Zhetysu Park

Nestled in one of Astana’s bustling districts, amidst the hum of city life, lies Zhetysu Park. Located on the left bank at the end of Sarayshyq Street, this lively spot is surrounded by residential complexes, business centers, shops, and cafes. The area is often busy with traffic due to the large “Arkhar” bridge nearby, which connects the right and left banks of the capital.

Spanning 15 hectares, the park features scaled-down replicas of Kazakhstan’s most famous natural and historical landmarks. The heart of Zhetysu is a map of Kazakhstan made from grass and flowers, with each section symbolizing a different region of the country.

At the center of the park is a square designed with six petal-shaped paths, each leading to iconic landmarks and symbols of Kazakhstan. For example, there’s a miniature version of the famous Charyn Canyon, and stones featuring copies of ancient petroglyphs from the Tamgaly-Tas sanctuary. Even the rollerblading area is uniquely themed, resembling the Issyk burial mounds from the 5th–4th centuries BCE.

The park was originally known as “Arai,” but in 2018 it was renamed “Zhetysu,” which translates from Kazakh as “seven rivers.” Zhetysu, or Semirechye in Russian, is a historical region in southeastern Kazakhstan. Once part of Almaty region, it became its own administrative area in 2022 when the region was divided. The renaming of the park in 2018 coincided with Astana’s 20th anniversary celebrations, and the park was a gift from the Almaty region. A significant reconstruction followed, transforming much of the park.

Entering the park from the main gate, you’ll find yourself on a fountain-lined avenue leading to Aport Square, named after the famous apple variety that hails from Almaty. Small hills designed to mimic mountains and cozy gazebos create a serene environment as you continue your walk. At the end of the avenue is Tengri Square, dedicated to the sky god of the Turkic peoples. This area features six large petals, each home to children’s playgrounds.

Zhetysu Park is filled with other symbols of the Semirechye region, such as an ash tree alley, representing the rare Sogdian ash tree grove. Throughout the park, you’ll also notice replicas of stones featuring ancient petroglyphs, making it a journey through history as well as nature. There’s even a small imitation of the Charyn Canyon, a popular spot for photos, with a decorative Ili River flowing nearby into a mock Lake Balkhash.

At the center of the park is a map of Kazakhstan, crafted from various grasses, flowers, and ground-covering shrubs representing the republic’s regions. It’s no wonder that Zhetysu Park is a favorite among those who enjoy peaceful strolls, as walking through it feels like a journey across the country.

Zhetysu Park is also ideal for jogging, thanks to its location along the banks of the Esil River. During the summer, it’s a popular spot for picnics under the shade of the many trees.