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Yamalik Mountain Forest Park is located in Shayibake District, Urumqi, Xinjiang. Yamalik Mountain stands at an altitude of 950 meters. Yamalik means "home of goats" in Mongolian, deriving its name from the fact that clouds rising from the mountain bring rain in summer and snow in winter. The forest park is situated on Yamalik Mountain. Admission to the park is free, and the distance from the trailhead to the summit is approximately 3 kilometers. The Jiujiu Century Pavilion at the summit serves as an observation deck, offering a place for tourists and hiking enthusiasts to rest and enjoy the scenery. From the pavilion's observation deck, one can overlook the entire city of Urumqi.
Temperate continental climate, summer
Jiujiu Century Pavilion, 1-3 hours
free
Yamalik Mountain Forest Park is a protected natural area in Urumqi, Xinjiang, valued for its ecological diversity, forest landscapes, and as a recreational escape from the city, highlighting the region’s natural beauty.
The park is located on the outskirts of Urumqi. Access is primarily by taxi, private car, or tour bus; public transport options are limited. Walking is only practical within the park trails.
The park is usually open from early morning until late afternoon. Spring, summer, and autumn are the best seasons for hiking and photography.
Entrance fees are generally modest and can be paid at the park entrance. Some local travel platforms may offer online booking.
Advance booking is not usually necessary, but during holidays or peak weekends it is recommended to secure tickets a few days ahead.
Plan 2–4 hours to hike trails, enjoy viewpoints, and relax in rest areas.
Guided tours are limited; self-guided exploration is common. Information may be available in Chinese; English guidance is rare.
Start at the main entrance, follow the marked trails to key viewpoints, stop at rest areas, and return via a loop trail to the entrance for a complete experience.
The park is typically closed after dark; no night tours or light shows are offered.
Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded. Weekends and holidays attract more visitors, especially in peak seasons.
Basic facilities include restrooms, picnic areas, benches, and some small food stalls or kiosks at the park entrance.
Some trails are suitable for elderly and children. Accessibility for disabled visitors is limited due to uneven terrain and hiking paths.
Entrance fees and small purchases can usually be paid with cash or mobile payments; card acceptance may be limited.
Nearby Urumqi outskirts have small local restaurants and cafes serving Xinjiang cuisine. Inside the park, only basic snack stalls are available.
Halal food is commonly available in nearby restaurants; vegetarian options are limited but can be found.
Hotels and guesthouses are located in Urumqi city center; private lodges near the park may be available for nature stays.
Small souvenir stalls near the entrance sell local handicrafts, snacks, and nature-themed items.
Taxi or ride-hailing services are the most convenient; private cars or tour buses can also continue to other Urumqi attractions.
