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Red Hill
Introducing Red Hill
The Red Hill is a natural mountain park and a prominent landmark in Urumqi. Red Hill gets its name from Red Mountain, which is composed of purple sandstone that appears reddish-brown.
Rising around 80 million years ago, Red Mountain is steeped in legend. Locals believe a giant red dragon, escaping from Heavenly Lake on Bogda Peak, was sliced in half by the Goddess of the West. The two halves became Red Mountain and Yamalik Mountain (Demon mountain), while her sword transformed into the Urumqi River. This mythical tale finds some basis in reality, as aerial views suggest the mountains were indeed once a single formation, separated by a geological fault. Adding to the legend, a rocky ridge extends westward from Bogda Peak, its abrupt end resembling a dragon raising its head.
Due to its connection to Bogda Peak and its spellbinding legend, Red Mountain has long been considered sacred. Though its elevation of 910.6 meters (2,987 ft) with a relative height of only 60 meters (197 ft) is modestly low, the mountain holds a special place in the hearts of Urumqi people, making it one of the city’s most frequented parks.
Red Hill Fast Facts
• AKA: Hongshan Park, Red Hill Park
• Chinese Name: Hong Shan 红山
• Best Time to Visit: April to July, September to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2 - 3 x hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Nature, Geology
• Opening Hours: 9:00-22:00
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: 40 Beiyi Alley, Hongshan Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
What to Expect at Red Hill
For a taste of both natural splendor and vibrant culture, a visit to Red Mountain Park in Urumqi is a must. As you ascend the slopes of the red sandstone mountain, the city unfolds below, with the majestic Tianshan Mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop. The park is also a hub for Uyghur culture, with lively bazaars offering a chance to savor local delicacies, discover unique handicrafts, and witness rhythmic dance performances.
Red Hill Pagoda
Perched atop Red Mountain, the nine-tiered Red Mountain Pagoda stands as a fading echo of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD). Constructed in 1788 AD from red brick, this hexagonal tower, reaching 10.5 meters (34 ft) high, whispers of a more turbulent past. It was commissioned by Shang An (尚安), Urumqi’s highest-ranking official, to subdue a malevolent monster rumored to be forcing Red Mountain and Yamalik Mountain together, threatening to unleash floods that would submerge the city.
Over two centuries have worn the pagoda’s bricks smooth in places, but it still stands sentinel over Urumqi, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Visitors often feel a shiver as they ascend, sensing the delicate balance between legend and reality that lingers in its shadow.
The Underground Palace
Built in the 1950s as an air-raid shelter, the cavernous underground hall, with its winding, maze-like structure, was transformed in the 1990s into the “Underground Palace,” an immersive art experience spanning 1,300 square meters (0.32 acres). This unique venue vividly depicts scenes from popular Chinese myths through vibrant murals and intricate sculptures, offering visitors an authentic taste of Chinese culture.
How to Get to Red Hill
• By Bus: Take bus 61, 63 to Hongshangongyuan (Red Mountain Park) Station.
• By Subway: Take subway line 1 to Xinxing Street Station.
Additional Travel Advice on Red Hill
• Please take enough food with drinking water with you.
• Please wear the sunscreen cream, sunglasses and the like to stop the strong sunlight shining your body directly in the dry weather.
• Please take enough warm clothes with you even in summer as the temperature difference is big between the daytime and the evening in Urumqi.