Located at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, on the southern fringes of the Jungar Basin and bounded on the northeast by the People's Republic of Mongolia, the Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture covers a total area of 94 thousands square kilometers, with a population of over 140 ten thousands. It has under its jurisdiction two cities of Changji and Fukang and six counties of Manas, Hutubi, Miquan, Qitai, Mori, and Jimsar. In the Han Dynasty, here was the place where the six kingdoms in northern mountains occupied. In the Tang Dynasty, the Beiting Grand Protector -General Government was set up here. In the Yuan Dynasty, the Executive Chancery of Beishibali was set up. The Changji Hui Autonomous Prefeclure is founded in 1954, the Changji City is its capital. Changji is located in a middle temperate zone of dry continental climate and has abundant natural resources, especially rich in oil and coal. Agriculture and animal husbandry are its leading forms of economy. There are numerous scenic spots and historical sites in the prefecture, including natural landscapes of the Heavenly Lake, Bogda Peak, Mingsha Sand Dunes, " Ghost Town", Dinosaur Ditch, and fossil localities, historical sites of the Ruins of Ancient City of Beiting, West Grand Temple, Kangjiashimenzi Rock Carvings of Fertility Worship, and so on. In addition, there is a hoofed animals reserve at state level: the Kalarnaili Mountain Hoofed Animals Reserve, for visit, exploration and scientific investigation.
