Urumqi, Xinjiang

The Eye of Urumqi: A Symbol of History and Views at Hongshan Park

📸Photography 🛤️Silk Road(丝绸之路)

Altitude

980m

Best Time

🌸 ☀️ 🍂

Ticket

Free

ℹ️

About This Attraction

Hongshan Park (Red Hill Park), located at No. 40 North First Lane, Hongshan Road in the Shuimogou District of Urumqi, is the undisputed symbol and "Eye of Urumqi." Standing majestically in the city center, the park is named after its striking red mountain composed of purple-red sandy conglomerate. In the sunlight, the mountain glows a vibrant red, resembling a crouching tiger or a giant dragon, creating a rare and imposing landscape within a modern metropolis,.

The park is a perfect blend of natural scenery and profound history. According to legend, the Red Hill was once a red dragon that threatened to flood the city. To protect the people, Shang An, a minister of the Qing Dynasty, built the Hongshan Pagoda (Zhen Long Ta) on the peak in 1788 to suppress the dragon. This nine-story solid brick pagoda, standing for over two hundred years, remains the park's centerpiece and a witness to the city's history,. The park also honors Lin Zexu, the patriotic hero exiled to Xinjiang, with a statue and commemorative areas, highlighting his contributions and spirit,.

Once a barren rocky hill, decades of dedicated greening efforts have transformed Hongshan into a lush ecological park. Visitors can stroll through tree-lined paths to the Red Lake (Hong Hu), which features a man-made waterfall and traditional pavilions, offering a serene escape. The park's summit provides the best panoramic view of Urumqi. From the viewing deck, one can see the bustling high-rise buildings of the city set against the dramatic backdrop of the eternal, snow-capped Bogda Peak of the Tianshan Mountains. This contrast between the modern city and the rugged nature creates the famous scenery known as "Sunset over Remote Mountains" (Lan Shan Wan Shi), making it a must-visit destination for understanding Urumqi.

✨ Why Visit Hongshan Park

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Hongshan Pagoda (Zhen Long Ta)

Admire the historic nine-story brick pagoda built in 1788, a legendary structure meant to suppress the "red dragon" and protect the city.

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Panoramic City View

Stand at the summit's viewing deck for the best bird's-eye view of Urumqi's skyline framed by the magnificent snow-capped Bogda Peak in the distance.

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Lin Zexu Statue

Visit the solemn statue of Lin Zexu, a national hero, and learn about his patriotic legacy and connection to Xinjiang's development.

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Red Lake & Waterfall

Relax by the man-made Red Lake and waterfall, a testament to the miraculous transformation of a barren rock into a green oasis.

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Dafo Temple

Explore the Grand Buddha Temple (Dafo Temple) within the park, a site of tranquility and religious culture amidst the urban hustle.

Location & Nearby

📍 Urumqi, Xinjiang • 🏔️ 980m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Hongshan Park Travel Guide

Where is Hongshan Park located?

It is located at No. 40, North First Lane, Hongshan Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi, Xinjiang.

What are the opening hours? The park is typically open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Why is it called Red Hill? The mountain is made of purple-red sandy conglomerate rock, which gives it a distinct red color, especially when illuminated by sunlight.

What is the best time to visit? The best months are May to October. The best time of day is around sunset (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM local time) to capture the "Sunset over Remote Mountains" view and the city lights.

Is there an entrance fee? The park generally offers free admission, though specific attractions inside like the "Underground Palace" might have separate fees.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Hongshan Park?

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.