Urumqi Nanshan

Urumqi Nanshan

The Nanshan Scenic Area is located within Urumqi County, south of Urumqi City. Here, towering snow-capped peaks, undulating mountains, lush forests, blooming flowers, gurgling springs, and enchanting scenery make it a prime destination for summer retreats and sightseeing. Notable spots in the area include East and West Poplar Valleys, Houxia, Gangu, Dengcao, Shuixi, Miaogou, and Banfangou.

During the Tang Dynasty, Urumqi Nanshan was a famous hunting ground, and in the Qing Dynasty, it became a well-known pasture. As for summer retreats and tourism, their origins can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty. Since liberation, the area has attracted a continuous stream of domestic and international visitors, earning considerable renown both at home and abroad. Foreign friends commonly refer to this scenic area as the “Nanshan Pasture” of Urumqi.

In spring and summer, the Chrysanthemum Terrace is blanketed with golden chrysanthemums, purple-red thistles, and a riot of blooming buttercups, borages, and other wildflowers, filling the air with fragrance while bees and butterflies flutter about. The slopes are dotted with horses and sheep, presenting a classic view of the Tianshan grasslands. On Zhongliang Terrace, east of the Chrysanthemum Terrace, stands the Zhongliyuan Urumqi Observatory, which meets international observation standards. The site is home to China’s largest radio telescope, with a diameter of 25 meters—visitors can spot it from afar.