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Xinjiang Yumin Mountain Flower Festival in bloom

By Lei Xiaoxun (China Daily Xinjiang Bureau)
Updated: 2009-04-29 10:57

The annual Xinjiang Yumin Mountain Flower Festival opened yesterday, showcasing the area's almighty beauty. The festival, delighting people since 2007, lasts for 100 days, during which visitors from home and abroad can visit the picturesque mountainous county to enjoy its unique surroundings.

The opening ceremony of Xinjiang Yumin Mountain Flower Festival.

Yumin is in the western part of Xinjiang Dzungarian Basin, sharing a borderline of 170 kms with Kazakstan. The Baerluke Mountain, which means abundance in Mongolian, is located inside the county.

There are 24 rivers going through the county's land area, nourishing the vast Kulusitai grassland in the centre.

The special geographical position and weather conditions has made the county one of China's most attractive resorts for tourists who seek natural beauty, and botany fanatics.

The opening ceremony of Xinjiang Yumin Mountain Flower Festival.

The county is home to more than 1,000 plant species, including rare species such as wild almond，safflower without thorn, Mother Orchid Tony, undomesticated Bailing Mushroom, wild Chinese peony, wild tulip, and wild Caragana flowers.

The remoteness and mystery of Yumin has left an impression on people, piquing more and more people's interest in making the trip. In the past, it was known only within a small circle of outdoor expedition fans.

Now, as the local government endeavors to brand the county as one of Xinjiang's best tourism attractions, some new routes are being charted for people of all ages. Visitors are advised to start their trips in early May, when most of the county's wild flowers blossom.