2026 Kunyu Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Driving yourself from the 14th Division Kunyu City to Kokdala, it’s hard to imagine that deep in the vast Gobi Desert lies tens of thousands of acres of contiguous rice paddies. Along the road stand charming rice cartoon sculptures. Of course, the black rice grains must take a photo with the white rice grains as a keepsake. To fully appreciate the rice paddy scenery, a drone is the perfect choice. From ground level, you can only glimpse parts of it, but once airborne, the view opens up dramatically. Using rice plants of different colors in the fields, giant rice paddy paintings are outlined, featuring mountains, rice ears, shrimp and crabs, granaries, koi fish, and other distinct patterns. No pigments are added throughout; the natural colors create a unique painting belonging solely to the Gobi fields. The phrases “Kokdala welcomes you” and “Green water and lush mountains are invaluable assets” plainly tell the story of the regiment’s years of sand control and land reclamation. Before you lie 73,800 acres of high-standard fertile fields, which were once salt-alkali wastelands covered in yellow sand. Thanks to paired assistance for Xinjiang and efficient water-saving irrigation technology, generations of regiment members have continuously improved the soil, eventually cultivating stable rice paddies on the desert’s edge. The local area promotes a rice-crab symbiotic model, combining grain planting and aquaculture in the same field to achieve dual harvests. The park has built a viewing tower, so even without a drone, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire rice paddy. The roads are smooth, self-driving parking is convenient, visitors are few, and there’s no need to compete for photo spots. Having visited many popular rice paddy scenic areas, most are heavily commercialized, but Kokdala is especially peaceful. The landscape is full of gentle greenery, the canal water flows quietly, and the wind rustles the rice waves, creating a healing and tranquil atmosphere. Most travelers to Xinjiang prefer to visit grasslands and lakes, rarely knowing about this lesser-known regiment rice paddy. Slow down and climb the viewing platform to carefully observe the patterns of the rice paddy art, and you can clearly see the decades of dedication by sand control workers rooted in the Gobi, transforming the desert. This profound and moving experience of turning the Gobi into an oasis is a unique feeling hard to find elsewhere.

The PLA advance into Hotan Memorial Hall is located in the 47th regiment of Kunyushi, 14th division. The museum houses a large collection of marching relics, old photos, and original archives, fully restoring the history of the troops crossing the desert to station in Hotan and reclaiming the land on site. Carefully viewing all the exhibits, the history briefly recorded in books takes on a clear shape through each authentic artifact. Worn farming tools and faded military uniforms silently tell the long hardships of rooting and surviving in the desert. Stories that once existed only in text come alive in front of the display cases. The vast oasis outside the museum echoes the images of yellow sand inside. The stable and vibrant daily life on this land today all began with the unwavering perseverance of the predecessors. Looking back on this Gobi reclamation era helps us understand the spirit passed down through generations.

Driving through southern Xinjiang to the 47th Regiment in Hotan and visiting the Memorial Hall of the March to Hotan, I deeply understood the inspiring spirit of the desert veterans. As a child, I often heard elders talk about relatives who went to the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps to settle the frontier and stand guard thousands of miles away. Today, stepping onto this land in person, the fragmented stories I once heard have finally become vivid and profound scenes before my eyes, deeply moving my heart. The memorial hall preserves the arduous and extraordinary past. In the cold winter of 1949, over a thousand PLA soldiers resolutely set out, trekking across the vast Taklamakan Desert on foot. After eighteen days and a thousand miles, they successfully liberated Hotan and stabilized the situation in southern Xinjiang, achieving a rare military feat. Time is silent, but the artifacts speak. The weathered kerosene lamps, worn Gobi cotton boots, old military water bottles, yellowed handwritten letters, and walls filled with heroic faces quietly tell the story of the predecessors’ sincere dedication. After the war ended, the soldiers stayed in the desert, engaging in reclamation and border defense. They remained true to their original mission without competing with locals, reclaiming land and transforming the Gobi Desert, silently dedicating themselves to the frontier for generations. Only by visiting the exhibition in person can one truly understand the great sacrifice of the Corps members who “dedicated their youth and descendants.” The peace and stability of the land are no accident. It is because generations of veterans have deeply cultivated the desert and guarded the border that southern Xinjiang is now safe and prosperous. The spirit of the desert veterans moves people sincerely and inspires deep respect.

Stepping into the 224th regiment of Kunyu City, the striking visual contrast immediately moves you. In the distance, endless desert dunes stretch out, vast and desolate with yellow sand. Nearby, orderly green fields spread out in patches. These two extreme landscapes sit side by side. This oasis is fertile land painstakingly reclaimed from the desert by generations of corps members. The entire area was once covered in sand, with severe soil salinization making farming impossible. Thanks to the corps’ sand control workers who rooted themselves in the Gobi day after day, year after year, combined with modern large-scale sprinkler irrigation and water-saving systems to restore the soil, the barren desert land gradually improved. Circular, contiguous high-standard farmland spreads out unevenly. Alfalfa grows lushly, with delicate purple flowers quietly dotting the fields. What was once wasteland has transformed into orderly farmland. The barren Gobi has turned into a place that nurtures sweet melons, fruits, and abundant pasture. Fresh fruits and vegetables are within reach, and vibrant greenery fills the eye. Over the long years, the sand control workers endured the solitude of the Gobi and, through diligent perseverance, reversed the desert’s fate. Amid the encircling yellow sand, they created tens of thousands of acres of vitality. This not only stabilized the ecological defense line but also allowed the land to yield harvests and nurture hope. Witnessing the transformation of the Gobi into fertile fields firsthand reveals the true weight of reclamation and sand control. Every inch of green in this desert oasis is hard-earned.

The Ultimate Guide to Sightseeing & Eats 🏨 Stop 1: Kunyu Jinyuan Hotel Located at No. 003 Jinxiu Road, this spot is super accessible—you’ll spot it right off the highway. It’s perfect if you want to be close to shopping and dining without the hassle. The rooms are spacious, offering solid value for the price, the service is great, and the buffet breakfast hits the spot. Pro-tip: A few guests have mentioned the bathrooms could use a little TLC, so give yours a quick check upon arrival. Make sure the sink and hot water are working fine, and chat with the front desk beforehand just so you know what to expect. 📍 Address: No. 003 Jinxiu Road, Kunyu City 🏡 Stop 2: Tuerdi Aji Manor Whether you're visiting in late autumn or early winter, this manor is an absolute vibe! The stunning autumn foliage against the backdrop of snowy mountain lakes makes for next-level photo ops. The manor oozes authentic Xinjiang rustic charm and serves up some unique local dishes. You *must* try their authentic Xinjiang BBQ here—there’s nothing quite like hot, sizzling skewers to warm you up from the inside out. 📍 Address: North of County Road 550, Awati Village, Kunyu City 🏞️ Stop 3: Shenlong Bay Winter here brings an unparalleled flex of snowy mountains and lake views. The vast natural landscape paired with a starlit lake is simply breathtaking, and you can just sit quietly by the water to watch the sunset do its thing. The peaceful, healing vibes are unreal. If you want a flawless mix of ice, snow, mountains, lakes, and natural forests, this is the most Instagrammable spot around! Camera buffs, definitely pack a tripod for those epic sunset and astrophotography shots. 📍 Address: Taishan Street, Kunyu City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 🎽 Stop 4: Pishan Farm Culture, Sports, Radio and Television Tourism Center Don't worry about being bored in the cold—this recreation center is packed with activities! Whether you want to dive into local agricultural culture or join in on some fun events, it's perfect for family trips or team-building with friends. There are plenty of quaint local diners nearby where you can grab lunch or take a quick breather. 📍 Address: Meide Road, Kunyu City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 🏛️ Stop 5: Memorial Hall for the PLA's March into Hotan It’s not just about the stunning nature; the historical and cultural roots here are totally worth a deep dive. Located right next to the 47th Regiment Farm Middle School, this memorial is packed with fascinating history, cool vintage artifacts, and documents about the development of the Hotan Corps. It’s open from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Don't forget to book your visit in advance! 📍 Address: 469 meters southwest of the 47th Regiment Farm Middle School, Kunyu City Travel Suggestions & Practical Warm Reminders 1. It gets freezing at night! Pack a thick, easy-to-move-in winter coat, and don't forget your beanie and gloves. 2. The hotel's buffet breakfast is a lifesaver, but head down early to beat the lines. If you're a bit of a germaphobe, you might want to bring your own travel-sized toiletries just in case. 3. Bring a tripod if you plan on shooting sunsets or starry skies, and definitely wear anti-slip snow boots for any lakeside photo ops. 4. Some facilities at manors or scenic spots might have adjusted winter schedules, so give them a call ahead of time to confirm their hours. 5. Watch out for icy roads. Take it slow and prioritize safety over speed. Transportation Tips Getting around Kunyu’s city attractions via taxi is a breeze. Didi or a quick phone call gets you a ride in no time, and there are taxi stands at all downtown spots. Rides to Shenlong Bay and the farm aren't too long, either. Must-Eat Local Eats — Xinjiang pilaf, lamb skewers, Etles pastries, and a huge variety of dried fruits and snacks. You can find these easily in the city or at the manor, and the prices are super budget-friendly. Wrap-Up A winter in Kunyu gives you everything: ice and snow, gorgeous lakes, and the warmest hospitality. Every part of the trip is filled with fresh surprises. If you want a chill, scenic vacation without sacrificing a lively, welcoming atmosphere, I highly recommend making Kunyu your go-to for a truly heartwarming winter escape.