Nilka County Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Duku Highway Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Duku Highway: A magnificent journey across the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains
Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you long for a spontaneous trip to experience the grandeur of nature and the charm of Xinjiang? Then, Duku Highway is your best choice!
Duku Highway, connecting the north and south of Xinjiang, crossing grasslands, canyons, snow mountains, Gobi and other places, is a must-visit place for tourists. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons and feel the magic of nature.
Tourist Route
The entire Duku Highway is divided into the north, middle and south sections.
North section: From Dushanzi to Qia'erma
Starting from Dushanzi and heading south, you will pass through large canyons, snow mountains, grasslands, etc., to feel the grandeur of nature. In the north section, you can see the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, which is a shocking place, with towering cliffs, like a knife and axe, which is amazing. In addition, you can also try extreme projects such as step-by-step surprises, and feel the excitement of accelerating heartbeat.
Middle section: From Qia'erma via Narati to Bayinbuluke
Starting from the middle section, you will enter the Narati grassland, which is a vast green ocean, which is refreshing. Here, you can ride horses, slide grass, watch folk performances, etc., to experience the local customs of Xinjiang. Then, you will go to Bayinbuluke grassland, where there are beautiful lakes and winding rivers, and the scenery is pleasant.
South section: From Bayinbuluke to Kuche
In the south section, you will see the mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, which is a place full of mystery. The reddish-brown mountains shine under the sun, making people feel the mysterious charm of nature. Here, you can hike and explore, and feel the magic of nature. Finally, you will arrive in Kuche, a city full of historical heritage, with many scenic spots worth visiting.
Ticket Price
There are many scenic spots along the Duku Highway, and the ticket prices of each scenic spot are different. Generally speaking, the ticket price ranges from tens to hundreds of yuan. When buying tickets, you need to prepare in advance, you can check and buy tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line at the scene.
Precautions
During the trip, there are some precautions you need to keep in mind. First, protect the environment, do not litter, do not destroy vegetation. Second, respect local customs and cultural traditions. Finally, pay attention to safety issues, especially when doing some extreme projects, ensure your own safety.
In general, Duku Highway is a tourist route full of surprises and challenges. Here, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of nature and feel the local customs of Xinjiang. Whether you like adventure or natural scenery, it can meet your needs. Come on a spontaneous trip!
ExplorerEpiphanies
Unveiling Xinjiang: 10 Must-Understand Doubts Before Traveling (Part 1)
🌸Xinjiang, that mysterious and charming land, always inspires longing in people's hearts. But before you set off, do you also have various doubts and anxieties like me? Today, let me unveil them for you one by one! 🔍
1️⃣ When is the best time to visit Xinjiang?
🌿The summer in Xinjiang is lush with grasslands and brilliant wildflowers; in autumn, the poplar trees turn golden and the light creates a mottled effect. From June to August, places like Ili and the Duku Highway are incredibly beautiful; from September to October, the poplar forests by Zepu Golden Lake and Kanas are even more picturesque. 🌾
2️⃣ How long should the trip be?
🏞Xinjiang is divided into southern and northern parts, and it takes 40-50 days to travel through the entire region at once. But don't worry, an 8-15 day grand northern Xinjiang loop or a 5-10 day Ili loop will let you thoroughly enjoy your journey! 🚗
3️⃣ Independent travel or join a tour group?
💡Xinjiang is vast and transportation is inconvenient, so planning is essential for self-driving. However, for ease and convenience, joining a tour group is better! Choose a reliable travel group to make your trip twice as effective with half the effort! 🎈
4️⃣ Is it good to go to northern Xinjiang in June?
🌸Northern Xinjiang in June has its own unique beauty! Besides the lavender fields in Ili, there are many other beautiful sights waiting for you to discover. Every season, Xinjiang has its unique charm! 🌼
5️⃣ How to plan the route?
🚏There are 3 major routes into Xinjiang: the G219 Sino-Tibetan Highway, the G315 Mars Highway, and the G30 Lianhuo Expressway. It is recommended to enter Xinjiang from Gansu and exit through Qinghai, where the altitude is moderate and the scenery is excellent! 🛣
Xinjiang, that beautiful land, is waiting for you to explore! With these answers in hand, set off on your journey!
emmeline_athena_wilde
7-Day Essence Tour of Northern Xinjiang
Sayram Lake is the highest-altitude, largest, and most scenic alpine lake in Xinjiang. It is also the last place cherished by the warm and humid Atlantic air currents, hence the saying that it is 'the last tear of the Atlantic'. The summer season is the perfect time to visit Sayram Lake, and for friends who want to play at Sayram Lake, this travel guide is highly recommended. Like and save it, and you'll definitely not get lost!
🌺Recommended Itinerary:
🎉A: 7-Day Grand Northern Xinjiang Loop
🎄D1: Urumqi - Colorful Beach - Burqin
🎄D2: Burqin - Kanas
🎄D3: Jiadengyu - Hemu
🎄D4: Hemu - Urho Ghost City - Urho
🎄D5: Urho - Sayram Lake - Yining/Qingshui River
🎄D6: Yining/Qingshui River - Nalati - Bayanbulak
🎄D7: Bayanbulak - Duku Highway - Urumqi
🎉B: 8-Day Grand Northern Xinjiang Loop
🎄D1: Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi - Fuyun/Koktokay.
🎄D2: Fuyun/Koktokay - Koktokay - Colorful Beach - Burqin
🎄D3: Burqin - Kanas - Jiadengyu
🎄D4: Jiadengyu - Hemu
🎄D5: Hemu - Ghost City - Urho
🎄D6: Urho - Sayram Lake - Yining
🎄D7: Yining - Nalati Grassland in the Sky - Bayanbulak
🎄D8: Bayanbulak - Duku Highway - Urumqi
Kennedi Braun IV
Northern Xinjiang's Duku Highway 10-Day Tour of Double Lakes + Double Grasslands
Duku Highway: It is the southern section of National Highway 217 that connects the north and south of Xinjiang, also known as the Tianshan Highway.
Sayram Lake: It is the last place in Xinjiang where the warm and humid air currents of the Atlantic Ocean linger, known as 'the last teardrop of the Atlantic'.
Naraty: It integrates grasslands, valleys, and forests, with a high vegetation coverage and rich wildlife resources.
10-Day Itinerary in Northern Xinjiang along the Duku Highway:
D1 Home - Urumqi
D2 Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi - S21 Gurbantunggut Desert - Pass by Wulungu Lake - Burqin Night Market
D3 Burqin - Kanas - Wolong Bay - Moon Bay - Fairy Bay - Jiadengyu
D4 Jiadengyu - Hemu Tuwa Village - Hemu Viewing Platform - Hemu
D5 Hemu - Wuerhe Devil City - Karamay
D6 Karamay - Sayram Lake - Guozigou Bridge - Lavender Farm - Yining City
D7 Yining City - Kazanqi Six-Star Street - Qaxi National Forest Park - Naraty Town
D8 Naraty - Naraty Sky Grassland - Xinyuan
D9 Xinyuan - Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery - Jor Madan Pass - Duku Highway - Urumqi
D10 Urumqi - Home
JEFFREY RODGERS
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Tangbula Grassland Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Once again, Xinjiang
Ili is a gathering place for the Kazakh ethnic group, so on the first day, we followed the local customs. In Tangbula, we joined this nation of horseback riders to taste milk tea, roast lamb skewers, drink mutton soup, and sleep in a Mongolian yurt. Early in the morning, as the first rays of sunlight touched the grassland, the brave among us wrapped up in our thickest clothes to chase the light; the hosts of the grassland began to milk the sheep. The master said there was also horse milk, which I had never seen and certainly would not be accustomed to its taste, but the mere mention of horse milk filled me with a sense of boldness and a fully charged atmosphere.
We drove towards Fairy Lake, but having taken the wrong road, we had to return the way we came and chose to ride horses instead. We brought thick shawls especially for the trip because, for us, riding horses really required a 'steel butt' that we didn't have! However, when the unexpected happened, we had to bite the bullet and get on the horses. Along the way, I kept thinking, wouldn't a motorcycle be a better choice? After all, it's faster. Passing hikers, we joked interestingly: those who haven't gotten on wish to get on, and those who have regret it. Isn't that the truth? But we just wanted to see that touch of green with our own eyes! And the scenery and local customs along the way, otherwise how could I have seen that mother, who without makeup, seemed to me stunningly beautiful and unforgettable for several days? How could I have come to admire the confidence of the 'sunset red' aunties once again?
Reluctantly leaving Tangbula, the lavender fields of the Tianshan Flower Sea finally awaited us, the adorable ground cover making us jump for joy; in Kanas, cotton candy could be plucked right out of the air, and I brought Hayao Miyazaki's animations into my camera, staging a real-life version of The Wind Rises; in Qiongkushitai, with green grass and a sea of flowers, that's where Heidi and her grandfather lived! The little wooden houses on the grassland, the streams, forests, cattle, and sheep along the way, isn't that the Eastern Switzerland, captivating to the eye; hiking in Shatuo, looking up to see the snow-capped mountains right before our eyes, we kept looking, walking, and rushing towards this goal, never stopping. We also kept exclaiming: in the face of nature, humans are truly insignificant, so what do those human disputes, rights and wrongs, grudges and grievances amount to under such a landscape?
Life is vast, and our eyes should not only see love and being loved, nor should they only see the immediate struggles! When you are confused, go into nature to find the answers!
MICHEAL MCDANIEL
11-Day Deep Tour of Northern Xinjiang
Accompany you to see the 🌿 grasslands, ⛄ snow mountains, and 🎉 lakes. This is the romance of Xinjiang's summer, isn't it? North of the Tianshan Mountains lies the alpine grasslands of Northern Xinjiang. The blue of Kanas Lake and the sunrise at Hemu Village are intoxicating. The flowers bloom splendidly in the summer of Northern Xinjiang, with 🌈 snow-capped grasslands, 🐴 forest pastures, 🐟 glacial lakes, canyons and rivers, Gobi deserts, and the hoofbeats of cattle, sheep, and horses.
Itinerary:
☘️D1: Pick up from Urumqi Airport
☘️D2: Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi - Fuyun
☘️D3: Fuyun - Keketuohai - Burqin
☘️D4: Burqin - Kanas - Jiadengyu
☘️D5: Jiadengyu to Hemu
☘️D6: Hemu - Return to Colorful Beach - Burqin
☘️D7: Burqin Devil's City - Hundred-Mile Oilfield - Kuitun
☘️D8: Kuitun - Sayram Lake - ◎Guozigou Bridge - Lavender Yining
☘️D9: Yining - Narat Grassland in Bayanbulak
☘️D10: Bayanbulak - Return via Duku Highway - Urumqi
☘️D11: Departure from Urumqi Airport
xavier_nightshade_82
Ili Tangbula Grassland - A Hundred-Mile Scroll Ice and Snow Gallery
In April, coming to Ili to photograph flowers, besides apricot blossoms, I unexpectedly encountered another kind of flower amidst the snowflakes and frost flowers.
To photograph flowers, one needs good weather. Today, the whole of Ili reports 'overcast and rainy', only 'Tangbula Grassland' has 'clear skies', so off to Tangbula!
Tangbula (meaning 'seal' in Kazakh) is named for the massive rock on the ridge to the east of its valley, which resembles a jade seal.
Tangbula Grassland is one of the famous grasslands in the Ili region of Xinjiang, known as 'A Hundred-Mile Scroll, a Natural Gallery'.
The Tangbula Grassland fulfills all one's imaginations of a grassland, with a green carpet-like pasture spreading from the high mountain spruce forest down to the valley floor, with the roaring Kashgar River in the middle, and snow-white yurts dotted along both banks, with cattle and sheep in small groups.
In China, there are many scenic spots crowned with the word 'Great', but there are very few places called 'Hundred-Mile Gallery'. The entire Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery is located along the S315 provincial road, an area not yet 'managed', without any official promotion, a completely open, pure natural, free scenic area. This road is casual and free; here, one does not need to deliberately search for a particular spot, nor a guide. Just stroll along the highway and the 'Kashgar' River to enjoy the original and magnificent scenery.
There are many attractions in the Tangbula Grassland, it is said that there are 113 gullies, each with its own characteristics. Hence the saying 'Each gully has its own scenery, each ravine its own heaven'.
Zhang, who once won a place in the Ili 'Half Marathon', is a master of hiking. He drove his car along a quiet mountain gully all the way to the snow peaks, until a huge block of ice sealed the road. At this moment, the snow peak in front, like a maiden, slowly lifts her cloud-like veil under the blue sky to reveal her true face, while cattle and sheep graze leisurely on the slopes.
The gully is much colder than the outside. I just put on the warm sheepskin-lined army coat prepared by the hospitable Xinjiang hosts when a Kazakh herdsman happened to pass by on horseback. Seeing his contented demeanor, this place is so far from the hustle and bustle, so open and peaceful, it's truly worth breathing deeply and savoring.
Tangbula has no fenced management, and one can freely choose a small side road to get close to the grassland.
Crouching down to take a closer look, among the pastures extending to the foot of the snow mountain by the roadside, there are some small white flowers scattered about. This is a plant that lives in the north, which can germinate even in ice and snow, and only when spring warms up do the flower stems stand up and bloom. People call it 'Ice-Top Flower', meaning it withstands frost but still blooms beautifully.
Tangbula is a fairyland of the Tianshan Mountains, and the 'Ice-Top Flower' is the grassland sprite that has fallen into this pure land. It is the brightest natural beauty of Tangbula, the most dazzling white space in the rich colors. It is unassuming yet radiantly beautiful.
Perhaps it's a case of 'a blessing in disguise', searching for flowers, in the frost flowers and snowflakes, I found the 'Ice-Top Flower'. Unexpectedly, this Ice-Top Flower is also called 'Wild Lily', and listening to Meng Tingwei's 'Wild Lilies Also Have Spring' here couldn't be more appropriate—
'Don't forget the lonely corner in the valley
Wild lilies also have their spring
As if it's all a dream
Our meeting is so brief
You're like a gentle breeze, softly and tenderly blowing into my heart...'
R@1nb0w_Wh1sp3r3r
North Xinjiang 7 Days, enjoy the full panorama without retracing your steps
North Xinjiang Panoramic 7-Day Tour
Sayram Lake Kuitun
S101 Urumqi
Dushanzi Grand Canyon
Yining
Tangbula Grassland
Tekes
Nalati
Kalajun Grassland
Bayinbuluke
D1: Urumqi-S101 National Defense Highway-Kuitun 300 kilometers
D2: Kuitun-Sayram Lake Circuit-Stay at Sayram or Yining 320 kilometers
D3: Sayram Lake Sunrise-Yining 180 kilometers
D4: Yining-Kalajun Grassland-Tekes 280 kilometers
D5: Tekes-Nalati-Bayinbuluke+most beautiful sunset 380 kilometers
D6: Tangbula Grassland+Fairy Lake Horse Riding 200 kilometers
D7: Tangbula Grassland-Duku Highway-Dushanzi Grand Canyon-Urumqi 400 kilometers
Duku Highway
Hazel.Roberts@82
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Hemu Scenic Area Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
6 things you must know before going to Kanas
1⃣️Kanas is located in the north of Xinjiang, most city flights do not go directly, you need to transfer in Urumqi.
2⃣️The most beautiful season in Kanas is autumn, that is, September-November, known as the most beautiful autumn scenery in China. Of course, summer and winter are also worth a visit, with a pleasant climate in summer and skiing in winter.
3⃣️The ticket for staying in Kanas for one day is 230 per person, and 270 for two days. You can stay in the new village. The development here is relatively complete, with convenient food and accommodation, and it is close to the Fairy Bay.
4⃣️The attractions worth visiting in Kanas are: Three Bays, Kanas Lake, and Fish Watching Pavilion. If you go to the Fish Watching Pavilion, you need to purchase an additional 20 yuan ticket.
5⃣️The Three Bays are Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay. There is a special bus running between the transfer center and Jiadenyu Station. The morning mist of the Three Bays is worth seeing. The Moon Bay is very high and the scenery is even more spectacular. The other two bays are flat forest land. You can walk back to the village after returning to the Fairy Bay, and the scenery along the way is particularly healing.
6⃣️The famous beautiful winter village - Hemu Village is near Kanas, you need to buy a ticket at Jiadenyu Station and enter the village on the right.
ADDYSON BANKS
Xinjiang | Travel Guide
Xinjiang Travel🔥|8 days 7 nights small group🏜️average 6k➕|||If autumn is very beautiful🍁
Northern Xinjiang accounts for seven points😆
God is not stingy
The most beautiful oil painting in the world🌅
All sprinkled on this land
If you have already missed the summer in Northern Xinjiang🍃
Then you must not miss the autumn colors of Northern Xinjiang🍂
Snow mountains and layered forests surround Hemu
Birch forest falls into a golden color🌅
-
🌈Recommended route
Day1 All over the country—Airport/Station pick-up—Urumqi Stay: Urumqi
Day1 Urumqi—Tianshan Tianchi—S21 Desert Highway---Burqin Stay: Burqin
Day2 Burqin—Kanas Guanyutai—Kanas Lake—Kanas Stay: Kanas Scenic Area
Day3 Kanas—Kanas Sanwan—Hemu Stay: Hemu Scenic Area
Day4 Hemu—World Devil City—Karamay Stay: Karamay
Day5 Karamay—Sayram Lake—Jinghe Stay: Jinghe
Day6 Jinghe—Anjihai Grand Canyon—Urumqi Stay: Urumqi
Day8 Urumqi—Airport/Station drop-off—Warm home Happy end of the trip
-
🌈Trip highlights
🔴No stop during the Spring Festival, set off immediately
🔴Deep play for 8 days, small group of 6 people, average 💰5K+
🔴2 nights in original log cabin accommodation
🔴24-hour online customer service, airport pick-up
-
🔥What the trip includes
1. Transportation: Local comfortable car, guarantee one seat per person
2. Accommodation: Hotels listed in the package itinerary, 4 nights comfortable accommodation + 2 nights log cabin
3. Hotel: Clean and comfortable double standard room with private bathroom
4. Section car: Kanas, Hemu, Devil City, Sayram Lake, Tianchi, Keketuohai
-
🍁——Travel Tips——🍁
✨The temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang is large, please bring enough clothes
✨The sunshine time is long, please bring sun protection products
✨Xinjiang has a 2-hour time difference, meal times are late
✨The climate in Xinjiang is dry, please bring hydration products etc.
✨Photo matching: sunglasses, scarves, ethnic costumes, decorations, etc.
✨In ethnic minority areas, please respect the local people's lifestyle etc.
-
ExplorerEscapades
Just returned from Altay, to tell the truth
On the 6th day of coming to North Xinjiang, my aesthetic threshold has been blown up.
The grand snow and the scarce tourists are in stark contrast.
It's like walking into a real version of 'The Cold Wonderland and The End of the World'!!
Riding an off-road vehicle, traveling through the forest and snow.
From the fairy-tale Kanas Three Bays
To the fairy-tale Hemu Village, Frost Ice Ling, Unfrozen River, Sayram Lake Blue Ice
There is no most beautiful, the next second is always more beautiful!!
·
Ride a sled during the day, stay at the Sayram Lake RV camp at night.
Stars and sunrise come to visit.
The southern child finally realized the wish of jumping in the snow with 80 cm thick snow.
P1-8 are all real shots.
·
❄North Xinjiang Snow Season Forecast
The snow-watching period in Xinjiang is particularly long.
From October every year to April of the following year, it is the ice and snow period.
The weather forecast shows:
The Kanas area will usher in a medium to large range of snowfall.
November-December is the off-peak season for snow appreciation.
·
❄Big Traffic TIPS:
Going to Xinjiang in November-December is considered off-season throughout the year.
The ticket price is equivalent to 20% of the peak season.
The one-way trip during the peak season costs 3k+, while the round trip is only 1k+ at this time.
Compared to the ticket prices of popular snow-watching places in the Northeast.
The cost performance is very high.
·
Gather in Urumqi.
There are multiple direct flights from Guangzhou and Shenzhen, with convenient transportation.
Disband in Altay, you can freely arrange skiing time.
·
❄8-day itinerary in North Xinjiang:
Day 1-3
Gather in Urumqi-Sayram Lake-Urho Devil City
Day 4-6
Burqin-Kanas-Hemu
Day 7-8
Disband in Altay
·
❄Highlights & Differentiated Experience:
√Bus + off-road vehicle, flexible and deep exploration of beautiful scenery
√Kanas + Hemu + Sayram Lake, connecting the most essence of winter snow scenery in North Xinjiang
√Take a cable car to the top of Jike Burlin, overlooking the powder snow paradise.
·
❄Preferred Accommodation:
√Stay in the luxury RV camp at Sayram Lake, the peak season is as high as ￥3-4k/night.
You can enjoy the blue ice without going out.
Capture the beautiful sunrise and the starry sky without light pollution.
√Stay in boutique homestays in Kanas and Hemu scenic spots.
Independent bathroom, you can take a hot bath every day.
·
❄
SAMARA VASQUEZ
After another snowfall in Hemu, Kanas, Xinjiang
The snow in Hemu Village is always so pure and white, like a gift from nature, giving this land a silver coat. When another snow falls, Hemu Village becomes even more beautiful.
After the snow, Hemu Village seems to have turned into a snow kingdom. Every corner of the village is covered with white snow, and houses, trees, and paths are all dressed in white. The distant mountains, covered with a thick quilt of snow, look even more majestic. The air is filled with a fresh scent, which is refreshing.
In this world of snow, everything becomes quiet and peaceful. The village after the snow seems to be shrouded in a mysterious veil, far away from the hustle and bustle. Only the sound of falling snow and the occasional bird song make people feel the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Walking in Hemu Village after the snow, the crunching sound of snow underfoot is like the most beautiful movement. The distant mountains are covered with white snow, like a beautiful painting. The chimney of the wooden house emits wisps of cooking smoke, intertwined with the falling snowflakes, as if telling a warm story.
In this world of snow, people walk slowly in heavy winter clothes, leaving deep marks with every step. They are either taking photos for memory, or admiring this beautiful scenery, or quietly feeling the magic and beauty of nature.
After another snowfall in Hemu, everything here becomes even more beautiful. Whether it's the distant mountains or the nearby trees, whether it's the wooden houses or the village paths, they all glow with new vitality in this snow. It makes people intoxicated and linger.
NoahO Donnell28
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Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
The legendary Bagua City is actually the Tekes County town, here's a guide
Visit Yili before the peak season in June in Xinjiang, because I'm going to Kanas/Kuokesu/Kurding, so I stayed in Tekes, the closest county town to Kanas, for two nights (it's better to stay in the county town before the peak season, it seems that the camping site in Kanas is not open yet, and the campsite in Kurding I visited today is very impressive and I will write about it later). I only realized that Tekes is the legendary Bagua City when I booked the hotel.
🌟 Flying drones: First of all, you can fly drones in Bagua City, but you need to register at the police station at the central point of Bagua City first, and they gave me permission to fly at an altitude of 500 meters for two days. The whole process only takes 2 minutes, very efficient. Many people are aerial filming Bagua City here.
🌟 Bagua City attractions: In addition to the divination platform in the city center and various Xinjiang restaurants, there are actually two streets worth strolling.
1️⃣ Bagua City Night (recommended to go after 10 pm, it gets dark at 10 pm in Xinjiang now), located between Kan Street and Qian Street on the third ring road (p4-p12), it's very beautiful after the lights are on, and after 10:10 pm there are various performances, dancing, magic, stunts, etc., very interesting, and then there are various snacks and amusement projects. See pictures 4-12.
2️⃣ Li Street pedestrian street, you can go for a walk when you have nothing to do, there are post offices, souvenir shops, coffee shops, ice cream shops, restaurants, and guesthouses (p13-p18). The ice cream there is quite good.
Tekes (Bagua City) is less than a 2-hour drive from Yining, a half-hour drive from Kanas, and just over an hour and a half drive from Kurding. Kanas, Kuokesu, and Kurding are all too beautiful, the natural scenery is as good as Switzerland, and it's definitely worth visiting. As Xinjiang tourism is increasingly discovered by everyone, it will surely become more and more popular.
ExpeditionExplorer
This grassland in Xinjiang is definitely worth the visit
🚀 Quick Guide to Start! Want to make the most out of a brief stop at the Kalajun grassland? Two essential attractions will make your half-day trip exciting and worthwhile!
🌳 📍 **Kalajun Grassland: An Invitation from Nature**
Kalajun, the shining pearl within Tekes County, lies between the Western Tianshan and the Ili River Valley. In summer, it's like a palette meticulously arranged by God. Imagine being embraced by emerald meadows and dark green spruce forests, with distant snow-capped mountains. A 5A scenic area experience awaits your immersion. 🌲
🚗 🧭 **Setting Off to Kalajun: Easy Navigation, Worry-Free Arrival**
Set your destination to either 【Kalajun Scenic Area Bulak Ticket Station】 or 【Kalajun Tourist Service Center Scenic Area (Main Entrance)】, depending on whether you're visiting the canyon. Remember, booking tickets online is crucial (Grassland ¥135/Canyon ¥150/Combo Ticket ¥265), including shuttle service, for a convenient trip. 🗺️
🚌 🎟️ **Essential Tour: Two Major Stops, Double the Amazement**
Hop on and off the shuttle bus, but don't miss:
1️⃣ 🌺 **Flower Terrace (Five-Flower Meadow)**
A short uphill walk, 15 minutes to a floral fairyland. Take the left plank road to avoid the crowd, with snow mountains, jungles, canyons, and grasslands all in one view, a full hour's feast for the eyes.
2️⃣ 🦅 **Falcon Terrace**
Venture deep into the Kuerden Forest Grand Canyon, an easy hike through three levels of terraces, overlooking the village of Qiongkushitai. Horseback adventure is an option, with the escort of a guide, a 1-hour round trip, enjoying the tranquility and distance.
🍜 🍴 **Energy Refueling Station**
Fast food in the scenic area makes for a quick fix with instant noodles and grilled sausages. For a full meal, Tekes County town is the place to go. 🍝
🏨 🛏️ **Preferred Overnight Stay**
The county town is only 30 kilometers from the scenic area, with preferred accommodation options, complete facilities, and better rest. 🏞️
⚠️ 📝 **Pre-trip Tips**
Buy tickets early to avoid disappointment. The weather is changeable, so rain gear and warm clothing are essential, as are comfortable hiking shoes. Pay attention to the direction of the return shuttle bus to avoid getting on the wrong one. 🧥👟
🌟 ✨ **Kalajun, a Half-Day Tour of Fantasy**
Here, every moment is a surprise bestowed by nature. No matter how long you stay, the Kalajun grassland has the power to turn your journey into a voyage of discovery about beauty! 🎉🌲
pheris_3041
I was already captivated by the beauty of Yili before even visiting Altay!
I was already captivated by the beauty of Yili before even visiting Altay!
The recent TV series 'My Altay' has become a hit,
sparking my deep love for Xinjiang.
It's a pity that I haven't been to the Altay region yet,
but I have already experienced the enchanting scenery of Yili.
The Tianshan Mountains, grasslands, and lakes are simply breathtaking!
Xinjiang in summer is romantic and healing, truly irresistible.
Frolicking on the endless grasslands,
listening to the sound of ice and snow melting at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains,
and gazing at the blooming flowers and the azure lakes,
every place, every scene, is filled with freedom and romance.
Here are 5 great places to visit in Xinjiang during the summer:
1️⃣ Sayram Lake
'There's a blue called Sayram Lake blue,' on a sunny day, Sayram Lake is crystal clear and blue, with green grass and colorful flowers on the shore, and clouds like cotton candy in the sky, as if you are in an animated scene.
Travel tips: Enter from the east gate and exit from the south gate. The section from West Sea Grassland to the south gate is the essence, with beautiful scenery and swans, making it excellent for photography!
2️⃣ Yili Guozigou
Exiting from the south gate of Sayram Lake and driving two or three kilometers along National Highway 312, you will reach Guozigou Scenic Area, with many viewing platforms along the way, all suitable for taking photos.
Travel tips: In addition to visiting the first, second, and third viewing platforms in turn, you can also stroll down the mountain along the walking trail.
3️⃣ Shat Ancient Trail
A beautiful natural canyon at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, a paradise for hiking enthusiasts! Mountains, rapids, glaciers, all in one view.
Travel tips: Hike or ride a horse deep into Shat to feel the sanctity and generosity of the Tianshan Mountains.
4️⃣ Qiaxi Forest Park
Spruce trees cover the slopes, perfectly blending forest and grassland. Drive along the mountain road and wait for a romantic sunset and starry sky.
5️⃣ Kalajun Grassland
The vast grassland spreads out at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. Here, running, strolling, or lying flat all have their unique charm, no wonder the cattle and horses love to stay here.
Self-driving route: Sayram Lake ➡️ Guozigou ➡️ Qiaxi ➡️ Kalajun ➡️ Shat.
aurorin_2437
The upcoming Xinjiang will be legendary! Here's a guide to the Ili Grand Loop
It's the most beautiful season in Xinjiang again.
I remember the days when I traveled that land last year,
and the deep impact it still has on my heart.
Now, let me share my personal experience of Xinjiang with everyone.
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📆Best time to visit: June to August every year
🏔️Scenery: Snow-capped mountains, lakes, rivers, grasslands, flowers
🚗How to travel: Rent a car for a self-drive tour or hire a car/join a group.
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↪️Below is our itinerary from last year for your reference:
day1 🛬Urumqi, rent a car in the city, check in, and visit the International Grand Bazaar at night
day2 Urumqi - Anjihai Grand Canyon (3 hours drive) - Sayram Lake (4 hours), stay at 'West Sea Starry Sky RV Camping Site' inside the scenic area
day3 Sayram Lake - Guozigou Bridge - Yining, stay in Yining city area
day4 Kazanqi Folk Village - Xiatang (3-4 hours), stay in Xiatang scenic area, Kazakh yurt
day5 Xiatang - Tekes Hexagram City (3 hours), stay in Tekes county
day6 Tekes - Kalajun (1 hour) - Qiaxi (3 hours), stay in Qiaxi
day7 Qiaxi
day8 Qiaxi - Kuerdening (1.5 hours) - Fairy Lake (4 hours), stay in Xinyuan county
day9 Xinyuan county - Fairy Lake (1 hour) - Yining (4-5 hours), stay in Yining city area
day10 Yining - Huocheng Lavender Manor (1 hour), Huocheng - Yining Airport 🛫
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▪️Anjihai Grand Canyon: Majestic and spectacular, like a crevice in the Tianshan Mountains
▪️Sayram Lake: The last tear of the Atlantic, drive around the lake, the most wonderful part is the West Sea Grassland - South Gate area
▪️Guozigou Scenic Area: Right at the south gate of Sayram Lake, there are many viewing platforms for photo opportunities
▪️Kazanqi Folk Village: Located in the Uyghur folk style street in Yining city area, the houses and colors are uniquely characteristic
▪️Xiatang Ancient Trail: A paradise for hiking enthusiasts! High mountains, rapids, glaciers, all the beautiful scenery in sight
▪️Tekes Hexagram City: The aerial view of Tekes county shows a hexagram shape
▪️Kalajun Grassland: Vast and open, very suitable for photography, great self-driving experience
▪️Tekes River: On the way from Kalajun to Qiaxi, passing near Kezilejiaer village by the Tekes River, the blue water and green grass are eye-catching
▪️Qiaxi Grassland: Relatively niche, less commercialized, not many tourists, great for photography, daydreaming, camping, and stargazing
▪️Kuerdening: Known as the 'Oriental Switzerland', if you knew Kuerdening, why bother with the Alps! The spruce scenery is similar to Qiaxi
▪️Tangbula: The Hundred Mile Gallery and Fairy Lake are both excellent, niche attractions, suitable for hiking or horseback riding
▪️Huocheng: Has many lavender manors, very distinctive for photo opportunities
🔘Attractions we skipped in the itinerary:
▪️Qiongkushitai: Crowded, relatively difficult to access
▪️Naraty: Expensive, especially for self-driving, somewhat unaffordable
▪️Bayinbuluke: Due to the itinerary route and time constraints, we gave up this place
🛣️Self-driving tips: Pay attention to the opening times of the Yizhao Highway and Duku Highway, if closed, you need to find another route
BRIELLE WILLIAMS
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Nalati Scenic Area Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Nalati
🌌The Nalati Tourist Center can go to the Sky Prairie and Valley Prairie. The Valley Prairie is located in Xinyuan County, Yili State, Xinjiang, with an altitude of more than 2,000 meters. It is a place that Xinjiang people admire.
🏔Looking far away, you can see the Kabamba main peak covered with ice and snow all year round. At the foot of the mountain, the grass is like shade, the forest is dense on the waist of the mountain, the top of the mountain is covered with snow, the rushing Gongnais River roars past, the spruce stands tall, the grass is green, it is a veritable sky prairie. Its large scale, beautiful scenery and pleasant scenery make tourists feel as if they are in a beautiful painting.
🏞Nalati Valley Prairie is one of the four major valley prairies in the world, and it is as famous as the famous Swiss mountains. The Valley Prairie has the Wusun Camp, the Wusun Horse Team statue, the Prairie Tribe, and the Kazakh herders' felt tents and local delicacies such as roast buns, roast naan, handmade yogurt, and daily necessities.
GamingGuruCentral
China's Most Beautiful ◆ Six Great Grasslands
Grasslands,
Our country's grasslands are diverse,
Stretching thousands of kilometers from east to west,
The ingenious work of nature,
Has created these pure lands.
Hulunbuir Eastern Grassland
The sky is high and the clouds are low, the grass is fragrant, herds of cattle and sheep, fine horses, thousands of crisscrossing rivers, they meander and twist, forming the unique brilliant scroll of the grassland.
Ili Grassland
The Ili Grassland is the Narati Grassland, "Narati" means: the first place to see the sun, in summer, it is the most beautiful "Jiangnan outside the Great Wall".
Xilingol Grassland
Xilingol Grassland is a treasure, a green ocean, various flowers compete for beauty, herdsmen ride horses, cattle and sheep roam, it is a feast for the eyes.
Mao Ya Alpine Grassland
In the embrace of the mountains, the grassland is lush like the sea, the wild flowers are blooming in purple and red, and a roll is full of fragrance.
Naqu Alpine Grassland
Naqu is located between the Tanggula Mountain Range and the Nyainqentanglha Mountain Range, it is a sparsely populated virgin land, every summer, the vegetation is most lush.
Qilian Mountain Grassland
The scenery of Qilian Mountain Grassland is picturesque, the sky is high and the clouds are light, summer is like spring, the blue waves are vast, horses, cattle, and sheep are dotted among them, returning to nature in an instant, returning to simplicity, like a fairyland.
NomadicWonderer
A comprehensive guide to Xinjiang tourism! Beautiful scenery, delicious food, none can be missed!
Xinjiang, this mysterious and rich land, under the influence of the Silk Road, has bred a unique style. This time, let me share with you a travel experience in Xinjiang, as well as some precautions and accommodation recommendations.
First of all, for those who go to Xinjiang for the first time, my suggestion is to choose Urumqi as the first stop. The transportation here is convenient, and the time difference is two hours later than Beijing time, remember to adjust your biological clock! In Urumqi, you can visit the natural scenery such as Tianshan Tianchi and Nanshan Pasture, and feel the magnificence of Xinjiang.
In terms of accommodation, different regions have different places to stay. For Kanas, Hemu and Sayram Lake, you can choose to stay in Beitun City, Jiadengyu and Burqin. These places are not only close to the attractions, but also have complete facilities, which can allow you to get sufficient rest during the journey.
If you come to Narati Grassland, I strongly recommend you to stay in the log cabins in the scenic area. There, you can better appreciate the starry sky and increase the play time. Imagine, on the quiet grassland, looking up at the stars, do you feel extremely relaxed and comfortable?
Speaking of self-driving routes, I want to recommend an Yili ring line. This route starts from Urumqi, passes through Sayram Lake, Huocheng, Zhaosu, Tekes, Qiongkushitai, Narati and Duku Highway, and finally returns to Urumqi from Dushanzi. The entire route is about 2300 kilometers, requires 12 days, and drives an average of 5-6 hours a day. On this route, you will appreciate the magnificent scenery and rich cultural landscape of Xinjiang.
In terms of attractions, I recommend Qiongkushitai, Huocheng Lavender, Tangbula Fairy Lake, Narati Grassland, Sayram Lake and Duku Highway. Qiongkushitai is a charming fairy tale forest with tall pine trees and clear streams; Huocheng Lavender is a romantic purple flower sea, which makes people intoxicated; Tangbula Fairy Lake is a small popular secret, the lake is green as jade; Narati Grassland is a beautiful air grassland and valley grassland, with herds of cattle and sheep, picturesque scenery; Sayram Lake is a beautiful lake, the lake is clear and bottomless; Duku Highway is a journey that makes people feel the four seasons, and the scenery along the way is changeable and beautiful.
Of course, the food in Xinjiang is also not to be missed. Big plate chicken, lamb skewers, roasted lamb chops, rack meat, roasted buns and other delicious foods make people drool. In addition, there are old yogurt, cold water fish, hand-grabbed rice, bagged meat and latiao and other special foods waiting for you to taste. Here, your taste buds will be greatly satisfied.
In general, this trip to Xinjiang is an unforgettable experience. From Urumqi to the Yili ring line, to the Narati Grassland and the Duku Highway, I have felt the unique style and beautiful scenery of Xinjiang. At the same time, I have also summarized some precautions and accommodation recommendations, hoping to provide some help and reference for your trip to Xinjiang.
Now plan your trip to Xinjiang! On this beautiful land, you will gain unforgettable memories and wonderful experiences. Wish you a pleasant journey!
matilda.evelyn.rosewood
Xinjiang | Narati Prairie is really beautiful
I see many people discouraging Narati, but I personally like it very much. It's really pretty, but now there are too many people coming to Xinjiang. The scenic spots are full of people. You have to queue for the shuttle bus. It is recommended to drive by yourself, but the self-driving is limited. Only 5000 tickets are sold a day. You may need to make an appointment in advance. To go to the Snow Lotus Valley, you need to buy another shuttle bus ticket. It's closer to the snow mountain. There are too many people queuing for the Internet celebrity bridge. I just walked forward and took pictures. The conclusion is that besides the crowd, there are still a lot of people. But the scenery will heal everything.