Laofengkou: Witnessing the Epic Battle Between Man and Nature at China’s Legendary Wind Gap

Laofengkou, known in ancient times as "Manta’si" (meaning "Stone Beach"), is a legendary geographical location situated west of Toli County in the Tacheng Region of Xinjiang. Positioned at the critical junction between the Tacheng Basin and the Junggar Basin, it serves as a natural wind corridor for cold air masses entering from the west via Lake Alakol. This area is renowned as one of China’s most extreme wind zones, experiencing gale-force winds (Level 8 or higher) for more than 150 days each year.

Historically, Laofengkou was a site of profound desolation and danger. During winter, the phenomenon of "Blowing Snow"—where wind-driven snow accumulates rapidly—could bury vehicles and travelers in minutes, earning it a reputation as a life-threatening pass on the Tacheng trade route. For decades, it represented the raw, untamed power of the Xinjiang wilderness, where the struggle for survival was a daily reality for those traversing the 3015 Keta Highway and 335 National Highway.

Today, Laofengkou has been transformed into a symbol of ecological triumph. Through decades of persistent effort by local foresters and road crews, a massive Wind Protection Forest (shelterbelt) has been established along the highways. This "Green Great Wall" has effectively tamed the once-deadly winds, turning a barren gap into a thriving ecological barrier. Visitors can now explore the Laofengkou Wind Management Memorial Hall, which documents the heroic history of the individuals who fought to stabilize this land.

The landscape offers a unique aesthetic of rugged desolation meeting modern resilience. From the ancient Manta’si stone beach, where wind-eroded stones tell geological stories of thousands of years, to the sprawling wind farms where giant turbines harness the power of the air, Laofengkou is a place for reflection on the relationship between humanity and the environment. Whether witnessing the blinding white blizzards of winter or the resilient greenery of summer, Laofengkou provides a profound "Borderlands" experience that is unlike any other in Western China.