The Red Hill at the city center is the symbol of Urumqi and a unique and spectacular part of the Urumqi landscape. The hill is made up of impressive red rocks. It stretches 1.5 kilometers from east to west and is 1 kilometer wide.
The Red Hill faces the Yamalike River to the south. The Urumqi River which was between the Yamalike River and the city has dried up and became part of a highway.
An interesting legend says that in the ancient times, a red dragon escaped from the Heavenly Lake and the Heavenly Empress caught it here and split it into two parts. Each part of the body formed a hill, the Red Hill and the Yamalike Hill and the sword became the Urumqi River.
The legend has its source in reality. According to aeriel photos, the two hills were originally one entirety. They were divided into two bodies due to the geographical earth movement.
Red Hill is mysterious and sacred. Local people regard it as a holy place and worship it regularly.
