Shenlong Valley

Shenlong Valley

Shenlong Valley is located 16 kilometers west of Kulun Town, on the southern edge (approximately 6–7 kilometers) of the deep part of the Tamin Chagan Desert belt. This valley is widely renowned for its magical natural landscapes and rich historical and cultural significance, standing out uniquely among the countless valleys and ravines of Kulun Banner. The main valley stretches 2,700 meters in length, with six tributary valleys, averaging 260 meters in width and 25 meters in depth. When viewed from above, it resembles a dragon with its claws outstretched.

In the past, there used to be a Shenlong Temple at the top of Shenlong Valley. Various cultural relics such as mammoth ivory, stone dragons, and stone tablets from the Dragon King Temple have been unearthed nearby. It is said that the late Khan (Hong Taiji), along with his consorts and elite guards, often came here for hunting, leaving behind many beautiful and magical legends.

Shenlong Valley remains very pristine—over the years, no humans or livestock have ever set foot here, preserving its exceptionally untouched scenery. The valley is rich in water sources, with every main and tributary valley containing water. The springs are clear, cool, and sweet, suitable for swimming and boating. Perhaps due to never having been disturbed, Shenlong Valley is home to a considerable number of aquatic animals such as otters, crayfish, clams, and carp. The valley floor and slopes are covered with wild peach trees, yellow pear trees, mountain elms, and red willows, as well as a wide variety of trees and flowers like safflower, wild lilies, dove flowers, and purple wisteria. It also teems with rare wildlife including pheasants, wild ducks, spotted-wing partridges, skylarks, white-necked crows, quails, red foxes, yellow weasels, hog badgers, and raccoon dogs. Flocks of migratory birds such as grey herons, wild geese, black storks, and shrikes often linger here, and occasionally rare birds like red-crowned cranes and whooper swans can be seen landing or taking off in the valley.

Shenlong Valley offers picturesque scenery in all four seasons. In spring, wildflowers bloom in profusion; in summer, the forest is lush and shady; in autumn, pear and maple leaves turn brilliant red; and in winter, ice crystals and snow glisten brilliantly—all of which are a feast for the eyes and truly breathtaking.

Not far north of Shenlong Valley lies the Tamin Chagan Desert belt, known as the “800-Li Sea of Sand.” Climbing up the sand dunes, you can take in the magical desert landscape: rolling sand hills resemble surging ocean waves, and mirages create dreamlike visions. To the south of the main valley are continuous mountain ranges; climbing to the top of the emerald-green hills offers a breathtaking panoramic view of peaks clustered together and buckwheat flowers as white as snow.

Currently under development, Shenlong Valley enjoys convenient transportation. A total of 4.5 million RMB has already been invested in road construction, ponds, dining and accommodation facilities, and infrastructure within the scenic area. With its unique geographical advantages and abundant natural resources, Shenlong Valley is attracting an increasing number of tourists for sightseeing, leisure, and vacation.

Kulun Town: Kulun Town is the county seat of Kulun Banner and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the entire banner. It is located 147 kilometers southwest of Tongliao. To the southeast and south, it borders Sibaozi Township of Zhangwu County in Liaoning Province and Ping’andi Township of Fuxin Mongolian Autonomous County across the Houhen River, while to the southwest, west, north, and east, it connects with Baiyinhua Town, Liujiazi Town, Eleshun Town, and Horqin Left Rear Banner. The total land area spans 1.964 million mu, including 526,000 mu of arable land, 233,000 mu of grassland and pasture, and 618,000 mu of woodland. It governs 53 gacha villages, 2 production-based neighborhood committees, and 149 villager groups... More detailed information about Kulun Town++