Red Hill
» Urumqi, Xin Jiang

红山

Hong Shan

The body of Red Hill is made up of aubergine rock. It is 1.5 kilometers long, 1 kilometer wide and 910 meters above sea level. When the sunlight hits the hill, the rocks of the hill reflected a bright red color, so that people call it "Red Hill" (Hong Shan).

Legend about the hill

On the opposite side less than 1 km away from the Red Hill is Yamalike Hill. An interesting legend says, in ancient times a red dragon fled from Heavenly Lake and the Heavenly Empress caught him and sliced him in 2 with her sword. Later on, a hill was formed by each half of the dragon. The western hill is Yamalike Hill and the eastern one is Red Hill. The sword turned into the Urumqi River. Oddly enough, topographic pictures tell us the 2 hills were once one and were separated into 2 parts due to stratum rupture.

Legend went on

Eventually, ancient legend affected real life. In 1785 and 1786, floods hit Urumqi causing much destruction. Rumors arose that Red Hill and Yamalike Hill were growing closer and closer together. Once they met, the Urumqi River between the 2 hills would be blocked and the city would become flooded as the water rose. Therefore, in 1788 Shang An; the highest military officer, ordered the Zhen Long (in Chinese, to subdue the dragon) Pagodas built on both hills. These 2 pagodas were made of gray brick, 10.5- m high with 6 sides, 9 stories, and an octagonal roof.

Red Hill Park

Today, Red Hill has been developed into the beautiful Red Hill Park. It is a pleasant spot to visit to get your bearings when you first arrive in this modern city. The views from the top of the mountain of the surrounding countryside and breathtaking mountains make the steep (but short) climb worthwhile. Modern entertainment facilities and ethnic performances bring a fresh and lively atmosphere to the park.

Enjoy fabulous views

On the peak of Red Hill, you will have a great view of the city of Urumqi. The mountain peak stands 1,391m above sea level. Climb up to the top, where you can stop and sit down for a drink and enjoy fabulous views over the city with the snow capped mountains behind. Numerous legends are associated with the mountain, including a few scary tales about a dragon that inhabits the hillside!

Zhen Long Pogda

A Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) Pagoda (Zhen Long Pogda) can be found half way up the mountain. This was built by one of the emperors to ward off the evil dragon and his spirits! There are also a few fairground rides within the grounds here, and a lake to boat on. This is a popular spot with local families who come here to get out of the city for the day.

When to visit

Opening Hours: 10:00a.m. - 9:00p.m.

Getting there

By bus: No. 1, 2, 7

Attractions around » Urumqi, Xin Jiang

Natural Scene

Natural Scene

Shopping & Leisure

Shopping & Leisure

Mountain

Mountain

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

  Weather

  1. Some tips for Urumqi weather
  2. When is the best time to visit Urumqi?

  Customs

  1. What are some interesting festivals?
  2. No-nos in Urumqi
  3. Cherish your bread

  Other Hints

  1. A note on the time difference
  2. Avoid diarrhea
  3. Useful numbers

  • Some tips for Urumqi weather

    Dress warmly even when traveling in the hottest month (July and August) for the temperature differences between morning and night. Be sure to bring a sweater and trench coat in May, June, September and October. During the cold winter (November to March), you will need heavy winter wear.


  • When is the best time to visit Urumqi?

    The best period for visiting Urumqi is from May to October when flowers are in full bloom and the melons and fruits smell sweet and are ripe for the picking.


  • What are some interesting festivals?

    Corban Festival is one of the most important festivals. It is also known as 'Sacrifice Festival', which is hosted every December 10th by Islamic population.

    In preparation, all Muslims should clean and dress up to attend the ceremony at the Great Mosque. During the three-day holidays, people go door to door to exchange greetings in their best ethnic costumes.

    All homes serve the visitors delicious mutton. The thumping singing and dancing parties will be held in both urban and rural areas. Some sports activities: such as horse races, wrestling and sheep snatching are most popular among the Kazaks, Ozbeks and Tajiks nationalities.

    Lesser Bairam is also called 'Fast breaking Festival'. It is the New Year festival of the Hui nationality as well as other groups. Every adult Muslim fasts one month every year. During the Ramadan, the Muslims eat either before sunrise or after sunset. The last day of Ramadan is a holiday.

    The annual Silk Road Snow Folk Festival (Sichou Zhilu Bingxue Fengqing Jie) is a rising tourist festival in Urumqi. The grand opening ceremony is held in December and the festival usually lasts till the following March offering tourists a different travel experience


  • No-nos in Urumqi

    • 1. Do not shake water off your wet hands in public.
    • 2. Do not irritate Muslims by eating pork and by speaking about pigs in their presence.


  • Cherish your bread

    In all most Islamic cultures, naan (bread), is very important. It is not a good idea to throw it away. If you drop it, pick it up and carry it with you. Do not step on naan--It is important to treat it with some respect. Also, if you decide to eat naan while walking, break off a piece, and eat that. Do not bite into the whole loaf.


  • A note on the time difference

    Though the 'clock time' in Xinjiang is just the same as the rest of China, in fact there is a two hour difference in longitude between Urumqi and Beijing. For this reason the daily working hours are: 10:00 - 14:00, 15:30 - 19:30.

    While in Urumqi, you should modify you rest and dining times to be two hours later than if you were in a city in Middle China, otherwise you might feel out of step with local life. But don't forget that bus, train and flights all adopt Beijing Time. If you booked a flight to arrive or depart Urumqi at around 08:00, then you may find it is quite dark at that time. Please keep this in mind when making reservations


  • Avoid diarrhea

    Avoid drinking hot tea after eating fruits to avoid diarrhea.


  • Useful numbers

    • Ambulance: 120
    • Emergencies: 110
    • Fire: 119
    • Tel No. Enquiry: 114
    • Police: 110


Made up of impressive red rocks, the unique hill, Red Hill (Hong Shan) is called "the eyes of Urumqi," a symbol of the city. Climbing up on top of the hill, you are going to enjoy a fabulous view of the whole city!



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