Official scenic name: Dawn Glow on Sharp Peaks (Jian Shan Xiao Ri)
Location: Southern bank of Barkol Lake, Barkol Kazakh Autonomous County, Hami, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, about 18 kilometers west of Barkol County downtown
1. Basic Geographic Profile
Jian Shanzi refers to two steep, jagged rocky hills rising abruptly beside Barkol Lake, with an altitude of 1940.9 meters. Its sharp pinnacles pierce the sky like sharp swords, hence the local name Sharp Mountain. Reddish-brown rock layers cover the mountain mass, standing guard over Barkol Lake like a natural stone sentinel. Two clear springs trickle out from mountain cracks on the hillside, locally named Tear Spring, flowing quietly all year round. In the Qing Dynasty, this site was stationed with military checkpoints and postal stations, possessing vital ancient military and transportation value. A safe wooden stairway has been built up the mountain nowadays for tourists to climb to the summit for panoramic views.
2. Core Scenic Wonder: Dawn Glow on Sharp Peaks
It ranks among the Eight Famous Sights of Barkol inscribed in the Qing Dynasty. Due to its special terrain facing the mountain pass of the Eastern Tianshan Mountains, Jian Shanzi is the first landform to catch the first sunlight every morning across the whole Barkol Grassland.
Before sunrise, the vast grassland is wrapped in quiet grey dawn mist. When the sun bursts over the eastern horizon, golden scarlet rays flood the sharp peaks first, painting the whole mountain bright red. The flaming mountain silhouette matches the sapphire water of Barkol Lake, emerald grassland and farmland at the foot, forming a breathtaking natural landscape painting. An ancient local poem records this stunning view: The sun favours this land, casting its glow upon the sharp mountain top.
3. Folk Legends & Cultural Value
A well-known local legend tells that a cold dragon dwelling in Barkol Lake brought frigid weather and disasters to ancient residents. The mountain spirit ordered Jian Shanzi to march toward the lake to subdue the dragon, yet the mountain was frozen in place after its mission was exposed accidentally, standing beside the lake forever.
Besides natural scenery, the primitive grassland pastoral scenes with grazing cattle and sheep add strong pastoral charm to the landscape. The movie The Wolf Totem once shot scenes here, further enriching the cultural temperament of this scenic spot.
4. Travel Tips
Best visiting time: Late spring to early autumn (May–September); sunrise watching before 7:00 every morning delivers the most spectacular glow view.
Highlight experience: Hike up the viewing platform to overlook Barkol Lake, admire sunrise, appreciate alpine grassland wetland scenery and experience Kazakh folk customs nearby.
Climate reminder: The Barkol area features cool summer weather, suitable for summer escape and landscape photography.
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