Tast Scenic Area

Tast Scenic Area

Tast Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a cultural tourism destination.

Tast Scenic Area

As a national AAA-level scenic area, the Balykty Mountain Tast Scenic Area is located 45 kilometers southwest of the county town. In summer, the mountains, valleys, rivers, and wildflowers are filled with fragrant blooms, ancient towering trees, twisted branches, lush green grass, vibrant blossoms, and a riot of wildflowers. In winter, it is covered in snow and serves as a natural ski resort. Within a radius of over twenty kilometers, it forms a unique landscape that combines ancient and modern civilization, natural and cultural scenery, as well as grassland charm and pastoral vistas.

Yuanshangyuan is the most fully equipped tourist facility in the Tast Scenic Area, featuring European-style wooden cottages, Chinese-style buildings, and grassland yurts, each with its own distinctive style. The indoor environment is beautiful, and the multifunctional dance hall complements the picturesque mountain and river scenery to create a stunning view. A rich variety of recreational activities and the mysterious, unrestrained Kazakh culture leave an unforgettable impression.

Shuanglong Lake is the dam of a power station. Standing on the dam and looking forward, you can see waves surging from two rivers in the southeast rushing toward the dam. The water from the eastern valley is murky, while the southern valley’s is clear, resembling a yellow and a cyan dragon winding their way here—hence the name Shuanglong (Double Dragon) Lake.

Wildman Mountain: Located upstream of the eastern valley of Shuanglong Lake, this area features high mountains, dense forests, and steep cliffs, seldom visited by people. It got its name because local herders often spot hairy creatures resembling humans.

Peace Tree: This junction was an important pass where the northern route of the ancient Silk Road turned westward. Since ancient times, travelers and merchants have bid farewell here, heading their separate ways. Amidst their heartfelt goodbyes, they would bless each other under this tree, praying for peace and happiness. Over time, this poplar tree by the ancient road has come to be known as the “Peace Tree.”

Heart-to-Heart Tree: It stands as a testament to the friendship between China and the Soviet Union. In the early years of the founding of the People's Republic, people from both China and the Soviet Union planted this maple forest in the valley by hand, symbolizing peace and friendship. Today, despite the passage of time and changing circumstances, under the graceful maple trees, the grass is lush, streams babble, birds chirp in the woods, the autumn breeze is refreshing, the sky is clear, and the forest is ablaze with red—symbolizing the everlasting friendship between the two peoples.

Tast Power Station: Located in the Tast River Valley, the Tast River flows from east to west into Alakol Lake, stretching 45 kilometers in total with a water area of 668 square kilometers. From the upstream river mouth to the 13-kilometer midstream section, there is a drop of over 100 meters, providing a solid foundation for hydropower development. Currently, the first and second power stations with an installed capacity of 4,800 kilowatts have been built in the valley. The majestic dam, the cascading waterfall in front of the dam, and the roaring hydroelectric power station add a touch of grandeur to the serene and beautiful mountain and river landscape.

Lanshow Pavilion: Located within the Tast Scenic Area, it stands opposite the Yuanshangyuan reception center and was built in May 2004. Climbing the Thousand-Step Cloud Ladder (1,011 steps) to reach Lanshow Pavilion offers a panoramic view of the picturesque Tast River.