Yanqi Pastoral Ecological Cultural Tourism Scenic Area is located in Shaya County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area covers an area of 3,600 mu and integrates modern agricultural technology, folk culture, and natural scenery. It is a comprehensive tourism area combining ecological sightseeing, farming experience, science education, and leisure vacation. The scenic area includes multiple functional zones such as the Visitor Service Center, Modern Agriculture Experience Hall, Farming Culture Museum, and Colorful Farmland, with a total building area of approximately 17,000 square meters.
Historical Culture
Shaya County, where the scenic area is located, has a long agricultural history and was an important node on the ancient Silk Road. The scenic area fully explores the local traditional farming culture and vividly presents the evolution of agricultural production methods from ancient times to modern times through physical displays, scene restoration, and other means.
Educated youth culture is also an important part of the scenic area. In the 1960s and 1970s, a large number of educated youth came here to support the construction of the border region, leaving behind valuable spiritual wealth. The Educated Youth Memory Hall in the scenic area reproduces that passionate era through old photographs, daily necessities, and other exhibits.
Main Attractions
Farming Culture Museum
The museum covers an area of 2,000 square meters and houses nearly a thousand traditional farming tools, including plows, harrows, and seed drills. Through a combination of text, pictures, and physical objects, the museum comprehensively displays the agricultural history and cultural inheritance of the Xinjiang region.
Colorful Farmland
Colorful Farmland is one of the core landscapes of the scenic area, covering 500 mu. It grows a variety of crops such as wheat, rapeseed, and buckwheat, presenting different colors in different seasons and forming a rainbow-like pastoral scenery. Visitors can climb the observation deck to enjoy the panoramic view or stroll along the field paths to experience the charm of nature.
Yanqi Flower Sea
Yanqi Flower Sea is planted with various flowers such as roses, lavender, and sunflowers, with the flowering period lasting from May to October. During the flowering season, the flower sea is colorful and fragrant, attracting many tourists to come and take photos.
Tropical Plant Hall
The Tropical Plant Hall has a building area of 1,500 square meters and is planted with various tropical fruits and ornamental plants such as mangoes, lychees, and bananas. The hall simulates a tropical climate environment, allowing visitors to experience a rich tropical atmosphere even in the northern Xinjiang region.
Aquaponics Science and Technology Hall
The Aquaponics Science and Technology Hall displays innovative achievements in modern agricultural technology. Through a scientific ecological circulation system, it realizes the organic combination of aquaculture and vegetable planting, saving resources and improving production efficiency. Visitors can observe this magical agricultural model up close and participate in interactive experiences.
Food
Shaya Roast Whole Lamb
Made with locally selected high-quality sheep, marinated with secret seasonings, and roasted over fruitwood charcoal. The skin is golden and crispy, and the meat is tender and juicy. It is one of the finest traditional delicacies in Xinjiang.
Hand-Pulled Noodles
Made by traditional handcrafting, the noodles are chewy and firm. Paired with fresh vegetables and rich mutton soup, the taste is rich and memorable.
Farmhouse Clay Pot Hot Pot
Using free-range chicken, pork ribs, and others as the soup base, adding local fresh vegetables and bean products, and stewed in a traditional clay pot. The soup is fresh and delicious, rich in nutrition, and a great choice for keeping warm in winter.
Fruit Feast
Shaya County, where the scenic area is located, is a famous hometown of melons and fruits. Visitors can taste a variety of fresh fruits such as Hami melon, grapes, and fragrant pears. Especially in autumn, when the melons and fruits are ripe, the fragrance of fruit fills the air, making people linger.
Tickets：
The ticket price is 50 yuan per person. Some experience projects in the scenic area require additional charges, such as picking and fishing. As of 2025-06-11, no official WeChat public account was found.
Opening Hours：
Open all year round. Summer (April-October) opening hours are 8:00-22:00, and winter (November-March of the following year) opening hours are 9:00-21:00. Opening hours may be adjusted during holidays, please refer to the scenic area announcement.
Tour Routes：
Recommended one-day tour route: Visitor Center → Farming Culture Museum → Colorful Farmland → Yanqi Flower Sea → Tropical Plant Hall → Aquaponics Science and Technology Hall → Food Plaza → Handicraft Experience Area → Return.
Recommended two-day tour route: Day 1: Visitor Center → Farming Culture Museum → Colorful Farmland → Yanqi Flower Sea → Meal at Ecological Restaurant → Tropical Plant Hall → Aquaponics Science and Technology Hall → Bonfire Party → Accommodation; Day 2: After breakfast, participate in farming experiences (such as picking, planting, etc.) → Handicraft Experience Area → Lunch → Return.
Transportation：
Self-driving: Depart from Aksu City, drive east along National Highway G314 for about 100 kilometers, then enter Shaya County and follow the scenic area signs to arrive. The whole journey takes about 2 hours.
Public transportation: You can take a bus from the Aksu City Passenger Transport Station to Shaya County. After arriving in Shaya County, transfer to the special bus line to the scenic area.
Scenic Area Direct Bus: During the peak tourist season, the scenic area provides direct bus service from Aksu City to the scenic area. For specific departure times and ticket prices, please consult the scenic area customer service.
Must-Visit Attractions：
Farming Culture Museum: Learn about Xinjiang's farming history and feel the charm of traditional culture.
Colorful Farmland: Enjoy the colorful pastoral scenery and take beautiful photos.
Aquaponics Science and Technology Hall: Explore modern agricultural technology and participate in interactive experiences.
Handicraft Experience Area: Personally make traditional handicrafts such as paper-cutting and embroidery.
Yanqi Flower Sea: Stroll in the sea of flowers and feel the romantic atmosphere.
Travel Suggestions：
The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is beautiful. In summer, pay attention to sun protection and heat prevention; in winter, pay attention to keeping warm.
The scenic area is large, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
When participating in farming experience projects, you may prepare protective items such as gloves in advance.
There are multiple rest areas and dining spots in the scenic area, but it is recommended to carry some drinking water and snacks.
Respect local customs and religious beliefs, and protect the scenic area environment.
Notes：
Smoking and littering are prohibited in the scenic area. Keep the environment clean.
Protect crops and flowers. Do not pick or trample them at will.
Observe the safety regulations of the scenic area. Do not enter unopened areas without authorization.
Keep personal belongings safe and pay attention to personal safety.
In case of severe weather, the scenic area may temporarily close some attractions. Please follow the arrangements of the staff.