Kuerdening may not be as famous as Nalati or Kalajun, but those who visit often say the same thing: it’s more peaceful, more authentic, and far less crowded. The biggest advantage here is simple—you can drive your own car deep into the landscape, stopping wherever you like.
This guide covers everything you need: routes, must-see spots, photo locations, and practical tips—so you can explore without guesswork.
Kuerdening Forest Park
1. Basic Information (Tickets / Access / Restrictions)
Tickets & Fees
- Entrance ticket: RMB 60 per person (peak season: May–October)
- Shuttle bus: RMB 45 per person (optional)
- Self-drive vehicle fee: RMB 50 per car (Zhonggou checkpoint)
Getting There
- From Gongliu County: ~1.5 hours by car
- From Yining: ~2.5 hours
- Final stretch is paved mountain road, accessible for regular sedans
Height Restriction
- S648 Baoke section: height limit 3.3 meters
👉 Tip: Driving your own car into the park is highly recommended—it gives you complete freedom to explore.
2. Park Layout & Route Types
Kuerdening is structured as an East–Central valley loop (about 30 km total).
1️⃣ Self-drive Route (Main Route)
- Visitor Center → Shili Gallery → Fengxiang Station → Kafeng Base Camp → Qimengde → Ayousai → Moon Bay → Exit
👉 Covers all key highlights
2️⃣ Hiking Routes
- Qimengde Viewpoint trail (40–60 min uphill)
- Spruce King trail (easy forest walk)
3️⃣ Sightseeing Bus Route
- Chagou → Spruce King → Cloud Grassland
4️⃣ Shuttle Route
- Visitor Center → Moon Bay → River Confluence
5️⃣ Restricted Area
- Near Ayousai Viewpoint (must return as directed)
Kuerdening Forest Park
3. One-Day Self-Drive Itinerary (Recommended Route)
If you only have one day, follow this route:
Visitor Center → Shili Gallery → Fengxiang Station → Kafeng Base Camp → Qimengde Parking → (Hike) Qimengde Viewpoint → Ayousai → Spruce King → Moon Bay → Exit
Stop 1: Entrance to Fengxiang Station
Drive along the river valley with spruce forests gradually thickening on both sides.
✔ You can stop safely and walk down to the river for photos or relaxation
Stop 2: Qimengde Viewpoint (Must-Visit Highlight)
This is the most important spot in Kuerdening.
How to get there:
- Hike: 40–60 minutes via wooden trail
- Horse riding: RMB 80–100/hour
What you’ll see:
- Foreground: grass slopes and wooden cabins
- Midground: dense spruce forest
- Background: snow-capped mountains
Photo tips:
- Left side: layered composition (grass + forest + snow peaks)
- Right side: isolated cabin with mountain backdrop
- Walk 10 minutes along the wooden path: two cabins perfect for portraits
Stop 3: Ayousai Viewpoint
Perfect if you don’t want to hike.
✔ Accessible by car
✔ Wide panoramic views of the forest valley
Stop 4: Spruce King Trail
- A quiet trail leading into deep forest
- Ends at a massive ancient spruce tree
👉 Experience:
- Beautiful light filtering through trees
- Peaceful and uncrowded
Stop 5: Moon Bay & Exit
- A scenic river bend
- Ideal for a relaxing final stop
4. Best Photo Spots
- Giant fallen log (atmospheric shots)
- “Heidi-style” wooden cabin
- Up-style balloon house
- Qimengde grass slope with snow mountains
- River valley streams (great for long exposure shots)
👉 Drone spots:
- Kafeng Base Camp
- Qimengde Viewpoint
5. Best Time to Visit
April–mid June
- Fresh green grass + snow-covered peaks
👉 Best overall scenery
July–August
- Cool summer retreat
👉 Slightly less vibrant greenery
Late September–early October
- Autumn colors (yellow grass + green spruce)
👉 Great for photography
Kuerdening Forest Park
6. Accommodation & Supplies
Where to stay
- Inside park: limited yurts / camping sites
- Outside park: Gongliu County or Kuerdening Town (better facilities)
Food & Supplies
- Very limited داخل park
- Small shop at Qimengde parking (instant noodles, drinks)
👉 Bring your own:
- Water, snacks, fruit
- Energy food for hiking
7. Practical Tips (Avoid These Mistakes)
1️⃣ Weather matters most
- Cloudy = no mountain views
- Rain = heavy fog
👉 Always check forecast before going
2️⃣ Temperature differences
- Cooler inside forest
👉 Bring a light jacket
3️⃣ Fuel up
- Fill your tank in Gongliu
👉 No gas stations inside
4️⃣ No signal
- Download offline maps in advance
5️⃣ Protect the environment
- Do not drive on grassland
- No open fires allowed
Kuerdening Forest Park
8. Why Kuerdening Is Worth It
Compared to popular destinations like Nalati, Kuerdening offers something rare: freedom.
- You can drive through the scenery
- You can stop anytime
- You can spend hours in quiet forest
No crowds, no rush—just nature at its best. If you’re looking for a place to truly slow down, this is it.
