Those looking to combine nature, culture and urban recreation in Aksu will find a range of options: the National Wetland Park is known for its lakes and bird migration, while the museum and Aksu Old Street offer culture and a night market. The parks round out the picture, each with its own purpose. When planning your visit, it may help to consider whether you’d rather spend your time by the water, enjoying culture or exploring parks.

Wetland and Bird Migration Along the Duolang River

Aksu National Wetland Park is located on the northwestern edge of the city. It covers more than 7,000 mu; 60 percent of its area is covered by water, and the park includes 22 lakes. Visitors can stroll along woodland paths. Ducks and cormorants live in the lakes, while butterflies fly among the flowers.

Bird migration also shapes the nature experience: during migration season, thousands of birds rest in the park, some for more than two months. Swans arrive every year and stay until January. If you’re interested in birdwatching, keep this seasonal difference in mind. The wetland park is also used year-round for recreation, leisure activities and relaxation.

City Parks with Different Attractions

Happiness Park is in the center of Aksu. Its development began in September 2018, and the park officially opened to the public in July of the following year. Its facilities include health trails, sports facilities and public restrooms. Visitors use the park for walks and exercise, as well as for playing with children.

Longtan Lake Park combines cultural and sports facilities with activities for older people, children’s entertainment and ecological recreation. Its offerings also include an area for camping with your own vehicle. Fengquan Park serves different purposes: visitors can spend time by the water, enjoy the scenery, have a picnic, relax and play there. If these are the activities you’re mainly looking for, Fengquan offers a different focus from Longtan.

Binhe Park is divided into four sections: “Modern Light,” “Soul of Duolang,” “Charm of Qiuci” and “Civil-Military Unity.” The names set out different themes, from Duolang and Qiuci to the idea of civil-military unity. The park complements Aksu’s other offerings, which are more focused on exercise, recreation or spending time by the water.

Museum, Monument and Aksu Old Street

Aksu Museum is located at the city’s West Plaza and preserves 11,200 cultural relics. You can reach the museum by bus route 2; get off at the Aksu Convenience Service Center stop. Check local transit information before your journey.

The Aksu People’s Heroes Monument stands on the banks of the Duolang River. Its inscription reads “The people’s heroes live forever” and consists of eight Chinese characters. Another cultural spot is Aksu Old Street, next to Yiganqi Village in Yiganqi Township, Aksu City.

At the Aksu Old Street night market, you can sample a wide range of foods and watch performances. If a particular performance is important to your plans, check the schedule in advance. The night market offers a different experience from a museum visit: food and performances take center stage, while the museum preserves its collection.

Discover more destinations: Ili, Ürümqi, Altay, Bortala, Bayingol, Karamay, Changji, Turpan

For the broader travel overview: Xinjiang.