Wucaiwan

Historical Overview

• Cretaceous Period (140–65 million years ago): Formed by sedimentation in ancient lakes and rivers, with dinosaur habitats.
• 1920s: Fossils first discovered by Swedish geologist Johan Gunnar Andersson.
• 1980s: Systematic excavations uncovered over 30 dinosaur species.
• 2005: Designated a national geological park, initiating tourism development.
• 2015: Recognized as a national paleontology education base.

Structural Layout
The park is divided into three zones:

1. Colored Hills Zone:
   • Rainbow Cliffs: A 3 km stretch of layered sandstone with iron-oxide pigments.
   • Sunrise Viewpoint: Ideal for capturing golden-hour light on the cliffs.
2. Dinosaur Fossil Zone:
   • Fossil Excavation Sites: Protected areas with dinosaur bone beds.
   • Museum: Displays Xinjiangtitan (Asia’s largest sauropod) replicas.
3. Wetland Ecosystem Zone:
   • Ayake Lake: A seasonal saltwater lake attracting migratory birds.
   • Desert Poplar Forest: Ancient Populus euphratica trees near dry riverbeds.

Major Attractions

1. Rainbow Cliffs: Photogenic sandstone layers resembling abstract paintings.
2. Dinosaur Valley: Walking trails through fossil-rich areas (guided tours only).
3. Ayake Lake: Summer home to flamingos and pelicans.
4. Fossil Museum: Interactive exhibits with 3D dinosaur models.
5. Sunrise Viewpoint: Panoramic vistas of the colored hills.
6. Desert Poplar Grove: 500-year-old trees with twisted trunks.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (3–4 hours):
   Entrance → Rainbow Cliffs → Sunrise Viewpoint → Fossil Museum → Ayake Lake → Exit.
   Highlights: Geological formations and wetland birds.

2. Paleontology Route (5–6 hours):
   Entrance → Dinosaur Valley → Fossil Excavation Site → Museum → Desert Poplar Grove → Exit.
   Highlights: Dinosaur history and guided fossil tours.

3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
   Entrance → All zones above + Sunset at Rainbow Cliffs → Campfire Dinner → Overnight in Eco-Lodge.
   Highlights: Full exploration of natural and historical wonders.

Ticket Purchase

• Online: Book via Ctrip or the official WeChat account (Wucaiwan Geological Park).
• On-Site: Tickets at the entrance (¥70 adults, ¥35 students; includes basic entry).
• Packages:
  • "Geology + Paleontology" Bundle: ¥120 (includes fossil site access and museum).
  • Guided Tour: ¥200/group (includes paleontologist-led fossil tour).
• Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and journalists.

Transportation

• By Car: Self-drive from Urumqi via G216 Highway (260 km, 4 hours).
• By Bus: Take the Urumqi–Jimsar County bus (¥60, 3 hours) → transfer to a park shuttle (¥30, 1 hour).
• By Taxi: Direct ride from Urumqi Airport (¥600, 4.5 hours).
• Local Transport: Electric carts (¥40/hour) within the park.

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Season: June–September (mild weather, active wildlife).
• Avoid Crowds: Visit early (9 AM opening) or late afternoon (4–6 PM).
• Essentials:
  • Sunscreen, hat, and polarized sunglasses (for glare off cliffs).
  • Sturdy shoes for rocky terrain.
  • Binoculars for birdwatching.
• Prohibited: Drones, climbing unmarked cliffs, and fossil collection.