Shuimogou

Historical Overview

1760s: Qing Dynasty settlers established water mills along the gully, giving it the name "Shuimogou" (Water Mill Gully).

18th Century: Tibetan Buddhist monks constructed the Hongguang Temple (Red Light Temple), a key pilgrimage site.

1933: The "April 12 Incident" (a political upheaval in Xinjiang) led to the temple’s partial destruction; it was rebuilt in the 1980s.

1982: Declared a protected cultural landscape; thermal springs developed into modern spa facilities.

2005: Listed as a "National Geopark" for its unique karst formations and glacial relics.

Structural Layout

The park spans 36 square kilometers and is divided into four zones:

West Zone (Religious & Cultural)

Hongguang Temple: A Tibetan Buddhist complex with a 20-meter-tall gilded Buddha statue and prayer wheel corridor.

Water Mill Exhibition Hall: Displays traditional Xinjiang irrigation tools and Qing Dynasty artifacts.

Rock Inscriptions: Tang Dynasty (7th–10th century) carvings depicting nomadic life and Buddhist motifs.

Central Zone (Nature & Adventure)

Thermal Springs: Natural hot springs with temperatures up to 65°C, claimed to relieve rheumatism.

Jade Dragon Pool: A crystal-clear lake fed by glacial meltwater, ideal for boating and fishing.

Hiking Trails: A 5km loop through pine forests, with lookout points over the Urumqi River Valley.

East Zone (Eco-Leisure)

Xuelian Mountain: A 1,391-meter peak with a cable car to the summit for views of the Gobi Desert.

Herb Garden: Cultivates saffron, snow lotus, and other Tianshan-native medicinal plants.

Folk Culture Village: Reconstructed yurts offering Uyghur music, dance performances, and handicrafts.

North Zone (Adventure)

Rock Climbing Wall: A 20m granite face with routes for beginners and experts.

Horseback Riding: Guided tours through grassy meadows and birch forests.

Stargazing Platform: Open after sunset, with telescopes for viewing the Milky Way.

Supporting Structures

Cable Car: 1.2km aerial ride from the valley floor to Xuelian Mountain (seasonal: April–October).

Tea House: Serves Xinjiang black tea and nan (flatbread) with kumis (fermented mare’s milk).

Spa Center: Modern facilities offering traditional Xinjiang massage and mineral baths.

Major Attractions

Hongguang Temple Bell Tower: Strike the 5-ton iron bell (19th-century replica) for good luck.

Thermal Spring Baths: Soak in open-air pools surrounded by willow trees.

Jade Dragon Pool Bridge: A 100-year-old stone arch bridge crossing the emerald-green lake.

Rock Carving of the Eight Immortals: A Ming Dynasty (14th-century) Taoist relief.

Xuelian Mountain Summit: A 360° view of the Tianshan Mountains and Taklamakan Desert.

Suggested Itineraries

• Half-Day Cultural Tour (3–4 hours)

Morning: Hongguang Temple prayer ceremony → Rock Inscription Gallery → Lunch at "Temple Café" (mutton skewers and naan).

Afternoon: Jade Dragon Pool boat ride → Thermal Spring tasting → Xuelian Mountain cable car (one-way).

Highlights: Tibetan Buddhism, glacial lakes, and mountain vistas.

• Full-Day Nature & Adventure Tour (6–8 hours)

Morning: Rock climbing → Horseback riding → Herb Garden tour → Lunch at "Forest Kitchen" (roasted lamb and pilaf).

Afternoon: Hiking trail to Waterfall Viewpoint → Spa mineral bath → Stargazing Platform.

Evening: Folk Culture Village performance (Uyghur dances and twelve-muqam music).

Highlights: Adventure sports, Xinjiang cuisine, and night skies.

• Two-Day Religious Retreat

Day 1:

Morning: Temple meditation workshop → Rock Carving sketching → Lunch at "Zen Bistro" (vegan-friendly lagman noodles).

Afternoon: Thermal Spring yoga → Bell Tower ritual → Evening: "Moonlight Walk" through pine forests.

Day 2:

Morning: Herb Garden tea-making workshop → Xuelian Mountain summit hike → Lunch at "Mountain View Café" (marinated horse meat).

Afternoon: Spa treatment → Astronomy Platform star-gazing → Evening: Campfire at "Gully Campground."

Highlights: Spiritual workshops, herbalism, and camping.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via Ctrip or Fliggy (up to 14 days in advance; combo tickets with Heavenly Lake available).

On-Site: Tickets at West Zone entrance (queues peak 11 AM–2 PM).

• Prices:

Peak Season (May–October): Adults: ¥60, Students/Seniors: ¥35. Cable Car: ¥40 one-way, ¥70 round-trip.

Off-Season (November–April): 40% discount on all tickets.

Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.

Transportation

By Subway: Line 1 to North Railway Station, then 30-minute taxi to Shuimogou.

By Bus: Routes 34 or 104 to Shuimogou Stop.

By Taxi: Direct to West Zone entrance (¥50 from Urumqi Diwopu Airport).

Departure: Exit via East Zone to Heavenly Lake (40-minute drive) or South Zone to Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar.

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–2 PM (tour groups); visit 9–11 AM or 4–6 PM.

Crowds: Weekends and Uyghur holidays (e.g., Gulbang Festival) are busy; weekdays are quieter.

Weather: Summer (June–August) is ideal for hiking; winter (December–February) offers snowy landscapes.

• Essentials:

Wear sunscreen and a hat (high UV exposure).

Bring a reusable water bottle (spring refill stations available).

Photography allowed (no drones near temples).

Prohibited Items: Outside food (except in picnic zones), alcohol, and fireworks.

Insider Tip: Combine a visit with Heavenly Lake (for glaciers) or the Xinjiang Regional Museum (for Silk Road artifacts).