Haisentuolu Unique Rock City

Haisentuolu Unique Rock City

Introduction The name "Haisentuolu" is a Mongolian transliteration, meaning "stones that look like pots." Haisentuolu is located in the northwest of Nuri Gai Sumu, Alxa Right Banner, approximately 180 kilometers from the banner’s seat. It borders Jinta County of Gansu Province to the west and the Badain Jaran Desert to the north, and is about 80 kilometers from the Dongfeng Space Launch Site. This area is rarely visited by humans, with primitive landforms that can be described as a remote desert wilderness. As soon as you enter the mountain pass, visitors will be amazed by the sights before them — within a radius of several dozen miles, the hills and fields are covered with uniquely shaped rocks formed by wind erosion. Some resemble Guanyin sitting in meditation, some look like crocodiles at play, others like camels bearing heavy loads, or monkeys gazing up at the sky. On the mountaintops, there are oddly shaped rocks that strikingly resemble eagles returning from hunting, as well as 12 zodiac-shaped stones. Among the most famous sights are: "Mushroom Cloud," "Lying Camel," "Pigsy," "Shouting," "Turtle Emerging from the Sea," "Jade Rabbit Gazing at the Moon," "Dragon Boat," "Sheep," and "A Herd of Elephants," many of which have been photographed by numerous Chinese and foreign photographers and widely circulated. Within the mountains lies Wutong Valley, home to over 300 wutong trees. The Haisentuolu scenic area is also known as Stone City. During the Qing Dynasty, the government of Gaotai County in Gansu Province discovered this unique rock area and named it "Stone City." There are several springs within the scenic area, the largest of which is called "Stone City Spring." Because the massive original rock where the spring is located resembles a reclining Buddha, it is also referred to as "Reclining Buddha Spring." Nearby, an inscription reads: "On April 15th of the 38th year of the Kangxi reign, Li Qin from the Gaotai County government came to this Stone City Spring." It is said to be a remnant from when the Gaotai County government mined for gold here during the Qing Dynasty.

Haisentuolu is located in a remote area and is not easily accessible. Transportation: Depart from Alxa Right Banner at 8:00 AM, and it takes about 2.5 hours to reach Haisentuolu Unique Rock City, covering a distance of 170 kilometers. Note: Some sections of the road from Haisentuolu to Shuangcheng are dangerous sandy stretches. Be sure to slow down well in advance when making turns.

Inner Mongolia, Alxa