Yanquanshan Scenic Area is located at No. 1 Yanshan Road, Wushi County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The scenic area covers an area of about 960 mu, with an altitude of about 1,400 meters. In 2016, it was rated as a National 4A-Level Tourist Attraction. Integrating geological wonders, historical and cultural landscapes, and natural scenery, the scenic area features green willows forming shade and picturesque views, with pavilions, terraces, towers, and chambers arranged in an orderly manner. Springs flow murmuringly all year round, making it a famous tourist destination in southern Xinjiang and earning it the reputation of "the finest scenery in the south of heaven."
Historical Culture
Yanquanshan Scenic Area has a long history. It was once the location of the ancient Wensu Kingdom, one of the thirty-six kingdoms of the ancient Western Regions. Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang once passed through this place and crossed the Bedieli Pass on his journey west to obtain Buddhist scriptures. Liu Jintang wrote, "Far surpassing the Han and Tang, continuing and exceeding Zhang Qian and Ban Chao," recounting the ancient history of Wushi. Yanzishan was anciently called Wuchi Mountain. In the mid-to-late Qianlong period (1766-1786), temples stood in great numbers on the mountain. For example, the Guandi Temple had a plaque and couplet written in steel characters by the Qianlong Emperor. The plaque read "Divinely Guarding the Rocky Frontier," and the couplet read, "His peerless fame shines through a thousand autumns; his border-pacifying might spreads through ten thousand miles." At the summit was the Weituo Hall, and in the mountain there were also numerous shrines, altars of soil and grain, city walls, and more. Every spring and autumn and on the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, ministers led the officials in sacrifices and ceremonies. Yanzishan flourished greatly at that time, but was later destroyed in the flames of war in the third year of Tongzhi (1864 AD). After liberation, only a bunker, city walls, and the White Bone Pagoda remained at the summit.
Main Attractions
Yanzishan
Yanzishan has a vertical height of about 90 meters and is a stone mountain formed by crustal movement. Its two north-south ridges converge from east to west at the summit, with a valley in between. It is named for the many fossilized shells of stone swallows in the rocks. Its mountain paths wind and coil, and the outer perimeter is built with protective walls, closely resembling the Great Wall, and is called the "Yanzishan Great Wall." At the summit stands the elegantly ancient Yilan Pavilion. Climbing to the summit and gazing from the pavilion, visitors can take in the full view of Wushi's landscapes, snow peaks, sunrise and sunset, and the entire county town.
Nine Springs
Located at the foot of Yanzishan, it is a major highlight of the scenic area. These nine clear springs flow continuously through all four seasons, with spring mouths churning as if boiling, and the water is clear, sweet, and refreshing. The springs are surrounded by green trees, making it a pleasant place for tourists to relax and escape the heat.
Small West Lake and Island in the Lake
Small West Lake is an artificial lake in the scenic area. Its water is clear and emerald green, surrounded by green trees, with picturesque scenery. In the lake there is an island covered with lush green trees, creating a charming contrast with the surrounding scenery. Visitors can boat on the lake and enjoy tranquility and comfort.
Other Attractions
The scenic area also includes Lingong Pavilion, Zuixia Pavilion, Wangqiao Bridge, Husband-and-Wife Trees, Brother Trees, plank roads, Yilan Pavilion, Xiaoyou Garden, Yanshan Flying Waterfall, and other attractions. These attractions each have their own characteristics. Some are known for their natural scenery, while others are known for their historical culture. Together they constitute the rich content and unique charm of Yanquanshan Scenic Area.
Food
There may be some dining spots in the scenic area offering local specialty snacks. Visitors can taste traditional Xinjiang foods such as roast lamb skewers, pilaf, and baked naan. There are also various foods in the surrounding county town, such as Wushi County's big plate chicken and meatball soup.
Tickets：
The ticket price is 30 yuan per person. Specific details are subject to the scenic area's announcements. As of 2025-06-11, no official WeChat public account has been found.
Opening Hours：
Open all year from 10:00 to 19:30.
Tour Route：
Visitors can start from the scenic area entrance and first go to Yanzishan, climb Yanzishan, and enjoy the fossilized shells along the way, the "Yanzishan Great Wall," and other sights. At the summit, they can overlook the panorama from Yilan Pavilion. Then they can go down the mountain to Nine Springs and feel the liveliness and coolness of the clear springs. Next, they can go to Small West Lake, stroll by the lake or boat on the lake, and enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. Finally, they can visit other attractions in the scenic area, such as Lingong Pavilion and Zuixia Pavilion, and experience the unique charm of different attractions.
Transportation：
Self-driving: You can reach the scenic area via G219 to S306, then through Resitai Road and Yanshan Road.
Public transportation: Within Wushi County, you can take local transportation to the scenic area. The scenic area is only 0.2 kilometers from the county center.
Must-Visit Attractions：
Yanzishan: It has unique geological landscapes, where you can admire ancient fossilized shells, as well as the "Yanzishan Great Wall" and Yilan Pavilion, and overlook beautiful scenery. It is a great place to experience the wondrous work of nature and the vicissitudes of history.
Nine Springs: The clear springs flow continuously through all four seasons, and the water is clear, sweet, and refreshing. The surrounding scenery is pleasant, making it a good place for leisure and escaping the heat, adding a touch of liveliness to the scenic area.
Small West Lake: The artificial lake has picturesque scenery. Boating on the lake allows you to enjoy tranquility and comfort. The island in the lake is lush with green trees and contrasts beautifully with the surrounding scenery.
Travel Suggestions：
It is recommended to spend half a day to a full day to fully appreciate the scenic beauty and cultural connotations of the scenic area.
Summer and autumn are the best times to visit, when the climate is pleasant and the scenery is even more beautiful.
Bring a camera to record the beautiful scenery and precious moments.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking in the scenic area.
Notes：
Observe the regulations of the scenic area and do not damage plants or facilities in the scenic area at will.
Pay attention to safety when climbing and near the lake, and do not go to dangerous areas.
Respect local customs and culture.
Pay attention to environmental protection and do not litter.