Jiangjunshan Liaocheng Ecological Park in Shihezi

Jiangjunshan Liaocheng Ecological Park (将军山辽疆生态公园) is located in the 152nd Regiment of Shihezi, on the west bank of the Manas River, approximately 13–15 kilometers from central Shihezi. It is a 1,000-mu (about 67-hectare) suburban ecological park developed as a key project of Liaoning Province’s counterpart assistance program for Xinjiang.

The area was once a barren Gobi landscape characterized by severe salinity, poor soil, and frequent sandstorms. In 2016, an ecological restoration project was launched. Through techniques such as replacing the original soil with suitable planting soil and using water-saving drip irrigation, the once barren hillsides were gradually transformed into a colorful oasis covered with flowers and vegetation. Covering approximately 1,000 mu, the park is home to what is described as the largest sea of moss phlox flowers in western China.

The park combines ecological restoration education, Liaoning–Xinjiang assistance culture, military reclamation heritage, and mountain flower landscapes. It serves both as a demonstration site for restoring degraded mountain and Gobi environments in northern Xinjiang and as a popular destination for suburban leisure in Shihezi. It can conveniently be combined with the First Company of Military Reclamation as part of a day trip around the outskirts of Shihezi.

Main Highlights of Jiangjunshan Liaocheng Ecological Park

The 350-mu sea of moss phlox flowers is the park’s best-known attraction. In spring, vast areas of moss phlox cover the hillsides, with pink, purple, and white flowers forming colorful carpets that follow the contours of the rolling terrain. Wooden boardwalks wind through the flower fields, creating excellent opportunities for both portrait and landscape photography. In addition to moss phlox, the park features colorful flower fields, a plum garden, ginkgo woodland, and a native-plant garden, with different flowers and plants coming into bloom at different times of the year.

The summit viewing platform provides an elevated panorama over the flower fields, the Manas River Valley, and the continuous mountain scenery along the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains in the distance. The park also contains the General Memorial Forest, General Tower, and sculptures themed around land reclamation and border defense, together with Liaoning–Xinjiang Cultural and Military Reclamation Culture Corridors. These displays tell the stories of counterpart assistance, ecological development, and the Corps’ pioneering efforts in Xinjiang.

The Saline-Water Recycling and Purification Garden demonstrates ecological technologies used to conserve water and control soil salinity in the Gobi environment, giving the park an additional educational and scientific value. Leisure trails run throughout the park and are suitable for short hikes, cycling, and picnics. Overall, the attraction focuses on mountain flower sightseeing, ecological education, and cultural study related to Xinjiang assistance and military reclamation, with no large-scale amusement facilities.

Tickets and Opening Information

Jiangjunshan Liaocheng Ecological Park is free to enter, with no general admission fee. Dining, equipment rental, and other services within the park are charged separately. During the peak season from April to October, the park is generally open throughout the day. In winter, the vegetation becomes dormant and the scenery is less attractive, while some trails may be restricted because of snow, wind, or slippery conditions.

Allow approximately 2.5–3 hours for a complete visit covering the flower fields, cultural corridors, and summit viewing platform. If you only want to photograph the moss phlox flower sea, around 1.5 hours is sufficient. Wooden paths on the hillsides can become slippery, so walk carefully. Do not step into the flower fields, and take precautions against strong winds and sunlight in the open countryside. Visitors should also protect the park’s plants and surrounding ecological environment.

Transportation Guide

Self-driving and private chartered vehicles are the preferred ways to visit. From central Shihezi, drive south for approximately 20 minutes. A parking area is available at the scenic area, but there is no direct public transportation service.

A recommended itinerary is Shihezi City → First Company of Military Reclamation → Jiangjunshan Liaocheng Ecological Park. Bring sufficient drinking water before setting out, as there are relatively few convenience shops in the suburban area. Winds can be strong on the hills, so a hat, sunscreen, and other sun-protection items are recommended.

Travel Tips

Late April to mid-May is the best period to visit, when the moss phlox is in full bloom and the hills are covered in vivid colors. Early morning offers softer light and is particularly suitable for photographing the flower fields and portraits.

Northern Xinjiang’s mountainous areas can have a large temperature difference between day and night. Even when daytime temperatures are warm in spring, the hillsides can feel considerably cooler in the morning and evening, so bring a light jacket. Travelers with limited time can head directly to the main moss phlox flower field and summit viewing platform without exploring every woodland and garden area.