Hamuxia Valley

Hamuxia Valley

Hamuxia Valley, located on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains 25 kilometers southeast of Fukang City in Xinjiang and 70 kilometers from Urumqi, is a regional-level forest park, primarily covered with spruce trees. The Tianshan range is vast and deeply dissected by gullies. The scenic area of Hamuxia Valley is a section within one of these deep valleys. Here, the mountain, water, snow, and tree landscapes are all incredibly captivating. The mountains are covered with spruce trees, which undulate along the slopes, resembling emerald waves. When the mountain wind blows, the green waves surge, making it seem as though the entire mountainside is in motion, presenting a magnificent and spectacular view. The air in Hamuxia Valley is cool and moist, and the water quality is excellent, leaving visitors feeling refreshed and uplifted. To get to Hamuxia Valley, you pass through the Miquan Tiechanggou coal mine and the Xiamenzi rural leisure resort. Hamuxia Valley has long been a favorite spot for hiking enthusiasts. Changji, meaning “Prosperous and Auspicious,” was historically a renowned hub for economic and cultural exchanges along the northern route of the Silk Road. Changji Prefecture is situated at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains and the southern edge of the Junggar Basin. It borders Urumqi and the Hami region to the east, connects with Shihezi City to the west, links with the Turpan and Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefectures to the south, and adjoins the Altay and Tacheng regions to the north. To the northeast, it shares a border with Mongolia. The prefecture encircles Urumqi from the east, west, and north. It stretches 541 kilometers from east to west and 285 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of 93,900 square kilometers. It was once an essential passage on the ancient and world-famous “Silk Road’s New Northern Route” leading to Central Asia and European countries. Changji Prefecture encompasses mountains, grasslands, forests, plains, and deserts, creating a uniquely diverse geographical environment that fosters a rich variety of natural landscapes. There are 35 types of tourism resources, with as many as 118 identified scenic spots. Among them, geological landscapes, water scenery, and biological landscapes are the most famous.

Best Travel Time: June, July, and August are the best months to visit. This period marks early summer in the central Tianshan region, featuring beautiful grasslands, fields of golden wildflowers, pristine lakes reflecting snow-capped mountains, herds of cattle and sheep, flocks of white lambs, and endless golden rapeseed flowers, all blending with the simple ethnic culture to form a picturesque scene. For those wishing to enjoy the winter scenery of the Tianshan Mountains, it is advisable to visit before December or after February. December to February is the harsh winter period, often marked by winds exceeding force eight. Autumn in northern Xinjiang’s Altay region typically begins in mid-September, with winter arriving after October, bringing snow and ice that block mountain roads.