Qingganglin Resort

　　    Qingganglin Resort features beautiful scenery, a pleasant climate, and a poetic ambiance. Across the river is the autonomous region-level Xiaoye Baila Nature Reserve, covering 6,000 acres. On the river’s midstream shoals grows a 4-square-kilometer forest of Xiaoye Baila trees, the only concentrated wild distribution area of this species in China. The Xiaoye Baila is an ancient tree species that has survived since the late Tertiary to the Quaternary period, hailed as the “living fossil of broadleaf forests.” It holds unique scientific and sightseeing value. The forest hosts trees of all ages—saplings, young trees, middle-aged trees, and mature trees—spanning six or seven generations, all thriving vigorously.

　　    Near the resort lies a famous historical site. After the Opium War in 1840, Lin Zexu, who was exiled to Ili, donated funds to construct the Longkou section of the Huangqu Canal on the Kash River. The site stretches over three kilometers. In 1986, Lin Zexu’s descendant and former Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Ling Qing, along with more than 100 experts from across the country, visited the site to pay tribute to Lin’s legacy. In spring and summer, the Kash River meanders quietly, and the forest floor is lush with greenery, making it a great place for summer retreats and reconnecting with nature.

　　    Address: Weiwueryuqin Township, Yining County

　　    Qingganglin Resort

　　    Qingganglin Resort is a provincial-level forest park, covering 25,000 acres. The forest contains dozens of tree species, including Baila, birch, oleaster, apple, and rose. Across the river lies the autonomous region-level Xiaoye Baila Nature Reserve, which covers 6,000 acres. On the river’s midstream shoals grows a 4-square-kilometer forest of Xiaoye Baila trees, the only concentrated wild distribution area of this species in China. The Xiaoye Baila is an ancient tree species that has survived since the late Tertiary to the Quaternary period, hailed as the “living fossil of broadleaf forests.” It holds unique scientific and sightseeing value. Also known as “Kuli” or “Qinggang,” it belongs to the Oleaceae family and is a deciduous tree. The tree can grow up to 25 meters tall, with hard, durable wood suitable for construction, textiles, military use, and furniture-making. Its bark, known in traditional Chinese medicine as “Qinpi,” is an effective fever remedy. The fruit can be pressed for oil with a fragrant taste, serving as a special industrial material. The Xiaoye Baila also exhibits remarkable vitality—even after being cut down, several saplings often sprout around the stump. This resilient, upward-striving vitality has drawn attention from forestry scientists and become the focus of research projects.

　　    Near the resort lies a famous historical site. After the Opium War in 1840, Lin Zexu, who was exiled to Ili, donated funds to construct the Longkou section of the Huangqu Canal on the Kash River. The site stretches over three kilometers and can still be seen along the Yizhao Highway. In 1986, Lin Zexu’s descendant, former Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Ling Qing, along with more than 100 experts from across the country, visited the site to pay tribute to Lin’s legacy. The area has now become a popular tourist destination for leisure and vacation during spring and summer.