In March 2020, an investigation team of Alxa Desert UNESCO Global Geopark have found a group of new rock paintings at Shuimogou, Murengaole village, Alxa Zuoqi in the geopark.

According to the staff from Cultural Relics Bureau of Alxa League, this Shuimogou rock painting is about 15km northeast from Bayanhot town.  It is called “Shuimogou rock painting” because it is located at alluvial fan on the west side of Shuimogou, Helan Mountain.  There were 172 rock paintings found on the site this time, most of the painting techniques were grinding and chiseling, and a few are carving.  The theme includes animals, riders, hoof prints, camels, God faces etc..   From the content, theme, painting techniques, forms of expression and style features, the duration is long.  Some of the rock painting are very precious and exquisitely made, which are very rare in Alxa rock paintings and have high academic research value.

Based on the materials, Shuimogou rock paintings are made from the late stone age to the iron age, and coexisting with stone walls, stone enclosures and burial sites of different ages.  It is consistent with previous discovery of Bayanhot rock paintings.  This time, the Shuimogou rock paintings is of great significance for comprehensive and systematic study of rock paintings in Alxa DUGGp, providing important basis for further revealing the origin and evolution of rock paintings in Alxa.

The on-the-spot inspection activity of Alxa DUGGp has played a positive role in giving full play to the management function of the administration, protecting the geological heritage resources and promoting the healthy and orderly development of the Geopark.  It is of great significance to publicize Alxa DUGGp.