Live Your Best Lives
Gongnaisi, meaning "Green Valley" in Mongolian, is a forest park located in Bayinbuluke District, Hejing County, Bayingolin Prefecture. It is located on the upper reaches of the Gongnaisi River and is home to the Gongnaisi Grassland. The area's altitude ranges from 1,600 to 2,400 meters, and it is 95 kilometers from Bayinbuluke and over 240 kilometers from Hejing.
The snow-capped mountains are reflected in the lake, the mountains are covered with pine trees and wild flowers, and there are groups of white sheep on the hills. It is a huge treasure trove of flora and fauna, where animals such as snowcocks, falcons, red deer, and brown bears live. It also produces precious medicinal materials such as snow lotus and falconry.
In this area, towering snow-capped spruces block out the sun, the Gongnaisi River surges westward, distant mountains are shrouded in dark clouds, towering peaks stand out, and flowers and grass fill the valley. Looking out, the snow-capped mountains, blue sky and white clouds, pine forests, the rushing Gongnaisi River, the scattered Mongolian yurts, the green grass and flowers covering the mountains, and the pearl-like flocks of sheep scattered across the hills are a beautiful picture that is refreshing and delightful.
Gongnaisi has four distinct seasons: spring is full of fresh green, summer is full of flowers, autumn is frost-bitten red leaves, and winter is covered with snow.
Recommended play time: about half a day
All day
Gongnaisi Forest Park is a protected natural area in Xinjiang, valued for its biodiversity, forest ecosystems, and recreational opportunities. It provides insight into the ecological environment of the Bayingolin region and serves as a key location for environmental conservation and eco-tourism.
The park is located in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. The most convenient way to reach it is by taxi or private car from nearby towns or Korla city. Local buses may reach the general area, but walking long distances from bus stops is required.
Entrance fees are usually modest and can be purchased on-site. Online ticketing may be available through regional tourism websites or authorized travel platforms.
For normal visits, advance booking is not required. For organized tours or peak season, booking 1–2 days ahead is recommended.
Plan for 3–5 hours to explore the main trails and viewpoints comfortably. A full-day visit is ideal for nature walks and photography.
Guided tours may be arranged through local tour operators, usually in Chinese. English-speaking guides are less common but can be booked in advance through travel agencies.
Start at the entrance, follow the main forest trails to observation platforms and waterfalls, take rest breaks at picnic areas, and loop back along scenic paths for photography opportunities.
Night visits are generally not permitted. Special eco-tours or seasonal guided hikes may be arranged with local operators.
The park is relatively quiet. Weekdays and early mornings are the least crowded times.
Main areas near the entrance are suitable for elderly and children. Some trails may be challenging and unsuitable for visitors with mobility issues.
Cash is recommended for entrance fees and small on-site purchases. Mobile payments may be accepted at main points but not throughout the park.
Basic restaurants or local eateries are available near the park entrance. No full-service cafes are inside the park.
Halal options are common in the region. Vegetarian or vegan options are limited, mostly simple vegetable dishes or salads.
Small guesthouses and hotels are available in nearby towns. For more comfortable stays, larger hotels in Korla city are recommended.
Private car or taxi is the most convenient to reach nearby attractions or return to Korla city. Local tour services may also provide transfers.
