Another "Mini Sayram Lake" in Ili

Driving along the Ili loop When you start to feel aesthetic fatigue from seeing endless grassland scenery, suddenly encountering a different view becomes even more captivating! This is a must-visit spot on the Ili loop, and it's the most worthwhile stop along the route from Qiongkushitai/Kalajun ➡️ Chaxi/Kurdening. Located near Gongliu County, the Tekes River, also known as Chapuqi Reservoir, boasts stunningly beautiful water color on sunny days—so gorgeous it will leave you speechless! The lake's blue hue is so vivid that no photo editing can replicate it! I passed by this place three times in total: The first time was on a cloudy day, and the water appeared gray and quite ordinary. The second time was on a sunny day, and the lake's blue color was dazzling. I walked to the shore and took many photos, but unfortunately, a large cloud rolled in before sunset, so I missed the sunset view. The third time was also on a sunny day, and I stopped to take aerial shots. The colors from a bird's-eye view were even more breathtaking! So, if you pass by and don't see it at its most beautiful, please don't complain that it's not stunning! Like Sayram Lake, its beauty heavily depends on the weather! 🚗 Previously, there were several paths allowing cars to drive to the shore, but now they are all blocked. Currently, the only entrance is at Arenbulake. Near the location, there's a small forest and a trail. While cars used to be able to drive down, the local 🐎 horse teams have fenced it off. You can ride a horse to the riverside and back, or hike in. With the water level currently low, the walk is about 1 kilometer. 💡 This place hasn't been developed into a tourist attraction; it's simply a reservoir along a rural road! There are no accommodations or commercial facilities nearby. If you're traveling along the Ili loop and happen to pass by, I highly recommend stopping to take a look. However, I don't suggest driving hundreds of kilometers just to visit this spot!