Qitai Petrified Wood and Dinosaur Valley: Geological Highlights of the Eastern Changji Route

North of Qitai County, entering the General Gobi. The Petrified Wood Park and Dinosaur Valley are two sites within the same geological park, only a few kilometers apart. It's feasible to visit both in one day, but factor in vehicle conditions, fuel levels, and return travel time.

01Distinguish between the Petrified Forest Park and Dinosaur Valley.#

The Petrified Wood Park is located in General Gobi, north of Qitai County. The Dinosaur Valley lies about 5 km east of the park. Both sites belong to the Qitai Petrified Wood-Dinosaur National Geopark. On navigation apps, "Petrified Wood Park" and "Dinosaur Valley" appear as separate destinations. Your choice of which site to visit first depends on the day's wind direction and sunlight. Start from the county in the morning at the Petrified Wood Park, then head to the Dinosaur Valley in the afternoon to avoid returning after dark. The park covers a large area with no obstructions between points. It gets very hot at midday in summer, so bring a hat and plenty of water.

02What to see in the Petrified Forest#

Petrified wood is stone formed when trees from tens of millions of years ago were replaced by minerals in groundwater. Bark textures and cross-sectional growth rings remain visible up close. The park features a dedicated display of petrified wood, with some trunks so thick that two people would need to embrace them. Colors range from gray-white to light brown. Pay attention to the concentric rings on the cross-sections; they better illustrate the tree's origin than photos do. Do not climb over the fences around specimens, and do not collect scattered fragments on the desert floor. The park enforces strict fossil protection regulations.

03Dinosaur Valley: Gorges and Fossils#

Dinosaur Gully runs north-south, exposing reddish-brown Mesozoic rock layers. The name comes from dinosaur fossils discovered here. Visitors will see exposed strata and localized protected areas; no large skeletons are displayed outdoors, so manage expectations accordingly. There is no shade in the gully. When it's windy, sand can sting your face—keep your camera and phone secure. The gully floor has loose sandy soil; regular sedans should not drive deep into the area. Park on the hard surface and walk in for safety. A dirt road connects the Petrified Wood Garden and Dinosaur Gully, but signage is sparse. Following tire tracks may lead you astray.

04Gobi Terrain and Vehicle Preparation#

The route from Qitai County to the park has paved roads in the first half, followed by gravel and washboard surfaces. Maintain a speed of around 40 km/h. There are many岔路 (crossroads) in the Gobi desert, and mobile signal is intermittent. Save offline maps and tracks before departure; do not rely solely on real-time navigation. Fill up your tank before entering the Gobi, as gas stations are scarce along the way. Check your fuel gauge before returning. If you encounter strong winds, sandstorms, or standing water after rain, postpone your trip; wet gravel roads increase the risk of getting stuck. Carry a shovel and tow rope in the vehicle for self-rescue if you get stuck. For specific road conditions, refer to [link].Xinjiang Self-Driving Road Conditions: Important Precautions。

05How to connect with Jiangbulake#

Jiangbulake is located in Banjie gou Town, south of Qitai County, directly opposite the Gobi Park area to the north, with the entire county town in between. Visiting both the Gobi and the southern mountains in one day requires 4–5 hours of travel time, which significantly compresses your sightseeing window. A more practical approach is to split it over two days: spend one day exploring the Northern Route Geological Park and another on the Southern Route at Jiangbulake, returning to the county town each evening. If you only have one day, choose either route based on where you're staying overnight—don't try to cram everything in. Adjust your itinerary duration based on your preferences.How many days do I need for a trip to Xinjiang?。

06Tickets & Scheduling#

Park admission, shuttle service, and guided tours are subject to on-site notices. During peak season, confirm daily availability in advance via official channels. Depart from the county town around 8:00 AM; arrive at Petrified Wood Park by 9:30 AM for a one-hour visit. At 11:00 AM, head to Dinosaur Valley, exploring the valley floor and viewing platforms for approximately 1.5 hours. Return to the county town by 2:00 PM, allowing time for rest and photography along the way. Bring sufficient water and light snacks—no supplies are available in the Gobi. There is no cellular signal on the return route; notify your accommodation beforehand and avoid traveling after dark. For general ticket reservation procedures, refer to [here].Xinjiang Scenic Area Ticket and Shuttle Bus Reservation。