Zhaosu Wetland in Xinjiang: An Autumn Secret Missed by 80% of Tourists, Four Scenes Worthy of Praise

Hidden in the core business district of Zhaosu County, Ili, Xinjiang, Zhaosu Wetland offers tranquility amidst the bustle and encompasses the most exquisite scenic belt of the Tekes River. Unlike the popular tourist spots in Xinjiang that are crowded with people, it is the most unforgettable hidden gem during a 52-day tour around Xinjiang. Visiting in autumn brings a triple romance of river, birds, and horses, each spot worth savoring slowly. 🌊 The winding Tekes River is the foundation of the wetland. As a tributary of the Ili River, it flows through the town and spreads out into a picturesque scroll in the wetland area. Islands and sandbanks are scattered across the river surface, with lush trees along the banks. Under the influence of autumn, the foliage glows in varying shades of golden yellow. Strolling along the riverbank, resting on a rock, or climbing to a high vantage point to gaze afar, the clear water reflects the colorful forests on both sides. When the wind blows, the shimmering waves and leaf shadows sway together, making time seem to slow down. 🦢 The migratory birds that stay in autumn are the spirits of the wetland. At this time, the Tekes River banks are ablaze with autumn colors, dazzling and bright. Migratory birds gradually return to their nests, becoming the autumn and winter hosts of this land. The wetland is home to many species of migratory birds. Common gulls and egrets play on the water surface, while rare white swans and hooded cranes circle in the sky. During our visit, we were lucky to witness cranes dancing in the sky, their wingtips cutting through the azure, creating the most precious highlight memory of the trip. 🐎 The grandeur of the heavenly horses bathing in the river is the wetland’s main attraction. This is the signature show of Zhaosu Wetland, with 2-4 performances daily (specific times can be checked in advance). When herds of Ili heavenly horses gallop into the Tekes River, their hooves splash water everywhere, contrasting with the golden trees on the shore and the distant snow-capped mountains. The scene is magnificent and picturesque, where the primal vitality intertwines with the vastness of autumn, stirring the heart profoundly. Such a peaceful secret lies hidden in the bustling city, with the gentleness of the river, the liveliness of the birds, and the passion of the horses. Autumn in Zhaosu Wetland has no noisy crowds, only pure beauty and freedom. Once you visit, you’ll know that this scenery, missed by 80% of travelers, is the most touching surprise of autumn in Xinjiang.