The Kurdening Scenic Area is located in the southeastern forest region of Gongliu County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is an integral part of the "Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang," a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Renowned for its pristine snow ridge spruce forests, grasslands, and snow-capped peaks interwoven into a breathtaking landscape, it is often hailed as the "most beautiful green valley of the Tianshan Mountains."

The scenic area runs north-south. Dense snow ridge spruce forests shield visitors from the scorching sun, making summers pleasantly cool and comfortable—an ideal summer retreat. Compared with other popular tourist destinations, Kurdening sees fewer visitors and offers a more pristine, untouched natural experience, making it a must-visit for road-trippers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Top Attractions

Khabanbay Peak

Standing at 4,257 meters, Khabanbay Peak is one of the most famous peaks in the western Tianshan range, permanently capped with snow. On clear days, the peak rises like a towering sword, dominating the skyline above the surrounding mountains.

Hecang Pass Waterfall

Hecang Pass is located at the entrance to Kurdening. As the broad valley narrows into a steep and rugged gorge, the Kurdening River converges here to form a spectacular canyon waterfall.

Qimengde Observation Deck

The Qimengde Observation Deck offers the perfect vantage point for capturing the harmony of snow ridge spruce forests, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and river valleys in a single frame. A scenic wooden boardwalk leads from the foot of the mountain to the deck—about a 1.5-hour walk (or a roughly 3-hour round trip on horseback). From the top, visitors are rewarded with sweeping views of the distant snow peaks and vast spruce forests—a truly awe-inspiring panorama.