Gongnaisi Scenic Area

Gongnaisi Scenic Area

Gongnaisi Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Xinjiang’s Gongnaisi Forest Park is located in Bayinbuluke District, Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, along the upper reaches of the Gongnaisi River. Stretching as far as the eye can see are snow-capped mountains and glaciers, blue skies with white clouds, rustling pine forests, the surging Gongnaisi River, scattered Mongolian yurts, lush green grass and wildflowers covering the hills, and flocks of sheep like pearls scattered across the slopes — a series of beautiful landscapes that are truly refreshing to the soul. Gongnaisi, meaning “green valley” in Mongolian, is a mountainous natural scenic area. It was officially established in 2001 with approval from the State Forestry Administration.

The terrain of Gongnaisi is higher in the southeast and lower in the northwest, characterized by a “valley between two mountains.” The area is a high and mid-mountain region formed by erosion and accumulation. It features strata from the Silurian, Jurassic, and Quaternary systems with varying rock types, overlaid by collapsed deposits and humus-rich soil. The area is densely vegetated with distinct vertical zoning: above 1,900–2,800 meters is tundra and meadow vegetation, where dominant species include Tianshan spruce and Schrenk spruce; below 1,900 meters, valleys are filled with willows, mountain poplars, and more, forming unique mountain forests, alpine meadows, and subalpine meadow landscapes. Snow-capped peaks are reflected in lakes, while the mountains are covered in pines and wildflowers. At high elevations, one can spot rare wildlife such as argali, ibex, and snowcocks. It's a vast treasure trove of flora and fauna, with forest animals including red deer and roe deer, and precious medicinal herbs such as snow lotus, codonopsis, and fritillaria abundant in the region.

Gongnaisi enjoys a warm and humid climate, with an average annual precipitation of 839.6 mm, earning it the nickname of a “wet island” in Xinjiang’s arid zone. The average temperature in July is 13.5°C, making it an ideal summer retreat. From a distance, Gongnaisi features undulating mountains with overlapping green peaks. Shady valleys are filled with dense forests and misty air, while sunny slopes bloom with wildflowers and lush pastures. Mountain paths twist and turn, streams gurgle through valleys, and waterfalls and deep pools appear from time to time.

Gongnaisi has four distinct seasons, each offering unique and stunning scenery — blooming flowers in spring, vibrant blooms in summer, crisp and clear skies in autumn, and snow-covered landscapes in winter. It is a great destination for both summer escapes and sightseeing.

Gongnaisi is home to the famous Arxian Hot Springs, where the water temperature averages between 43–63°C. Some of the hotter springs can be used directly for soaking Chinese herbal medicine or brewing tea. Each spring has different therapeutic properties, such as “Detoxifying Spring,” “Arthritis Relief Spring,” “Tissue Regeneration and Bone Strengthening Spring,” “Cooling Spring,” and “Icy Dripping Spring.” During spring when flowers are in bloom, visitors flock to the Arxian Valley hot springs for their healing properties.

Gongnaisi is 330 km from Korla City but only 95 km from Bayinbuluke. It is recommended to visit together with Bayinbuluke Swan Lake.

Address: Gongnaisi Management Committee, Hejing County

Phone: 0996-5013889, 5030256