The Scenery of Qiaxi

The Scenery of Qiaxi

The Scenery of Qiaxi is located in the southeastern mountainous area of Gongliu, about 72 kilometers from the county town. Traveling eastward from the county, you’ll pass the Tekes River Mountain Pass Hydropower Project, go through the Qiafuqi Valley and the Jiergalang Valley, exit Jiergalang Township heading east, and follow the winding mountain road to reach the Qiaxi Valley entrance known as Shage. Here, two roads—one east and one west—meet. The western road leads to the famous Tarim Forest Park. After crossing the Qiaxi Shage Bridge and traveling another 7 kilometers, you’ll emerge from the gorge carved by nature, revealing a wide and graceful valley. Low mountains stand like walls on both the eastern and western sides: the eastern slopes are covered with lush grass, while the western ones are adorned with verdant pines. Directly to the south rises Shangshan Mountain, which resembles a massive screen with jagged peaks, red-hued rocky outcrops, and hints of glaciers. Below the uniform tree line, blue spruces stretch gracefully from east to west. This is the renowned Qiaxi.

Qiaxi is situated in the southeastern mountainous region of Gongliu at an altitude of 1,500 meters. It enjoys a mild climate that is warm in winter and cool in summer, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, ancient towering trees, and crystal-clear waters. Its landscape combines majestic beauty with delicate charm, often praised as “Qiaxi’s scenery is as beautiful as a painting,” inspiring many poets and painters. The Qiaxi Natural Scenic Area is located within Gongliu County in the Ili region of Xinjiang, featuring typical mountain pasture scenery of Xinjiang. Qiaxi has two scenic zones: the Resort and Yunling Mountain Villa. In autumn, the distant snow-capped mountains, emerald green slopes, golden foliage, flowing streams, and migrating sheep herds create especially stunning views. There are some wooden lodges here, suggesting that many people come for summer retreats. The area remains quite pristine, with untouched natural scenery and no entrance fees.

1. Transportation:

To reach Qiaxi, first arrive at Gongliu County Town. Drive 23 kilometers east out of the county town (road signs are available), then turn right to enter the mountains leading to the Qiaxi Scenic Area. The road to Qiaxi starts as an asphalt road and later becomes a dirt and gravel road. After passing the Kaha Forestry Inspection Station (nearby, a large hydropower station is under construction), you’ll come to a fork in the road (with signs indicating “Huodeng” and “Qiaxi”). Turn right to head to Qiaxi. As you drive, you’ll encounter a major road sign: turning left takes you to the Resort (Forest Farm), while turning right goes to Yunling Mountain Villa. On the way to Yunling Mountain Villa, you’ll see many migrating sheep and cattle herds, as well as distant snow-capped mountains, emerald green slopes, golden leaves, flowing streams, and moving sheep. There are some lodges here, indicating that many visitors come for the summer. Return along the same road to the fork and turn right toward the Resort (Forest Farm). The route continues along a dirt and gravel mountain road. Climb to the highest point to overlook the grassy slopes, meadows, rivers, and grazing animals. Then descend and continue forward to reach the Resort.

2. Accommodation and Dining: Rooms priced between 120 and 280 yuan are available for travelers to choose from.