Gongnais Travel Guide
Banchengou Purple Flowers and A'erxiangou: Bazhou's Hidden Realm
Gongsilun Forest Farm is in the northwest of Hejing County: Zihuapo in Banchengou, the hot springs in A'erxian Gou, and the spruce valley are the hidden spots at the junction of the Duku Highway and G218 that are easiest to miss.
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Destination Details
Gongnais is located in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains in the northwest of Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture. It is an important junction where the Duku Highway (G217) intersects with G218. Banchengou is named after the 10th Panchen Lama who held a ceremony here; in June, the hills covered in purple flowers form one of the densest flower seas in the region. Aersen Valley is known for its hot springs and pristine spruce forests.
Things Worth Adding to Your Itinerary
- Banchengou Flower Sea: In mid-to-late June, purple flowers bloom, creating a three-layer composition of grass slopes, spruces, and snow-capped mountains.
- Aersen Valley Hot Springs: Called “holy water” by Kazakh herders, about a one-hour hike into the valley.
- Valley Cycling: The roads around the forest farm are moderately undulating, making it a secret route for summer cycling enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit
Open from June to September; see flowers in June, escape the heat in July and August, and enjoy autumn colors in September.
Transportation and Connections
During the Duku Highway open period (June to October), it naturally connects with Bayinbuluke and Nalati; the G218 direction can connect to Tangbula and Yining.
