography enthusiast who loves natural scenery, an explorer obsessed with history and culture, or an urbanite eager to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can find spiritual comfort here. Pack your bags, go on a spontaneous trip, and go to this romantic date with Tianshan Stone Forest!

Bayanbulak Travel Guide Located in Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, Bayanbulak is China's second-largest grassland and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. It boasts vast grasslands, meandering rivers, and unique Mongolian culture, making it a paradise for photography and nature enthusiasts. 1. Must-Visit Attractions - Swan Lake: Asia's largest swan habitat, hosting thousands of swans from April to October. The snow-capped mountain reflections are breathtaking—bring binoculars for birdwatching. - Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns: The Kaidu River winds like a ribbon, creating the "Nine Suns" spectacle at sunset. Accessible via shuttle bus to the viewing platform. - Grassland & Cultural Experiences: Horseback riding across the grasslands and visiting yurts; learn about the Torghut Eastward Return history at folk villages while enjoying performances and local cuisine; Tianshan Stone Forest is perfect for adventure seekers. 2. Travel Tips - Best Time: Lush greenery from June to September, stunning autumn colors in late September. The area often closes in winter. - Transportation: Drive or take a bus from Urumqi; the Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway from Yining offers spectacular views. Use shuttle buses within the scenic area. - Accommodation: Yurts offer immersive stays, while town hotels provide better amenities. Keep warm at night. - Cuisine: Don’t miss hand-torn lamb, roasted whole lamb, and milk tea with bortsok (fried dough). - Notes: Dress for cold weather and sun protection, prevent altitude sickness, respect local customs, protect the ecosystem, and note shuttle bus schedules. 3. Itinerary Suggestions For a 2-3 day trip: Day 1—Visit Swan Lake and catch sunset at Nine Bends; Day 2—Horseback riding and cultural activities, with optional exploration of Tianshan Stone Forest. Combine with attractions along the Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway if time allows.

🗓Itinerary: Korla - Banchan Valley - Axian Valley - Bayanbulak - Tianshan Stone Forest - Fangcheng - Duku Highway - Longchi Lake - Mysterious Grand Canyon - Kuqa - Kuqa Palace - Menbazha✈️🚗🐴🐫 🌟Highlights: Stayed in a cabin in the Tianshan Stone Forest for three days Lit a fire every day, watched sheep 🐑 get off work, cows graze, and made friends with dogs 👍Most recommended: Fangcheng Departed from the cabin at the Tianshan Stone Forest camp, crossed grasslands, mountains, and rapids, and finally stopped in front of a stone bridge. The thrill and rewards of the journey were the most precious. But you must have a professional off-road vehicle 🚙, otherwise you won't be able to get in. 👎Least recommended: Longchi Lake 🚉Transportation tips: ✈️Beijing - Korla - Self-driving ⏳Duration: 8 days 🛏Room facilities: 1️⃣Banchan Valley: Fenglan Tourism Resort (Mongolian yurt), with a bathroom and shower. Our room didn't have heating, but other rooms did. 2️⃣Tianshan Stone Forest: Tianshan Stone Forest Camp cabin, with a bathroom but no shower. There is a stove, but you have to light it yourself. 3️⃣Kuqa: Meizhou Hotel🏨, cheap, clean, and new 🍲Food recommendations: 1️⃣Cooked our own meals at the camp⛺️ 2️⃣Kuqa: Lao Dao Spicy Chicken 3️⃣Korla: Minyang Pilaf

The Legend of Zelda on the Duku Highway, only 0.1% of people have been there|||🛣️ On the Duku Highway, we discovered a place that can be called the Zelda of the human world - the Tianshan Stone Forest - The moment we stepped on it, the Breath of the Wild was no longer an imagination, the real version of the land of Hyrule unfolded before our eyes - - 📍: Tianshan Stone Forest, Hejing County, Bayingolin, Xinjiang - 🎫: Abandoned scenic spot, 🆓 - 📷&📱: 1️⃣ Log cabin + Stone Forest As soon as you enter the grassland section, you can see this idle log cabin 2⃣️ Vast grassland + Stone Forest Climbing up the hill behind the log cabin, you can see a large grassland, suddenly open 3⃣️ Grassland ruts + Stone Forest On the way from the log cabin to the boardwalk entrance 4⃣️ Close-up of Stone Forest You can go deep into the Stone Forest through the wooden boardwalk 5⃣️ Snow Mountain + Stone Forest The drone can capture the Stone Forest and the snow-capped mountains of the western section of the Tianshan Mountains in the same frame, with golden mountains at sunrise and sunset 6⃣️ Mountain road + Stone Forest The downhill road before entering the village is a bit like the Panlong Ancient Road in Kashgar 7⃣️ Snow Mountain + Road On the crater road before entering the mountain road - 🚘 There is only one road, as follows: 1️⃣ Section: Navigate to "Tianshan Stone Forest" to reach the original scenic spot entrance, which is on the Duku Highway, 41km from Bayinbulak Town, be sure to refuel in the town 2️⃣ Section: 47km asphalt road, no speed limit, 0.5h~1h 3️⃣ Section: From "Kuikewusu No. 1 Bridge", 25km crater road, need to drive slowly, 1.5h~2h 4️⃣ Section: After entering the village and seeing the "Tianshan Stone Forest" introduction sign, continue along the main road, cross the bridge and enter the grassland, about 1.5km 5️⃣ Section: From the grassland, there are only rut marks, drive about 1.8km to the gravel river beach, the rut marks are not obvious, start the four-wheel drive mode from here, and rush directly to the rut mark entrance on the opposite bank 6️⃣ Section: After crossing the river beach, continue along the rut marks for 2km of dirt road, stop when you see a small house, this is the starting point of the wooden boardwalk 7️⃣ Section: From the wooden boardwalk, you can explore freely · It is recommended to use a four-wheel drive off-road vehicle or SUV, we drove a Tank 300 with no pressure throughout the journey - 📌Tips: · Only China Mobile has signal throughout the journey, intermittent on the road, but full 4G signal in the village at the foot of the Stone Forest · No accommodation, we slept in the car + down sleeping bag · No shops, need to bring enough drinking water and self-heating food · Few people in the village, living are Mongolian herdsmen, most do not speak Chinese, mutual respect, friendly communication · Large temperature difference between day and night, it is recommended to wear a three-in-one jacket · Do not crush the grassland outside the pastoral road, take away the garbage

Next to Bayinbuluke, there is a hidden gem that 99% of people have never visited—the Tianshan Stone Forest. Only then did we realize that the wilderness of Zelda is not just a figment of imagination; there truly exists such a secret paradise on earth. On the 70km road to the scenic area, one can witness the changing hues of the grasslands, with the grass becoming greener and more lush. Herds of cattle and sheep graze on the verdant mountainsides. Occasionally, you might spot a marmot peeking out or basking in the sun on the grassland. Finally, reaching the deepest part of the scenic area, the rocks are sculpted by the wind into a myriad of shapes. If you have time, you can set up a tent here and enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea. You might even, like us, encounter local herdsmen and join them for tea and melon. 🎟️ Ticket information: Free 📍 Location: Tianshan Stone Forest, Hejing County, Xinjiang. Navigate to 'Tianshan Stone Forest', and there is only one road inside the scenic area. 💗 Important notes: After entering the main gate of the scenic area, there is a 70km gravel road that requires self-driving. Also, there are no gas stations, restrooms, shops, or other facilities within the scenic area, so it is recommended to prepare in advance. Important reminder‼️ There is signal 📶 only in the village within the scenic area; there is no signal throughout the rest of the area!!

When going to the Duku Highway, I accidentally stepped into an unknown 'Zelda in real life'! The Tianshan Stone Forest, a niche secret spot that probably 98% of the locals in Xinjiang don't know about, is right next to Bayinbuluke The moment I set foot on it, I was surrounded by the rich wilderness atmosphere, as if the land of Hyrule from the game came to life before my eyes🏞 📍Location: Tianshan Stone Forest, Hejing County, Bazhou, Xinjiang 🎟Ticket: Free ⌚️Time: Open all day, the light is most beautiful in the morning, but it takes about 3 hours to drive in from the entrance, so remember to reserve enough time 🚐Transportation: Only accessible by self-driving, there is only one road in, it is recommended to drive an SUV or four-wheel drive for stability. Also, don't forget to fill up the gas tank beforehand, as there are no gas stations here! Shooting Locations 🏠Cabin: Entering the grassland section, you will see an idle wooden house, which is a good spot for shooting 🌱Vast Grassland: Behind the wooden house on the hillside, there is a grassland with a wide view, very suitable for photography Grassland Track Road: Along the way to the plank road entrance, the track road adds a different charm 🏔Snow Mountain: The stone forest and the Tianshan mountain range are in the same frame, and the effect of aerial photography with a drone is yyds Mountain Road: The downhill road before entering the village, winding and meandering, is a bit like the Panlong Ancient Path ⚠️Tips: 1️⃣There is almost no signal, only a little mobile signal, but it is intermittent. However, in the village at the foot of the mountain, 4G is full, so don't worry about losing contact 2️⃣There are no shops here, so be sure to bring enough drinking water and self-heating food 3️⃣The temperature difference between day and night is big, remember to wear a three-in-one jacket or other warm clothing 4️⃣For accommodation, you can choose the yurts at the foot of the mountain to experience the grassland style The village is sparsely populated, mostly Mongolian herders who do not speak Mandarin well, but please respect each other and communicate friendly 5️⃣Respect nature, do not drive over the grassland outside the pastoral road, and take your own trash with you!

Narati to Bayinbuluke. National Highway 218 is a bit difficult to drive. Along the way, there are 60 kilometers of viaducts (so spectacular), tunnels, and road repairs. It is under the responsibility of Xinjiang Communications Investment and Xinjiang Communications Construction. Continue to go up the mountain on National Highway 218. It was slippery in the rain and the mountain was closed by fog. A pair of car eyes appeared in front of us while driving. No wonder horror movies like to shoot like this. Arrived at Bayinbuluke Town, while eating in the restaurant. The four boys who drove back next door told us that there were several small attractions and a large ditch ahead. After crossing the ditch, we can see the blue glacier. It rained heavily on the way there. Lei Gong and Dian Mu took turns to get angry. We were the only car on the plain. We didn’t dare to go for a while. It felt like the lightning was hitting the next door. I was worried about being injured by mistake. I was scared and quickly Baidu to see if there was a lightning rod in the car. After entering the Tianshan Stone Forest, we drove 35 kilometers but didn't see any stone forest. There were many small things that looked like rabbits or weasels along the way. We saw a big ditch. The water flow was a bit fast. There were not many cars in the wilderness, so we didn't dare to take risks. After leaving the Stone Forest, we went to Duku Highway. The GPS Duku Highway was closed in front of us, and "Lao Niu" insisted on going there to have a look. In fact, Duku Highway was not closed, and we could still drive in. It was just that the camps around the Duku closed intersection, as well as the restaurants and camps, were closed. It was a desolate scene. No one was seen. I only saw a 🐶🐶 There is an airport in Bayinbuluke. There is a lonely airport in the wilderness.