China - Xinjiang - Urumqi – Red Hill (Hong Shan)

   Zhenlong Pagoda on Red Hill, Urumqi, Xinjiang

Red Hill is a symbol of Urumqi, owing to its uniqueness. The body of the mountain, made up of aubergine rock, has a reddish brown color, hence, the name Red Hill. The hill is 1.5km (0.93miles) long and 1km (0.62miles) wide from east to west.

Less than 1km away, Yamalike Hill stands facing Red Hill. Legend has it that in ancient times a red dragon fled from Heavenly Lake and the Heavenly Empress caught him and sliced him in two with her sword. Later on, a hill was formed by each half of the dragon. The western hill is Yamalike Hill and the eastern one is Red Hill. The sword turned into the Urumqi River. Oddly enough, topographic pictures tell us the two hills were once one and were separated into two parts due to stratum rupture.

   Xinjiang tour - Red Hill Park in Urumqi

Eventually, ancient legend affected real life. In 1785 and 1786, floods hit Urumqi causing much destruction. Rumors arose that Red Hill and Yamalike Hill were growing closer and closer together. Once they met, the Urumqi River between the two hills would be blocked and the city would become flooded as the water rose. Therefore, in 1788 Shang An, the highest military officer, ordered the Zhen Long (in Chinese, to subdue the dragon) Pagodas built on both hills. These two pagodas were made of gray brick, 10.5- meter (34.4-foot)-high with six sides, nine stories, and an octagonal roof.

Today, Red Hill has been developed into the beautiful Red Hill Park. Modern entertainment facilities and ethnic performances bring a fresh and lively atmosphere to the park. On the peak of Red Hill, you will have the whole city of Urumqi before your eyes!

Admission Fee:	CNY 10
Opening Hours:	10:00 to 21:00
Bus Route:	1, 2, 7

Source: Travel China Guide