Encountering Koktokay: A Dreamy Autumn Journey

On September 3, 2025, filled with longing and anticipation for distant places, I set off on a trip to Koktokay in Altay, Xinjiang. I had long heard of Koktokay’s fame, and the song "The Shepherd of Koktokay" had made it widely known. Now, I finally had the chance to personally experience the charm of this magical land. Early in the morning, I departed from Urumqi, heading north. The scenery along the way was picturesque: vast gobi deserts, rolling mountains, and herds of cattle and sheep formed a stunning landscape of northern Xinjiang. After about nine hours of driving, I finally arrived at the much-anticipated Koktokay. As soon as I entered the scenic area, I was stunned by the beauty before me. In the distance, the mountains undulated, shining with golden light under the sun; nearby, the green grass was lush, wildflowers bloomed freely, emitting bursts of fragrance. The Irtysh River meandered through, its clear water reflecting the sunlight and presenting a charming blue, like a blue ribbon linking the entire scenic area together. I took a sightseeing bus deeper into the park and first arrived at Shenzhong Mountain. This granite peak, hundreds of meters tall, resembled a giant bell turned upside down on the earth, majestic and breathtaking. Standing at the foot of Shenzhong Mountain, looking up at this masterpiece of nature, I couldn’t help but marvel at the smallness of humans and the greatness of nature. Surrounding Shenzhong Mountain were many other peaks of various shapes—some like camels, others like elephants—each with its own unique story, waiting for visitors to discover and listen to. After leaving Shenzhong Mountain, I continued along the wooden plank road, enjoying the scenery along the way. On both sides of the path were dense forests, with lush trees. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating patches of golden light. Occasionally, I heard birds singing joyfully, as if playing a beautiful melody for this wonderful autumn day. It was early September, and autumn had quietly arrived in northern Xinjiang. Some leaves had begun to yellow, with a mix of yellow and green colors making the forest look like a splendid oil painting. Along the way, I also saw the Couple Trees. These two trees stood closely together—one tall and upright, the other graceful and slender—like a loving couple walking hand in hand through the river of time. Their presence added a romantic atmosphere to this beautiful natural scenery, attracting many visitors to take photos, myself included, capturing this warm moment with my camera. Further ahead, I reached the birch forest. In September, the birch leaves had not fully turned yellow but were beginning to show a faint golden hue. A gentle breeze rustled the birch leaves, as if telling the story of autumn. Walking on the forest path, the soft fallen leaves underfoot made crisp sounds, bringing a sense of great comfort. Here, I slowed my pace and fully enjoyed the tranquility and beauty of nature, as if all worries had been cast far away. Continuing along the Irtysh River, the water was sometimes rapid, sometimes calm. In the rapid sections, the river rushed down, splashing white waves and roaring loudly; in the calm sections, the water was like a mirror, reflecting the green mountains and trees on both banks, dreamlike and enchanting. The rocks by the river, shaped by years of water erosion, formed various strange shapes—some resembling animals, others like figures—making one marvel at nature’s craftsmanship. During the trip, I also met some travelers from all over the country. We shared our experiences and joys along the journey. While admiring the beautiful scenery, we exchanged our feelings about Koktokay, all deeply attracted by its natural beauty and unique charm. Unconsciously, the sun began to set, and the sky was painted with brilliant sunset colors. At this moment, Koktokay seemed wrapped in a golden veil, appearing even more beautiful and enchanting. With a reluctant heart, I left this land that made me linger. Although this trip to Koktokay was brief, its beauty had deeply imprinted in my mind, becoming an unforgettable memory in my life. If you also yearn for a trip away from the city’s hustle and bustle to get close to nature, Koktokay is definitely a place not to be missed. It is like a dazzling pearl embedded in the land of northern Xinjiang, waiting for more people to discover its beauty.