Guaishiyu Scenic Area in Bole City, Bortala

Guaishiyu, formerly known as Guaishigou, is located northeast of Bole City in Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture. Administratively, it belongs to the 84th Regiment of Shuanghe City under the Fifth Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. It is a national 4A-rated tourist attraction and is known as the world’s largest concentration of granite porphyry pictographic rock formations and an open-air natural stone sculpture museum.

Covering an area of approximately 230 square kilometers and ranging from 780 to 1,350 meters above sea level, the landscape was formed by granite porphyry created by submarine volcanic eruptions about 230 million years ago. After hundreds of millions of years of wind erosion, rain, snow, and weathering, the rocks developed into countless unusual shapes, creating a remarkable granite landscape.

The scenic area lies close to the China-Kazakhstan border. Mountain valleys are dotted with springs and streams, low shrubs, ancient grassland rock carvings, and the remains of Qing Dynasty frontier watchposts known as Karaun. Here, geological wonders blend with Silk Road and frontier history. Located about 38 kilometers from downtown Bole, Guaishiyu is particularly suitable for a Bortala road trip combined with the Ruins of Ancient Dalet (Dalet Ancient City) and Sayram Lake (赛里木湖).

Main Attractions and Highlights

Buddhist Valley and the Pictographic Rock Formations

Buddhist Valley (佛谷) is the core sightseeing area of Guaishiyu. The scenic shuttle bus stops here, and visitors can follow wooden boardwalks through the valley to see a remarkable collection of naturally sculpted rocks.

The Tiangou Gazing at the Moon Rock (天狗望月) is one of the attraction’s signature landmarks, with a giant rock appearing to raise its head toward the sky. The Sphinx Rock has a powerful, imposing shape reminiscent of an ancient Egyptian sculpture. Other formations include the Elephant Feeding Rock, Peacock Spreading Its Tail, and Stone Monkey Mother and Child. Depending on the angle and intensity of the sunlight, the colors and textures of the rocks can change dramatically throughout the day.

Ancient Rock Art and Frontier Heritage

Ancient rock carvings created by nomadic peoples can still be found on the mountain cliffs. Depicting hunting scenes and animals, these petroglyphs provide valuable clues to life on the ancient grasslands.

The remains of old Karaun frontier watchposts stand quietly among the mountains, offering a glimpse into the history of border defense in the region. Streams wind through the valleys, while low-growing pine, wild cherries, and tall steppe grasses grow in cracks between the rocks, bringing unexpected vitality to the otherwise rugged Gobi landscape.

Around sunrise and sunset, the brownish-red rock formations are illuminated with warm golden light, creating strong three-dimensional contrasts between light and shadow. This is an excellent time for landscape photography.

Guaishiyu does not focus on large-scale entertainment facilities. Its main appeal lies in its distinctive granite weathering landscapes, unusual pictographic rocks, ancient grassland rock art, and frontier heritage.

Tickets and Opening Information

The scenic area charges an entrance fee, and visitors must take the scenic shuttle bus to enter and explore the main attraction area. Students and visitors aged 60–64 receive a 50% discount on the entrance ticket. 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 scenic area is generally open from 09:00 to 20:00, with last admission at 19:00. In winter, the attraction may close due to heavy snowfall, while temporary access restrictions may be imposed during strong winds or sandstorms. Allow approximately 3–4 hours for a complete visit to the core Buddhist Valley area.

Because the scenic area is close to the border, carry your passport or other valid identification with you throughout the visit. The rock formations are naturally weathered and fragile, so visitors should remain on the wooden boardwalks and must not climb the rocks. Open flames are strictly prohibited in forested areas. The Gobi environment has strong sunlight and frequent wind and sand, so sun protection and windproof clothing are recommended. Ancient rock art must be protected from damage: do not touch, carve, or otherwise mark the cliff surfaces, and do not disturb wild animals.

How to Get There

Self-driving or hiring a private vehicle is the most convenient way to reach Guaishiyu. From downtown Bole, the journey takes approximately 40 minutes, and the scenic area has a large parking lot. There is no direct long-distance public transportation to the attraction.

A recommended Bortala road-trip itinerary is:

Dalet Ancient City Ruins → Guaishiyu Scenic Area → Sayram Lake

Because the surrounding area is relatively remote and gas stations along the border route are widely spaced, it is advisable to fill your fuel tank before setting out. Private vehicles cannot drive directly into the core area of the unusual rock formations; visitors need to transfer to the scenic shuttle bus to reach the main viewpoints.

Best Time to Visit

May–June and September–October are particularly comfortable periods to visit, when temperatures are pleasant and there is generally less wind and blowing sand. In summer, the Gobi receives intense midday sunlight, so it is best to avoid entering around noon if possible.

The soft side light shortly after sunrise and before sunset is ideal for photographing the outlines, surfaces, and textures of the unusual rocks. The warm light can make the reddish-brown granite formations appear especially vivid.

Travel Tips

Consider using an audio guide or hiring a guide, as many of the pictographic rocks are much easier to recognize and appreciate when you understand their geological background and the stories behind their names.

Facilities in the scenic area are relatively basic, with limited dining options, so bring sufficient drinking water and a simple meal. Wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare for strong sunlight and changing weather.

If you are short on time, focus on the Buddhist Valley core boardwalk and prioritize the Tiangou Gazing at the Moon and Sphinx Rock formations. These provide a good introduction to the distinctive granite landscapes that make Guaishiyu one of the most unusual geological attractions around Bole.