The county is located between Yining and the border city of Khorgas, covering an area of 5,466 km2 (2,110 sq mi), with a population of 360,000 (2004 estimate).

Its Western side is bordered by Khorgas City, and Yining is located approximately 45 km (28 mi) to the east.

Huiyuan served as the headquarters of the General of Ili, making it the military and administrative center of Xinjiang until the 1860s.

In agriculture, the local population cultivate wheat, corn and other crops including sugar beet, cotton, tobacco, apples, animal husbandry with cattle and sheep.

The main minerals extracted in the area include coal, phosphorus, iron, gold, silver, copper, limestone, Iceland spar and marble, etc.