[2025 Urumqi Attraction] Travel Guide for Hongguang Mountain Dafo Temple (Updated Mar)

The short holiday is here! Quickly grab this super detailed 8-day itinerary for Urumqi-Northern Xinjiang, which will guide you through Northern Xinjiang without any pitfalls! -------------------- 🚩Itinerary: D1: Hongshan Park - Hongguangshan Big Buddha Temple - Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum Explore Urumqi city, visit cultural landmarks, and experience Xinjiang's history and cultural heritage. D2: Tianchi Lake - West Tianchi Lake - Kalamely Nature Reserve Enter the Tianshan Mountains, appreciate the magnificent natural scenery, and explore the unique ecology of the nature reserve. D3: Kanas Scenic Area - Kanas Lake - Hemu Scenic Area Delve into Kanas, and experience the mystical lakes and mountains, and the pristine forest landscape. D4: Hemu Grassland - Birch Forest - Five Colored Beach - World Devil City - Sphinx - Urho Film and Television City A colorful day, from grasslands to peculiar landforms, and then to film locations, experience the diverse charm of Xinjiang. D5: Dushanzi Grand Canyon Explore the spectacular canyon scenery and marvel at the wonders of nature. D6: Sayram Lake Immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of the alpine lake, and enjoy close contact with nature. D7: S101 Hundred-Mile Danxia Viewing Platform - Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar From the spectacular Danxia landforms to the bustling market, experience the intersection of nature and culture in Xinjiang. D8: Urumqi Airport/Train Station Transfer End your pleasant Northern Xinjiang journey, head to the airport or train station, and embark on your return journey with beautiful memories. 🛫 -------------------- Small tips: * Specialty prices: Xinjiang is rich in specialties, but prices vary depending on the season and quality. It is recommended to compare before buying～🛍️ * March climate: The temperature in Xinjiang in March is moderate, but the temperature difference between day and night is large. Remember to bring a thick coat and thermal underwear!🧣 * Photo spots: Don't miss the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar and Tianchi Lake for amazing photos!📸 * Local customs: Xinjiang has a rich ethnic culture. Respecting local culture and customs will allow you to better integrate into it.🕌 Hope you have a wonderful time in Xinjiang!✨ -------------------- Xinjiang's charm awaits you. Don't forget to leave your footprints and stories. See you next time!👋

Urumqi's Hongshan Park: A place that will make you question your life choices (in a good way)! Hello everyone, I'm your "hill-climbing warrior" traveler! Today, I'm taking you to Urumqi's Hongshan Park, a magical place where you can exercise your body and fill your phone's memory with stunning photos! 1. Hongshan Tower: Climb to the top, and you'll be the star of your social media feed! The iconic Hongshan Tower is an absolute must-see. While the climb might make you question your life choices (it's a bit steep, so wear non-slip shoes), the view from the top is definitely worth it! Overlooking the entire city of Urumqi, you'll feel like the "king of the city." Don't forget to take photos and add filters – moments like these don't come often! 2. Dafo Temple: Offer a prayer for a smooth trip! Located next to Hongshan Tower, Dafo Temple is a popular place of worship. If your recent travels have been a bit unlucky, consider offering a prayer for good fortune. The temple's architecture is unique and photogenic, but remember to be respectful and keep quiet – Buddha doesn't appreciate noisy tourists. 3. Hongshan Lake: Boating, daydreaming, feeding pigeons – embrace your inner artist! Hongshan Lake is the most relaxing spot in the park. Boating, feeding pigeons, daydreaming – do whatever you like. There are plenty of benches by the lake, perfect for capturing those "peaceful moments" and posting them on social media with captions like: "Life is not just about the present struggles, but also about the poetry and distant lakes." 4. Snack Stalls: Tired from climbing? Grab a roasted baozi to recharge! The park has numerous snack stalls offering roasted baozi, lamb skewers, yogurt, and more. Grab a bite when you're tired, and you'll be instantly revitalized! But be warned, the roasted baozi can be hot, so don't rush into eating them – you might burn your tongue (don't ask me how I know). 5. Friendly Reminder: Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! The sun in Urumqi is no joke. Remember to apply sunscreen and wear a hat, or you'll go from "fair and beautiful" to "tan and beautiful." In short, Hongshan Park is a great place to exercise, take beautiful photos, and enjoy delicious food. Come and challenge yourself, and remember to bring your sense of humor and stamina!

Departing from Urumqi, Xinjiang, embark on an 8-day journey through Northern Xinjiang, immersing yourself in breathtaking scenery and unique frontier culture! -- 🚩Suggested Itinerary: 8-Day Tour of Urumqi & Northern Xinjiang D1: Urumqi City Tour Hongshan Park -> Hongguangshan Big Buddha Temple -> Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum -> Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar 📝Explore Urumqi's urban landscape and cultural heritage. D2: Tianshan Mountains Adventure Tianchi Lake -> Drive across the S21 Desert Highway -> Explore the Gurbantunggut Desert 🌄Enjoy the natural beauty of the Tianshan Mountains, traverse the spectacular desert highway, and experience the vastness of the desert. D3: Tranquility of Hemu Village Hemu Scenic Area -> Ascend the Hemu Viewing Platform 🍃Immerse yourself in the Hemu Scenic Area, overlooking the panoramic view from the viewing platform, and embrace the tranquility and harmony of nature. D4: Legends of Kanas Lake Kanas Scenic Area -> Stroll along the shores of Kanas Lake 🌲Explore the mystery and beauty of Kanas, stroll along the lakeshore, and listen to the breath of nature. D5: Unveiling the Devil's City World Devil's City 👻Venture into the World Devil's City and experience its unique landforms and legendary eerie atmosphere. D6: The Charm of Sayram Lake Sayram Lake 🌊Indulge in the beauty of Sayram Lake and experience the purity and serenity of the alpine lake. D7: The Bustling Grand Bazaar Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar 🛍️Return to Urumqi and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, selecting your favorite souvenirs. D8: Farewell to Urumqi Depart from Urumqi—Return to your respective destinations 🛫Conclude your delightful Northern Xinjiang journey, filled with cherished memories, and embark on your homeward journey. -- Tips: 1. Airport Transportation: Urumqi Airport offers smooth transportation options. Choose a taxi or pre-book a private car for quick access to the city.🚕 2. Local Customs: Xinjiang is a melting pot of diverse cultures. Respect local customs and avoid loud noises in public places.🎶 3. Photo Spots: Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, Hongshan Park, and Tianshan Grand Canyon are all beautiful photo spots!📸 4. February Weather: Urumqi is still cold in February. Pack warm clothing, prioritizing warmth.❄️ -- The Urumqi & Northern Xinjiang tour promises an unforgettable experience, filled with stunning scenery and delicious cuisine. Don't miss out!🌟

New Year is here, a new beginning and journey! I recommend an 8-day trip to Urumqi, Xinjiang - Northern Xinjiang. You no longer need to be timid about exploring the unknown. Please pay attention to this unique travel guide! -------- 🎈Route arrangement: Day 1: Hongshan Park - Hongguangshan Giant Buddha Temple - Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum This whole day we will visit the ancient Hongshan Park, then explore the spiritual Hongguangshan Giant Buddha Temple, and unveil the mysterious history at the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum. Day 2: Tianshan Tianchi - West Xiaotianchi - Karamay Nature Reserve The clear and shining Tianshan Tianchi, the ancient and quiet West Xiaotianchi, and the pristine and natural Karamay Nature Reserve are the main itinerary of this day. Day 3: Kanas Scenic Area - Kanas Lake - Hemu Scenic Area We will enjoy the magnificent natural scenery of Kanas Scenic Area, admire the beautiful scenery of Kanas Lake, and then feel the original natural beauty in Hemu Scenic Area. Day 4: Hemu Grassland - Birch Forest - Colorful Beach - World Devil City - World Devil City - Sphinx - Wuerhe Film and Television City This whole day is a visual feast. We will visit the vast Hemu Grassland, the dense birch forest, the peculiar Colorful Beach, the mysterious and thrilling World Devil City and Sphinx, and finally experience a movie-like adventure in Wuerhe Film and Television City. Day 5: Dushanzi Grand Canyon The beautiful canyon scenery and deep riverbed of Dushanzi Grand Canyon will be our main exploration target now. Day 6: Sailimu Lake We will spend the whole day enjoying the beautiful scenery of the vast Sailimu Lake. Day 7: S101 Baili Danxia Observation Deck - Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar We ended our last day of exploring the beautiful Baili Danxia and then searching for unique souvenirs at Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar. Day 8: "Only airport drop-off is arranged on this day🚙Urumqi 24-hour airport/station drop-off-group disbandment" After a rich itinerary, we will leave together on this day, with full of memories, looking forward to the next gathering! -------- Attractions to visit: 🎉🎉🎉Sai Limu Lake⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Beside National Highway 30, Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Opening hours: October 16, 2024-April 30, 2025 10:00-18:00 Visit duration: 1-2 days Brief introduction: The lake is clear and blue, and all kinds of wild flowers are blooming on the grasslands around it. It is a paradise for exploration. Looking at the beautiful scenery around, you feel like you are 👼. 🌈🌈🌈Kanas Scenic Area⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Provincial Road 232, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Opening hours: October 16, 2024-April 30, 2025 10:00-18:00 open Visit duration: 1-2 days Brief introduction: Kanas is characterized by its mysterious lake monsters and changing color of the lake. It is really a place full of mystery🔮. 🚁🚁🚁Tianshan Tianchi ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: No. 501, Jungar Road, Fukang City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Opening hours: November 1, 2024-March 31, 2025 09:30-19:00 open Visit duration: 1 day Brief introduction: The lake reflects Bogda Peak, surrounded by spruce trees, the scenery is like a fairyland, it feels like being in a 🎠 fairy tale world. 🏖️🏖️🏖️Hemu Scenic Area⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Hemu Village, Hemu Hanasi Mongolian Township, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Opening hours: October 16, 2024-April 30, 2025 10:00-18:00 open Visit duration: 1-2 days Brief introduction: Simple cabins are scattered in the valleys between the mountains, simple and quiet, it feels like a good place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. -------- 🎒 Pre-trip essentials: 🧤First, let's take a look at clothing. Xinjiang is located in a high-altitude cold area. The climate in January is very cold. During this period, we may also engage in snow activities, so thermal underwear, down jackets, winter gloves and hats are indispensable. Cold-proof boots or shoes with large soles and non-slip are also necessary. In addition, it is recommended that glasses wearers prepare glasses straps or hat straps to prevent sunglasses and hats from flying away in strong winds. 🎒 Next is travel accessories. Vision is our main way of perception when traveling, so remember to bring your camera, mobile phone or video recorder, and make sure they are fully charged before going out. Friends who want to play in the snow can prepare skiing equipment, such as skis, ski tents, etc. In addition, sunscreen is also necessary to prevent sunburn from the strong light reflected from the snow. 📒 Finally, we have to talk about documents. When you go out, make sure to bring your ID card, driver's license or passport with you. In addition, you also need to prepare travel insurance and some necessary emergency contact information in case of any emergency. -------- Travel thousands of miles to the vastness of the country. The beauty of northern Xinjiang is waiting for you to discover. You deserve to enjoy this journey!

|| First day in the Western Regions. I flew to Urumqi just to see this Buddha statue🙏|| The golden Buddha statue I saw on the first day in the Western Regions, with its back against Bogda Peak, is a 40-meter-tall statue of Sakyamuni that shines with golden light in the sunset. The snow-capped mountains and the Buddha statue in the same frame are truly stunning. . 📍Hongguangshan Giant Buddha Temple 🕐Monday to Sunday 8:00–20:00 🎫Free/no reservation required . 🚶There is a walking distance of more than 1 km from the foot of the mountain to the temple. You can choose to walk, drive, or take a sightseeing bus. 🚗Follow the navigation when driving. You can drive directly to the parking lot. You need to pay the parking fee first, and then drive for a few more minutes to reach the parking lot🅿️ . ⚠️Tips . ✔️It is more suitable for telephoto shooting📷 ✔️It is backlit in the morning (the last few photos were taken in the morning). Be sure to visit before sunset, as the sunset shining on the Buddha statue is particularly solemn. ✔️It is next to the Urumqi Cultural Center, so you can visit both.

📍Address: No. 1 Hongguangshan Road, Midong District, Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 🎫Tickets: Free admission (Scenic area sightseeing bus 5 yuan/one way) 🅿️Parking: 10 yuan/time 🕙Opening hours: 10:00-19:00 🚥Transportation: Taxi🚕/Bus🚌 get off at Hongguangshan Station (a bit far from the destination, you need to walk for a while), it is recommended to take a taxi~ Taking photos here is really picturesque~ The Great Buddha with the snow-capped mountains in the background is truly breathtaking. The Western Buddha shines brilliantly✨✨, very magnificent. On the way up the mountain, you pass by a shop and some Belt and Road Initiative buildings, perfect for taking photos📷. The ridge of Hongguangshan winds like a giant dragon lying in the northeast of Urumqi City, backed by the main peak of the Eastern Tianshan Mountains - Bogda Peak, facing the Urumqi River (now the Expressway). Hongguangshan is covered with lush greenery, with flowers🌸, grass🍃, trees🌳, and grape trellises🍇 scattered across the slopes, creating a verdant and refreshing landscape. The Shakyamuni Buddha of Hongguangshan was first built on July 19, 2002, and completed at the end of 2004, taking two years. It is known as the "First Large Copper Gilded Buddha in the Western Regions". The Buddha statue is 40.8 meters high, with a diameter of 14 meters, the Buddha's hand is 5.7 meters high, and the Buddha's ears are 2.6 meters high.

| Unmissable beauty in Urumqi. 🅿️Hongguangshan Buddha Temple ⌛️10:00-19:00 . 🎫No ticket required/No reservation required 🚌Hongguangshan Bus Station 🚗Self-driving parking fee is CNY 10. Scenic area sightseeing car is CNY 5 📷photo by iPhone 13pro The Buddha Temple is backed by Bogda Peak On a clear and cloudless day, it's beautiful no matter how you take pictures From the entrance to the archway and the square in front of the Buddha, you can take pictures. It is recommended to come after 5 pm Urumqi Cultural Center and City Museum are also nearby. If you stay nearby, Hilton Hotel is not bad There is also a coffee shop called Aloe which is worth a try

👀 Imagine, in the skyline of Urumqi, there lies a world-class secret? The world's second-largest, the Western Regions' premier ✨glittering golden Buddha statue🌟 sits quietly on the summit of Hongguang Mountain, with its back against the snowy mountains🏔️, as if telling the tales of a thousand years of vicissitudes and splendor! 🚏Location: Hongguang Mountain Great Buddha Temple 🚗 Embark on a journey to find the Buddha, super simple! Take bus 508 directly to Hongguang Mountain Station, or drive to the scenic parking lot, and start this dialogue between the soul and nature! 📸 Here's a big giveaway of photo tips to make your social circle explode instantly! 1️⃣ As soon as you step in, don't hurry forward, look back, the golden body of the great Buddha shines brightly above the temple eaves against the backdrop of the snowy mountains, a match made in heaven, press the shutter, and capture the perfect moment🌄. 2️⃣ Walk into the temple, every brick and tile reveals the meticulous craftsmanship of the artisans, the simple mountain gate, the exquisite eaves, every corner whispers history, a different world under the lens. 3️⃣ Have you noticed? Those well-arranged doorways are natural picture frames! Capture different aspects of the great Buddha through them, and you'll find unexpected compositional surprises👀. 4️⃣ The closer you get, the more awe-inspiring! Feel the solemnity and compassion of the great Buddha up close, at this moment, you are not just a tourist, but a pilgrim of the soul🙏. 💸 Handy tip: Hongguang Mountain Great Buddha Temple opens its arms to everyone, free admission🎉. For those who want to save energy, spend 5 yuan to take the sightseeing car and easily reach the core area. For those who drive, remember that the parking lot charges a 10 yuan parking fee! Step into this mysterious sanctuary that blends natural beauty with cultural wonders, and let your soul take an impromptu journey!🛫

| Hongguangshan Dafosi Temple. A great spring outing destination - Hongguangshan Dafosi Temple Transportation: Take a bus/BRT/subway to Hongguangshan Dafosi Temple Self-driving There are shuttle vehicles from the scenic area when you are about one kilometer away from the Dafosi Temple, which can take you there for ten yuan Admission: Free Urumqi in April is still bare, with trees not yet sprouting. It is recommended to choose a sunny and cloudless day for the visit, as the scenery of Hongguangshan under the blue sky and white clouds makes for more beautiful photos For sisters who want to buy beads, there is a small shop on the right side of the road before reaching the Dafosi Temple, where the beads are of good quality and the prices range from 60 to 200. It's more expensive to buy them inside the Dafosi Temple Friends who wish to pray for blessings can buy prayer bands, prayer plaques, etc., after entering the Dafosi Temple.

The Hongguang Mountain Grand Buddha, also known as the Northwest Grand Buddha, is located near Kazwan on the north side of Urumqi, Xinjiang, on Hongguang Mountain⛰️, and is a Han Buddhism temple. 🛕Location: No. 1077, Hongguangshan Road, Midong South Road, Midong District, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region ✨The main buildings include the Heavenly King Hall, the Mahavira Hall, the Guanyin Hall, and the Ksitigarbha Hall. According to the inscriptions in or outside the Grand Buddha Temple🛕, the Longxing West Temple was built on this mountain⛰️ in the third year of Emperor Zhongzong of the Tang Dynasty, which was the original predecessor of the Grand Buddha Temple, and was the earliest Buddhist holy site in Urumqi at that time. The main Buddha in the temple is known as the 'Number One Grand Gilded Bronze Standing Buddha in the Western Regions'👍🏻 🌱The Buddha statue is 40.8 meters tall with a diameter of 14 meters, the Buddha's hands are 5.7 meters high, and the Buddha's ears👂🏻 are 2.6 meters high. The body of the Buddha was meticulously crafted by artisans, made of brass, using 98 tons of copper, with a total investment of 9.5 million yuan. 🏯The mountain gate of the Grand Buddha Temple is a four-pillar and three-gate archway, also known as the 'Three Gates', which is the first gate of a Buddhist temple. The main gate of the temple usually consists of three gates side by side, with a large gate in the middle and a smaller gate on each side, hence the name 'Three Gates'. The 'Buddhist Ground Treatise' says: 'The great palace, with the three gates of liberation as the entrance.' The three gates of liberation refer to the gate of emptiness, the gate of formlessness, and the gate of inaction. Buddhism believes that by entering the three gates of liberation, one's body and mind will be liberated. It is the barrier between the Buddhist holy land and the secular world🙏🏻. Inside the gate and outside the gate are two completely different worlds. 🌟Features ✅The construction inside the temple is indeed meticulous, with sculptures🗿 on the mountain gate that are exquisitely shaped, strong yet gentle, and of great ornamental value. ✅The temple has various sculptures and artificial mountains⛰️ with flowing water, making it great for sightseeing. ✅The park has a beautiful environment, with lush green trees🌲, making it an excellent choice for incense burning and Buddha worship. ⭐Tips 1️⃣The temple area is quite large, and it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to tour the entire place. 2️⃣Taking the bus to the entrance requires walking a distance or taking a shuttle bus within the park to reach the mountain gate. Transportation🚏 🚗Drive directly to—Hongguang Mountain Grand Buddha