Hariturge National Forest Park in Bortala

Hariturge National Forest Park (哈日图热格国家森林公园), commonly referred to in China as Alatau National Forest Park, is located on the southern slopes of the Alatau Mountains in Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, northern Xinjiang. Situated in a mountain valley about 40 kilometers from downtown Bole, the park covers a total area of approximately 268.48 square kilometers.

The name “Hariturge” comes from Mongolian and means “a place where black eagles are found.” A glacier-fed stream runs through the entire canyon, forming part of the mountain ecosystem of the Alatau Range. Ancient spruce and birch forests, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and unusual rock formations create a secluded mountain landscape in northern Xinjiang, while grassland stone figures, Wusun burial sites, ancient rock art, and Qing Dynasty Karaun frontier-post ruins add a rich cultural dimension.

With both natural scenery and traces of ancient steppe civilization, Hariturge is an excellent destination to combine with Sayram Lake for a one-day self-driving itinerary in Bortala.

Important naming note: Alatau National Park in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is a different destination outside China. To avoid confusion, this attraction is best presented in English as Hariturge National Forest Park (Alatau Mountain).

Main Attractions and Things to Do

Hariturge Main Canyon

The Hariturge Main Canyon is the heart of the scenic area. A stream flows through the valley year-round, while tall Tianshan spruce and extensive birch forests cover both sides of the canyon. Gentle wooden boardwalks wind through the forest, making it relatively easy to explore on foot.

The clean mountain air, dense vegetation, and flowing water have earned the area a reputation as a natural “forest oxygen bar.” The combination of forest, mountain streams, and cool temperatures also makes it an excellent summer escape from the heat of the Gobi and lowland areas.

Jiutian Waterfall and Rainbow Lake

Jiutian Waterfall (九天飞瀑) is one of the park’s signature natural attractions. Water cascades down a steep cliff, creating a curtain of falling water surrounded by mist. Several smaller waterfalls, including Pearl Waterfall (珍珠瀑) and Lingyin Waterfall (灵隐瀑), can also be found nearby, creating a series of scenic spots along the canyon.

Rainbow Lake (七彩湖) is a small alpine lake nestled in the mountains. Its appearance and colors can change with the angle of sunlight, giving the quiet lake an especially secluded and atmospheric character.

Ancient Steppe Heritage

Hariturge also contains numerous historical and archaeological remains. Grassland Stone Figures, Wusun burial sites, and ancient rock art are scattered across the terraces at the foot of the mountains, providing clues to the history of ancient nomadic peoples who once lived across the Eurasian steppe.

Other cultural sites include Fuxi Cave (佛憩洞) and the ruins of an old Karaun frontier watchpost, offering further insight into the region’s historical role as a frontier area.

The combination of forests, mountains, archaeological remains, and ancient nomadic culture makes Hariturge more than simply a hiking destination.

Wildlife and Seasonal Landscapes

The surrounding mountains support a variety of wildlife. With some luck, visitors may encounter Siberian ibex, marmots, and golden eagles in the wider mountain area.

From June to August, wildflowers bloom throughout the valleys, adding bright colors to the green alpine landscape. In autumn, birch and spruce forests gradually change color, creating layers of golden and deep-green foliage. The rich autumn colors make mid-to-late September one of the best periods for landscape photography.

Tickets and Opening Information

The scenic area charges an entrance fee. Students and visitors aged 60–64 are eligible for half-price admission, while seniors aged 65 and above and children under 1.3 meters tall can enter free of charge with valid identification.

During the peak season from May to October, the park generally operates from 09:00 to 19:00, with admission ending at 18:00. In winter, heavy snowfall can close the mountain and the scenic area. Sections of the canyon road may also be temporarily closed during heavy rain or strong winds.

Allow approximately 3–4 hours for a complete visit covering the main canyon, waterfalls, and Rainbow Lake.

The mountain area lies relatively close to the border region, so carry your identification document. The forest is subject to strict fire-prevention controls, and open flames are prohibited.

Altitude varies considerably within the mountains, and day-to-night temperature differences can be significant. Bring a windproof outdoor jacket even in summer. Mosquitoes can also be common in the forest, so insect repellent is recommended.

Stay on designated wooden boardwalks and visitor roads rather than entering remote, uninhabited valleys alone. Protect both wildlife and archaeological remains: do not touch ancient rock art or collect stone fragments, tools, or other historical materials.

How to Get There

Self-driving and private chartered vehicles are the most convenient options. From downtown Bole, drive north for approximately 1 hour to reach the scenic area. Parking is available near the entrance.

There is no direct public transportation to the park. Travelers without a private vehicle can take a bus from Bole Passenger Transport Station to a nearby township and then hire a private vehicle, but this is considerably less flexible.

A recommended self-driving route is:

Bole → Hariturge National Forest Park → Sayram Lake

If you are driving into the mountains, fill the vehicle with fuel in advance, as gas stations are relatively far apart in the mountain areas.

Best Time to Visit

From June to August, the mountain valleys are filled with wildflowers and offer cool temperatures, making this the best period for summer hiking and escaping the heat.

Mid-to-late September is the prime autumn photography season, when the birch forests turn golden and the mixture of birch, spruce, mountains, and streams creates rich layers of color.

Early morning provides soft light for photographing forest streams, while the side light before sunset is especially suitable for capturing the shapes of the mountain valleys, waterfalls, and unusual rock formations.

Travel Tips

Facilities inside the scenic area are relatively limited, particularly in terms of dining, so bring sufficient drinking water and a simple meal.

Travelers with limited time or physical stamina do not need to explore every remote branch route. Visiting the main canyon and Jiutian Waterfall is enough to experience the characteristic forest, mountain-stream, and waterfall scenery of Hariturge.

For a full-day Bortala road trip, Hariturge works particularly well as a mountain-and-forest experience combined with the vast alpine scenery of Sayram Lake, allowing you to experience two very different landscapes in a single journey.