Xinjiang Ancient Ecology Park
Xinjiang Ancient Ecology Park, a sprawling oasis in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, is a sanctuary for culture, history, and natural wonders. Covering 200 hectares, it showcases Silk Road relics, petrified wood forests, Kazakh equestrian traditions, and rare wildlife. Designated a "National AAAA-Level Tourist Attraction," the park merges geological marvels, cultural heritage, and eco-tourism, offering horseback riding, fossil exploration, and performances by the "Snow Lotus" equestrian troupe.
Historical Overview
200 BC–200 AD: Silk Road caravans passed through the region, leaving behind petroglyphs and relics.
1980s: Discovery of petrified wood forests, later declared a protected geological site.
2005: Establishment of the Xinjiang Silk Road Cultural Museum to house ancient artifacts.
2010: Opening of the park as a cultural-ecological tourism destination.
2018: Introduction of the "Horse Culture Museum" and equestrian shows.
Structural Layout
The park is divided into four zones:
- West Zone (Geological Wonders)
Petrified Wood Forest: A 50-hectare expanse of 200-million-year-old fossilized trees, some reaching 20m in length.
Silk Road Petroglyphs: Rock carvings depicting camels, hunters, and celestial patterns from the Han Dynasty.
Mineral Museum: Displays of jade, gold, and turquoise sourced from Xinjiang’s mountains.
- Central Zone (Equestrian Culture)
Horse Culture Museum: Traces the history of Xinjiang’s native breeds, including the famed Akhal-Teke.
Equestrian Arena: Daily performances by the "Snow Lotus" troupe, featuring horseback archery and traditional dancing.
Stable Visits: Interact with Purebred Kazakh horses and learn about grooming techniques.
- East Zone (Art & Heritage)
Silk Road Cultural Museum: Houses 1,000+ artifacts, including Tang Dynasty pottery and Uyghur musical instruments.
Sculpture Garden: Modern art installations inspired by Xinjiang’s landscapes and folklore.
Ethnic Crafts Market: Shop for handmade carpets, knives, and embroidery.
- South Zone (Nature & Recreation)
Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to Przewalski’s horses, snow leopards, and red deer.
Herb Garden: Showcases medicinal plants like snow lotus and licorice root.
Camel Riding Track: A 1km loop for riding Bactrian camels.
- Supporting Structures
Silk Road Café: Serves Xinjiang specialties like laghman (hand-pulled noodles) and roasted lamb skewers.
Yurt Campground: Traditional Kazakh yurts for overnight stays (heated in winter).
Souvenir Pavilion: Sells fossil replicas, jade jewelry, and equestrian-themed gifts.
Major Attractions
Petrified Wood "Dragon Tree": A 28m-long fossilized trunk, the largest in the park, resembling a coiled dragon.
"Golden Horse" Statue: A 5m-tall bronze sculpture symbolizing Xinjiang’s equestrian legacy.
Horseback Archery Demo: Witness riders hit targets while galloping at 40 km/h.
Uyghur Folk Dance Show: Evening performances with dancers in embroidered costumes.
Suggested Itineraries
- Half-Day Cultural Tour (3–4 hours)
Morning: Petrified Wood Forest → Silk Road Petroglyphs → Horse Culture Museum.
Lunch: Silk Road Café (try nang bread and kumis fermented mare’s milk).
Afternoon: Equestrian Arena Show → Ethnic Crafts Market.
Highlights: Ancient fossils, horseback stunts, and Silk Road artifacts.
- Full-Day Eco-Adventure Tour (6–8 hours)
Morning: Camel Riding → Wildlife Sanctuary Tour → Herb Garden Workshop (make herbal sachets).
Lunch: Yurt Campground (BBQ with local mutton).
Afternoon: Petrified Wood Hike → Archery Lesson → Uyghur Dance Show.
Evening: Stargazing at the South Zone observatory.
Highlights: Wildlife encounters, hands-on crafts, and night skies.
- Two-Day Horse Culture Retreat
Day 1:
Morning: Stable Visit → Grooming Session → Horseback Riding Lesson.
Afternoon: Silk Road Museum Tour → Petroglyph Sketching.
Evening: Dinner at the Yurt Campground (live dutar music).
Day 2:
Morning: Equestrian Archery Competition → Herb Garden Tea Ceremony.
Afternoon: Mineral Museum → Fossil Hunting Expedition.
Evening: Farewell Bonfire with Kazakh folk songs.
Highlights: Immersive equestrian experiences, cultural performances, and camping.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via WeChat Mini Program "Xinjiang Ancient Ecology Park" (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 ¥120, Students/Seniors ¥60.
Equestrian Show: ¥80 (optional).
Off-Season (November–April): 50% discount.
Free: Children under 1.4m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Transportation
By Subway: Line 1 to Beijing Road Station, then 15-minute taxi ride.
By Bus: Route 532 to "Ancient Ecology Park Stop."
By Taxi: Direct to West Zone entrance (¥40 from Urumqi Diwopu Airport).
Departure: Exit via South Zone to Heavenly Lake (40-minute drive) or East 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 summer holidays are busiest; weekdays are quieter.
Weather: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for outdoor activities.
- Essentials:
Wear closed-toe shoes (trails can be rocky).
Bring sunscreen and a hat (high UV exposure).
Photography allowed (no flash near fossils).
Prohibited Items: Outside food (except in picnic zones), drones, and smoking.
Insider Tip: Combine a visit with Heavenly Lake for alpine scenery or the Grand Bazaar for shopping.
