After five months of construction, in mid-November 2012, the Shuimo Tian Shan National Hiking and Fitness Trail in the Shuimogou District of Urumqi officially opened to the public. This winter, citizens can enjoy both hiking and the snow scenery along the trail.
On November 12, reporters learned from the Shuimogou District Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau that on November 8, after inspection and acceptance by relevant departments, the Shuimo Tian Shan National Hiking and Fitness Trail met the national standards for hiking and fitness trail systems. This marks it as the eighth national-level hiking and fitness trail in China following the one in Haining, Zhejiang, and also the first in western China to feature butterfly resources as its core highlight.
It is understood that the Shuimo Tian Shan National Hiking and Fitness Trail is located east of Butterfly Valley in Shiren Gully, Shuimogou District, about 25 kilometers from the city center. The trail stretches 33 kilometers in total and is open to the public free of charge. The trail is equipped with a service center, campsites, parking lots, rest areas, eco-friendly public toilets, and centralized garbage disposal points. Additionally, it features first-, second-, and third-level signage, friendly reminder signs, and solar-powered rescue light poles along the route.
The trail sits at an altitude of 1,300 to 1,400 meters and features both marine and terrestrial landforms, with abundant fish and plant fossils. In different seasons, visitors can enjoy varying sceneries on the Shuimo Tian Shan National Hiking and Fitness Trail. In summer, they can admire butterflies dancing along the way, including at least 20 species such as the nettle butterfly, the pearled white butterfly, and the Apollo butterfly—a nationally protected species. The butterfly population reaches around 100,000. In winter, when a heavy snowfall blankets the area, the snowy landscapes along the trail become breathtakingly beautiful.
Zhao Rui, deputy director of the Shuimogou District Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau, introduced that before hiking, citizens can pick up free folded maps and service booklets at the service center. The service booklet provides detailed descriptions of the conditions and scenery along the main trail and six branch trails, making it easier for hikers to enjoy the most beautiful views.