Yili Gongnaisi Forest Farm: Banxiangou and Axian Hot Spring

Gongnaisi is located in the northern part of Hesh County, Bayingolin Prefecture, deep within the Tianshan Mountains, with the Duku Highway running through it. The area features vast stands of snowline spruce trees and offers cool summers and golden autumns. Along the route, Banchan Gully and Arxian Hot Spring are two popular destinations.

How do I get to Gongnaisi?

Enter from the central section of Duku Highway, connecting north to Qiaorma and south to Bayinbuluke. Self-driving or chartering a car is most convenient; taking public transit requires a transfer at Hejing County and takes longer.

The Duku Highway is typically open from June to October; exact dates are subject to official announcements. During closure, detours via Hejing are available but add distance.

Banchengou

Banche Gou features dense spruce forests and streams. A wooden boardwalk begins at the entrance, leading to alpine meadows deeper inside. Wildflowers bloom in summer, while autumn brings golden foliage. Temperatures are cooler within the valley, so bring a jacket.

The boardwalk is slippery; wear non-slip shoes. Stay on the trail and do not enter the forest floor—the thick layer of organic debris can hide holes and cause falls. There are no food or drink services in the valley, so bring your own water and snacks.

Alxian Hot Springs

Alxian Hot Springs are located near the Gongnaisi Forest Farm at high elevation, with varying water temperatures. Some pools are open-air and basic, offering affordable rates.

Check operating hours and reservation requirements before visiting the hot spring. Exercise caution if you have high blood pressure or heart conditions. Limit your soak to 20 minutes and stand up slowly.

Accommodation and Dining

Homestays, resorts, and yurts are available around Gongnaisi Town and the forest farm; quality varies. Book in advance during peak season and confirm heating and hot water availability. Temperatures drop at night, so bring warm bedding even in summer.

The dining options are limited, focusing mainly on home-style dishes and noodles. The town's supermarket is small; it's best to stock up in the county seat. Dining is more concentrated along the Bayinbuluke route.

Season & Itinerary

June to September offers the most comfortable conditions, with July featuring the best meadows and wildflowers. Autumn colors appear in October, but temperatures drop quickly. The road is closed in winter; visiting is not recommended.

A common route is to start from Qiaerma, travel the Duku Highway to Gongni for an overnight stay, then head to Bayinbuluke the next day. This avoids driving at night. For connecting the Duku Highway and Bayinbuluke, see below.Bayinbuluke's 18 Bends。

Note

No open flames in the forest. Do not litter cigarette butts. Do not pick wildflowers or mushrooms. When you encounter herders and livestock, slow down and do not honk.

Weak mobile signal. Download offline maps in advance. Weather changes quickly; rain is common in the afternoon. For general rules on Duku Highway, please refer to:Duku Highway Self-Driving Guide。

Accommodations in Gongnaisi are primarily homestays and yurts, with average soundproofing. There are no changing rooms near the hot springs; please change clothes at your lodging beforehand. The boardwalk in Banchan Gully has steps; seniors should proceed slowly. After rain, paths become slippery, so watch for falling rocks. Night driving is prohibited on Duku Highway—plan your schedule accordingly. If traveling with children, be cautious of stream crossings. Gas stations are only available near Qorma and Bayinbuluke; fill up in advance. Mobile service is unavailable in the valleys. If returning at night, watch out for livestock on the road.

Stay one night in Gongnaisi to break up the long stretches of the Duku Highway and avoid rushing.

Schedule the hot spring for the evening, right before dinner and rest.

The wooden boardwalks in Banche Gou are slippery after rain; wear shoes with good traction. There is no signal inside the valley, so inform your companions of your planned exit time before entering. Do not pick mushrooms under the trees; unidentifiable species may be toxic.

The hot spring pools at Arxian are small and may require waiting during peak hours. Rinse before soaking, and avoid wind exposure immediately after. Consult a doctor if you have high blood pressure or heart conditions. Hot water in town accommodations is boiler-heated and may run out late at night.

Gunnais has a large temperature difference between day and night; wear fleece even in August evenings. Bedding at the homestay may be damp, so crack a window for ventilation before bed.

If crossing the pass tomorrow, check road conditions in the morning. In heavy fog with low visibility, follow the vehicle ahead and do not overtake.

The parking lot at Banche Gou is small; during peak season, you may need to park on the roadside. Before getting out of your vehicle, check that you haven't driven over any grass. Do not drive across herders' pastures.

Restaurants near the forest farm primarily serve lamb and noodles, with prices higher than in the county town. Confirm portion sizes before ordering to avoid waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Gongnaisi require an entry ticket?The forest farm and parts of Banxin Gou are chargeable; hot springs are billed separately. Final charges apply as shown on-site.

Can I visit when the Duku Highway is closed?Detour via Jing is possible but lengthy; confirm road conditions in advance.

Gongnaisi is a suitable stopover for the middle section of the Duku Highway. You can arrange accommodations and travel time through...Northern Xinjiang Tourist RoutesRefer to or viaOnline SupportConfirm.

All destinations mentioned are within Xinjiang. Before departing, please verify your itinerary based on current road conditions, opening hours, and reservation requirements for the season.

Supplementary Note: Compiled by the itinerary consultant of Xinjiang International China Travel Service (Xinjiang Guolv). Please note that travel information for Ili and Xinjiang is subject to seasonal changes and road conditions. For customized itinerary pacing and vehicle arrangements, please consult a local travel agent online.