1. Basic Profile
Red Stone Valley is a primitive natural scenic spot situated 17 km northwest of Qianshan Township, Yiwu County, Hami, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, nested in the branch range of the Moqin Wula Mountain and surrounded by the Nairengger Grassland. Sitting at an altitude of around 2,300 meters, the valley stretches 5–20 km in total length, featuring integrated granite wind-eroded landforms and yardan landscapes. The site is free of admission fees and open all year round, retaining its original wild landscape without artificial commercial development.
2. Geological & Color Formation Principle
The rocks gain their striking rust-red hue not from the stone itself, but from red lichens widely attached to granite surfaces携程. The lichen secretes lichen acid, which corrodes rock textures over tens of thousands of years. Coupled with long-term wind abrasion and geological tectonic movements, massive boulders have been carved into grotesque, varied shapes, hence the name Red Stone Valley.
Countless weathered rocks resemble eagles spreading wings, resting camels, crouching toads, stone arches and legendary ancient stone coffins, forming a natural open-air stone sculpture gallery crafted by nature.
3. Landscape Features & Ecological Scenery
The valley forms a sharp visual contrast between fiery red rock clusters and soft grassland scenery:
Valley floor: Clear brooks wind through lush green meadows, with Kazakh nomads grazing cattle, sheep and horses here, preserving authentic local pastoral customs.
Mountain slopes: Jagged red stone stacks spread across the hillside; primitive rock paintings are preserved on partial cliff faces, recording ancient nomadic civilizations.
Distant view: Red rock walls match blue sky, white clouds and snow-capped Tianshan peaks, forming a magnificent western wilderness painting favored by landscape photographers.
4. Folk Culture & Tourism Value
Local Kazakh herdsmen have lived alongside the red stone landscape for generations, keeping original nomadic lifestyles and folk traditions. Away from crowded tourist routes, Red Stone Valley is a hidden treasure for outdoor hiking, wild landscape photography, self-driving sightseeing and experiencing primitive Xinjiang grassland culture携程.
5. Travel Information
Ticket: Free entry
Opening Hours: 24 hours all year
Access: No public transport; accessible only by self-driving vehicle
Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours; best travel season from June to October
Concise Version (for signboards & brochures, ~100 words)
Red Stone Valley lies on the Nairengger Grassland of Yiwu, Hami, at an altitude of 2,300 m. Its iconic red rocks are dyed by natural red lichens and shaped by long-term wind erosion into fantastic stone formations. Clear streams and green grasslands weave through red granite clusters, accompanied by Kazakh nomadic cultures. This undeveloped primitive scenic area is free to visit all year long, ideal for self-driving tours, hiking and wilderness photography amid stunning western landforms.
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