Ili, Xinjiang

The Living Fossil of the Tertiary Period: Exploring the Ancient Wild Walnut Gully

📸Photography 🧗Adventure 🛤️Silk Road(丝绸之路)

Altitude

650m

Best Time

☀️ 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

1.Gongliu Wild Walnut: Gully, located deep in the Ili River Valley within Gongliu County, Xinjiang, is a rare botanical sanctuary that transcends the definition of a typical scenic spot. Situated on the southern slope of Hargantai Mountain (a branch of the Tianshan Mountains), about 13 kilometers from the Gongliu county seat, this reserve covers a total area of 1,180 hectares, with the core wild walnut forest spanning approximately 44.67 hectares at an altitude between 1,300 and 1,700 meters,. It is recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the "World's Rare" and largest original habitat of wild walnut forests, serving as a vital gene bank for this species.

This valley is a "living museum" of evolution. The wild walnut trees here are not artificially planted but are relics from the Tertiary Glacial Age, having survived for over 60 million years. Known as "living fossils," these trees have withstood millennia of wind and snow. Unlike manicured gardens, the gully presents a raw, primitive beauty where ancient walnuts intertwine with wild apple and wild apricot trees, forming a unique, multi-layered wild fruit forest ecosystem,. The landscape is vibrant and untamed, offering visitors a profound connection to the ancient geological history of the Tianshan Mountains.

The lifeline of this ecosystem is the Hergagai River, which originates from the Tianshan snow peaks and flows ceaselessly through the forest. The river creates a dynamic landscape of clear springs, waterfalls, and pools, providing a stunning contrast between the rushing water and the deep, silent forest. In summer, the riverbanks are lush with green grass and wildflowers, making it an ideal spot for photography and relaxation.

Culturally, the gully holds deep spiritual significance for the local Kazakh and Uyghur people. Legend has it that a fairy, moved by the hunger of the locals, dropped a walnut seed from the sky, which grew into this forest to feed the people. Consequently, the locals revere these trees as "Holy Trees" or "Longevity Trees," tying strips of cloth to them as prayers for health and safety,. Historically, this fertile valley served as a crucial green supply stop on the Silk Road, offering wild fruits and shelter to weary travelers crossing the steep Tianshan Mountains. Today, wooden boardwalks allow visitors to explore deep into the forest, observe the twisted, dragon-like trunks of centennial trees, and witness the harmonious coexistence of forest, river, and the nearby Hargantai Mountain Pasture.

✨ Why Visit Gongliu Wild Walnut Gully

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Tertiary Living Fossils

Encounter the "King of Trees" and other ancient wild walnut trees, some hundreds of years old with twisted, dragon-like trunks, surviving from the Tertiary Glacial Age.

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Hergagai River Scenery

Enjoy the refreshing sights and sounds of the Hergagai River, fed by Tianshan snowmelt, forming cascades and clear pools amidst the dense forest.

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Wild Fruit Ecosystem

Witness a rare mixed forest where wild walnuts grow alongside wild apples and apricots, creating a sea of flowers in spring and a bounty of fruits in autumn.

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Cultural Legends

Discover the local folklore regarding the "Holy Trees," where colorful prayer strips adorn the ancient branches, symbolizing the spiritual connection between the locals and nature.

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Pasture Views

Experience the "Forest-Grassland-Snow Mountain" landscape, where the forest edge meets the Hargantai Mountain Pasture, dotted with Kazakh yurts and grazing herds.

Location & Nearby

📍 Ili, Xinjiang • 🏔️ 650m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Gongliu Wild Walnut Gully Travel Guide

is located in Gongliu County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, about 13km from the county seat, on the southern slope of Hargantai Mountain. When is the best time to visit?

The best time.

is from May to October. May and June offer lush greenery and wild flowers, while September and October feature golden autumn colors and ripe fruits. Why is it called a "Living Fossil"?

The wild walnut species here dates back to the Tertiary Period (over 60 million years ago) and survived the Glacial Age, making it a rare botanical relic.

Is it cold in the gully?

Yes, due to the mountainous terrain and altitude (1300-1700m), there.

is a significant temperature difference between day and night. It is advisable to bring warm clothing even in summer. Can I pick the fruits?

The area is a protected nature reserve. Visitors are generally advised to respect nature and not pick fruits casually to protect the ecosystem.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Gongliu Wild Walnut Gully?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.