Haisenchulu Strange Stone Forest
I. Scenic Area Introduction
Stones Shaped Like Pots
Haisenchulu Strange Stone Forest lies 180 kilometers northwest of Badain Jaran Town, the administrative center of Right Alxa Banner. Covering an area of 20 square kilometers, the scenic area borders the Badain Jaran Desert to the north and is 80 kilometers away from the Dongfeng Aerospace City. Dotted with oddly shaped rocks, it features unique wind-eroded granite landforms and numerous cultural relics. Wutong Valley inside the mountain is home to over 300 Chinese parasol trees. The site boasts comprehensive tourism value for rock painting sightseeing, cultural and historical research, geological studies, and desert expeditions. Transliterated from Mongolian, "Haisenchulu" means "stones that look like pots".
A Secluded Desert Wilderness
Haisenchulu is a remote, untouched land rarely visited by people, boasting pristine landforms worthy of being called an unspoiled desert wilderness. Upon entering the mountain pass, visitors will be stunned by the sight: bizarre rocks blanket hills for dozens of square miles, each with vivid, lifelike contours. Some resemble Guanyin sitting in meditation, some crocodiles frolicking, camels carrying heavy loads, the Monkey King gazing toward heaven, and Pigsy being punished. A famous stone perched on a mountain peak closely resembles an eagle returning from hunting, staring down at its prey beneath its claws as if contemplating its meal. Visitors can also find stone formations resembling all twelve Chinese zodiac animals. These hard stones, ranging from small to massive, stand as endless natural artworks, inviting visitors to imagine vivid personalities for each shape.
Formation of the Strange Rocks
According to geological experts, the strange rocks here are wind-eroded granite formed roughly 320 million years ago during the Middle Huashan Orogeny. The area was once an ancient ocean. Long-term seawater immersion and erosion shaped the rocks into round, oval and conical forms. Subsequent constant geological shifts lifted the seabed to land. The original stones were then weathered and carved by wind, gradually taking on their current grotesque appearances. This landscape is another natural wonder shaped by crustal movements and magma activity.
Stone City Spring
Multiple springs flow within Haisenchulu Scenic Area, the largest named "Stone City Spring". It is also known as "Reclining Buddha Spring", for the huge rock beside the spring bears a striking resemblance to a Buddha lying down. Ancient inscriptions nearby read: "On the fifteenth day of the fourth month in the thirty-eighth year of the Kangxi reign, Li Qinlai from Gaotai County Government visited Stone City Spring". Records indicate the carvings were left by officials of Gaotai County during the Ming and Qing dynasties when gold mines were operated here, bearing valuable historical research significance. Thanks to their peculiar shapes and extensive distribution, the strange rock formations of Haisenchulu hold great potential for tourism development.
Wind-eroded granite boulders of all sizes scatter across the interior of the scenic area, ranging from dozens of cubic meters down to just a few centimeters. Crafted by nature’s uncanny craftsmanship, the diverse lifelike rock formations rival the Stone Forest in Yunnan. The most celebrated sights include "Mushroom Cloud", "Reclining Camel", "Pigsy", "The Shout", "Turtle Setting Out to Sea", "Jade Hare Watching the Moon", "Dragon Boat", "Sheep", and "Herd of Elephants", carrying outstanding natural artistic value. Countless Chinese and foreign photographers have captured these formations in widely circulated photos.
II. Ticket Information
Ticket Discount Policies
- Children under 1.2 meters tall (exclusive of 1.2 meters);
- Disabled persons (holders of the PRC Disability Certificate issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs; those with physical disabilities do not need additional documentation);
- Journalists at provincial level and above (three valid certificates required: employee ID, press card, and ID card);
- Senior citizens aged 70 and above (inclusive) (valid ID card and senior citizen card required);
- Tour guides holding national tour guide certificates.
III. Transportation Guide
Travel Options
Self-driving or vehicle rental recommended; off-road vehicles are required.
Self-Driving Route
The scenic area is 180 kilometers from Badain Jaran Town, Right Alxa Banner, accessible via Provincial Highway S316.
Parking
Designated parking lot inside the scenic area.
Public Transport
No public bus service available.
Gas Station
Fuel refueling available in Badain Jaran Town.
IV. Service Guide
Suitable Visitors
Young adults, middle-aged people and children
Sightseeing Appeal
Thrill Level
Recommended Gear
Hiking shoes, water bottle, camera, sunglasses, walking stick
Financial Services
Banking services available in Badain Jaran Town
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