Baicheng Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
The word 'stunning' is seldom used to describe a place
I have been to many places in China,
but this one has left the deepest impression on me.
From North Xinjiang to South Xinjiang, it takes a week of trekking.
These days have truly shown me the vastness of Xinjiang's territory.
Every step reveals a scene that is incomparable to any other man-made sight.
If you have the chance to come to Xinjiang,
you must take a walk on the ancient Wusun trail.
If you cannot trek, I also recommend you visit the starting point of the Wusun trail,
the Qiongkushitai to see for yourself.
I rarely use the word 'stunning' to describe a place
I rarely use the word 'stunning' to describe a place.
I have been to many places in China,
but this is the most impressive one I've ever encountered.
From Northern Xinjiang to Southern Xinjiang, it requires a week of trekking.
These days have truly shown me the vastness of Xinjiang's territory.
Every step reveals a different scene, truly incomparable to any other man-made tourist attraction.
If you have the chance to visit Xinjiang,
you must take a walk on the ancient Wusun trail.
If you cannot trek, I also highly recommend visiting the starting point of the Wusun trail, Qiongkushitai.
Address: Wusun Ancient Trail, Xinjiang
Step into the Wusun Ancient Trail and experience the grandeur of a historical epic lost to the world
Dear travelers, today I am going to take you into a dusty river of history to explore the mysterious and enchanting Wusun Ancient Trail. This is a millennium-old path that connects the Chinese civilization with the culture of the Western Regions, bearing the traces of vicissitudes of time, hiding countless legendary stories, waiting for us to unveil its veil.
Attraction Introduction:
The Wusun Ancient Trail, located within the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is one of the important passages of the ancient Silk Road. Along the way, there are both majestic Tianshan snow peaks and rippling alpine lakes, as well as rolling grasslands and vast Gobi deserts. Among them, the boundless expanse of the Kalajun Grassland, the rugged beauty of the Shat Ancient Trail, and the primeval forests of Qiongkushitai are all masterpieces of nature's craftsmanship, each radiating a strong historical charm and natural allure.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, rest and adapt, prepare supplies.
Day 2-3: Head to Zhaosu County, visit the Heavenly Horse Culture Park, then drive to the Kalajun Grassland, experience the joy of horse riding on the grassland, stay overnight in a herdsman's home, and experience nomadic life.
Day 4-5: Enter the Wusun Ancient Trail hiking area, cross the Bingdaban along the ancient trail, admire the snow-capped mountains and lakes, visit historical sites along the way, camp at night, gaze at the starry sky, and enjoy the beauty of silence.
Day 6-7: Continue hiking to the Shat Ancient Trail, appreciate the canyon scenery, feel the hardships and glory of the ancient Silk Road, and finally return to Urumqi.
Transportation Tips:
After flying to Urumqi from all over the country, you can choose to rent a car for a self-driving tour or take a long-distance bus to Zhaosu County. After entering the Wusun Ancient Trail, some sections require hiking. It is recommended to contact local travel agencies in advance and be led by professional guides to ensure safety. Also, due to the special environment of the ancient trail, be sure to prepare adequate outdoor equipment and emergency supplies.
Tips:
1. The Wusun Ancient Trail is situated at high altitudes with variable weather. Please check the weather forecast before departure and carry warm clothing.
2. Protect the environment, do not litter, and respect local culture and customs.
3. To ensure a smooth journey, it is recommended to purchase travel insurance that covers high-risk sports activities.
Stepping onto the Wusun Ancient Trail is like entering a living historical scroll, where every step is taken on the accumulation of a thousand years, and every glance back captures the light and shadow of history. This is not only a purification of the body and mind but also a deep dialogue with life and history. May every friend who loves exploration and pursuit of history find their unique experience and insights on this journey.
Wusun Ancient Trail, a treasure secret realm exclusively for hiking enthusiasts
✨The coolest hiking route in Xinjiang🎈 (Wusun Ancient Trail) || Route Classification
🚶Hiking Level: Heavy gear 8.5 level🎒, light gear 5 level, highest altitude 3900👀, maximum altitude difference: 1900
📅Hiking Days: 6 days
😎Wusun Ancient Trail itinerary as follows:
D1💗Urumqi - Yining City (It is recommended to take the night train🚂)
🛏Accommodation: Train
D2🥪Yining City - Tekes - Qiongkushitai
🌮Gather in Yining, after breakfast take a chartered car to Tekes County, drive: 2.5 hours. Have lunch🥘 in the Bagua City, continue to Qiongkushitai Village【Starting point of the hike】, drive: 3 hours.
👉Breakfast: Yining City/Lunch: Bagua City/Dinner: Qiongkushitai
🛌Overnight: Qiongkushitai log cabin
D3🚶Qiongkushitai - Log Cabin Campsite (Hike 15 kilometers)
😜After breakfast, follow the Qiongkushitai River upstream, there is a clear horse trail👣, the slope is gentle, herds of cattle and sheep along the way, log cabins scattered. Arrive at the log cabin campsite at an altitude of 2550 meters, with a water source.
🤔Today's difficulty: Level 3 Elevation gain: 850
🛌Overnight: Log Cabin Campsite
D4🧗♀️Log Cabin Campsite-Baozadun Pass- Kuokesu River Campsite (Hike 20 kilometers)
👣Depart from the log cabin, continue upstream along the Qiongkushitai River valley, will cross several scree slopes😎, in the afternoon you can see the azure sky above the snow line. Cross the Baozadun Pass, stand on top of the pass to feel the grandeur of nature😍, then follow a small path down Qiongdaban. A few hours later, arrive at the Kuokesu River valley to camp, with a water source.
😤Today's difficulty: Level 7 Elevation gain: 800 Descent: 1600
🛌Overnight: Kuokesu Campsite
D5😜Kuokesu River Valley - Zip line across the river - Akebulake Forest Management Station (Hike 20 kilometers)
🎉The biggest task today is to zip line across the Kuokesu River, super thrilling🎊 (There is a simple store at the zip line~ for resupply) After crossing the new bridge, start crossing the river 7 times (you can ride a horse across the river) Difficulty level 7, Elevation gain 700
🛌Overnight: Akebulake Forest Management Station Campsite
D6🤩Akebulake Forest Management Station - Paradise Lake (Hike 13 kilometers)
😎Today's journey is the most relaxed, follow the Akebulake River valley upstream, pass through high mountain pastures🐄, then gradually climb in altitude, follow the horse trail uphill, the scenery is desolate. Surrounded by mountains, a turn, and Paradise Lake suddenly appears in front of you, like a sapphire nestled among the mountains. Paradise Lake, also known as Akekule Lake, has a surface altitude of 3100 meters, a length of 6600 meters, and the widest point is 1900 meters, tonight camp by the lake. Difficulty: Level 5 Elevation gain: 500
🛌Overnight: Paradise Lake Campsite
D7🤨Paradise Lake - Akebulake Pass【Altitude 3900】- Bozkek Jirge Valley (Hike 25 kilometers)
🎈Bypass the lake, cross the steep Akebulake Pass from the south shore of Paradise Lake, you can look back at Paradise Lake, bid farewell to it. After descending the pass, through many loose stones, enter the Boaozkeklik River valley to camp.
🛌Overnight: Bozkeklik River Valley Campsite
D8🚶Bozkek Jirge Valley - Heiying Mountain Township (End of the 27-kilometer hike) -- Kuche (You can take the train back to Urumqi the same night)
🎈Break camp from Bozkekerg Valley, continue to descend along the valley, the route is mainly gentle slopes and downhill. Along the way, you have to wade through the river nearly thirty times, the river is deep, and the current is rapid, some water levels reach the waist. Continue forward, exit the trumpet-shaped Heiying Mountain pass, end the hike, and take the shuttle vehicle to Kuche County.
D9🚂Kuche--Urumqi【Train or Airplane】~Various places
Show More
Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (Kezi'er Qian Fo Dong) Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves
Visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and experience the charm of 'China's Second Dunhuang'
Located in Baicheng County, Aksu, Xinjiang, the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, leaning against Mingwutag Mountain and facing the Weigan River to the south, are also known as the Kizil Grottoes or Hesel Grottoes.
The artistic component of the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves is very high, bringing together caves, sculptures, and murals to form a unique Kucha style. It predates the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang by 300 years, with the grottoes beginning to be carved from the end of the 3rd century to the early 4th century. Equally famous as the Mogao Caves, it is known as 'China's Second Dunhuang'.
The grotto complex stretches for 3 kilometers, with a total of 251 caves, 236 of which are numbered, 135 are relatively intact, and 80 retain murals, covering about 10,000 square meters. The murals are rich in content, vividly depicting various scenes of farming, hunting, music, and dance.
In front of the caves' plaza, there is also a black statue, which is of the famous translator of Chinese Buddhism from Kucha, Kumarajiva. Books we are familiar with, such as the 'Vajracchedika Prajnaparamita Sutra', were translated by him.
The service in the scenic area is very user-friendly, with groups of 10 visitors each being specially arranged with a guide for the tour.
Visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and experience the charm of 'China's second Dunhuang'
Located in Baicheng County, Aksu, Xinjiang, the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves are backed by the Mingwutag Mountain and face the Weigan River to the south, also known as the Kizil Grottoes or the Hezier Grottoes.
The Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves have a very high artistic component, bringing together caves, sculptures, and murals to form a unique Kucha style. It predates the Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang by 300 years, with the grottoes beginning to be carved at the end of the 3rd century to the early 4th century. Equally famous as the Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang, it is known as 'China's second Dunhuang'.
The grotto complex stretches for 3 kilometers, with a total of 251 caves, 236 of which are numbered, 135 are relatively complete, and 80 retain murals, with about 10,000 square meters of murals preserved. The content of the murals is very rich, with scenes of farming, hunting, music and dance, etc., all vividly displayed.
In front of the caves' plaza, there is also a black statue, which is of the famous translator of Chinese Buddhism from Kucha, Kumarajiva. Books we are familiar with, such as the 'Vajracchedika Prajnaparamita Sutra', were translated by him.
The scenic area's services are very user-friendly, with visitors grouped in tens and a guide specially arranged to take you on a tour, allowing you to better appreciate the charm of the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves.
Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves
The Kizil Caves, also known as the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, are located on the cliff of Mingwutage Mountain in the southeast of Kizil Town, Baicheng County, Xinjiang. It is known as the 'ancestor of the eight sects of Chinese Buddhism', and the famous monk who is on par with Tang Xuanzang in the Buddhist world: Kumarajiva was born here. The Kizil Caves are more than two hundred years earlier than the world-famous Dunhuang Mogao Caves, and can be called the source of Chinese grottoes. The Kizil Caves are the earliest and westernmost large-scale grotto group in China, which was excavated approximately between the 3rd and 8-9th centuries AD, and the duration of its continuation is unique in the world. It was announced as the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units by the State Council in 1961, and was included in the 'World Heritage List' by the United Nations in 2014, and belongs to the world cultural heritage.
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Restaurants in Baicheng