2025 Gongliu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

Kuerdening, Xinjiang: The Green Wonderland Deep in the Tianshan Mountains, an Absolutely Stunning Secret Realm! Stroll through the sea of spruce trees and encounter the most pristine poetry of the Tianshan Mountains In the southeastern mountainous area of Gongliu County, Ili, Xinjiang, lies a secret realm known as the "Most Beautiful Green Valley of the Tianshan"—the Kuerdening Scenic Area. This World Natural Heritage site, with its unique natural landscapes and pristine beauty, is waiting for you to explore. Kuerdening Essential Travel Guide 🚗 Transportation and Tickets · Ticket: 60 RMB per person (peak season), self-driving vehicles can enter the scenic area for free. · About a 3-hour drive from Yining City; about 1.5 hours from Gongliu County. · The scenic area has a one-way road; enter from Zhonggou and exit from Donggou. 📸 Must-See Attractions 1. Qimengde Viewing Platform: The scenery here resembles scenes from "Heidi and Grandpa," and it is the essence of Kuerdening. Hike along the wooden plank road, flanked by lush spruce forests and sprinkled with fairy-tale wooden cabins. In the distance stands the magnificent snow-capped Kabanbay Peak. It is recommended to visit in the morning when the light is soft and front-lit for better photos. 2. Ayusai Viewing Platform: From here, you can overlook the spectacular S-shaped mountain road, with Kabanbay Peak snow mountain seemingly within reach. It’s an excellent spot to capture both the snow mountain and forest in one frame. 3. Ten-Mile Gallery: The first stop after entering the scenic area, with towering spruces on both sides of the road, lush green grass, wildflowers everywhere, and the Kuerdai River gently flowing like a slowly unfolding landscape painting. 4. Spruce Forest Hiking: Kuerdening boasts the largest area of Xueling spruce forest in Asia. Walking through the forest, sunlight filters through the branches creating dappled shadows, the air is fresh and filled with the scent of pine needles, as if taking a natural forest bath. 💡 Practical Tips · Accommodation Options: You can choose to stay in a Kazakh yurt inside the scenic area (about 200-400 RMB/night), with snow mountains visible right outside the door and a dazzling Milky Way overhead at night; or return to Gongliu County for accommodation with more complete facilities. · Food Experience: Try a bowl of freshly brewed milk tea at a herder’s home, rich in creamy flavor; then enjoy some local grilled lamb skewers with authentic taste. · Travel Preparation: Mountain weather is changeable with large temperature differences between day and night, so bring a jacket even in summer. UV rays are strong, so be sure to take sun protection measures. The beauty of Kuerdening lies in its primitive and simple natural atmosphere, in the harmonious picture woven by snow mountains, forests, grasslands, and streams. This "Green Valley of the Tianshan" quietly interprets the magnificence and diversity of our motherland’s mountains and rivers. So, what is the true meaning of travel? Is it to find your original self in another place, or to finally understand the belonging of your heart in the vast world? Feel free to share your stories and insights in the comments.

Tucked away in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains in the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, the Kurdnin Scenic Area is a little-known, breathtaking natural wonder. Home to magnificent alpine meadows, clear streams, and lush primeval forests, it resembles a timeless painting, quietly showcasing the purity and mystery of nature. Wandering through Kurdnin, you'll be greeted by rolling mountains and lush green meadows, dotted with colorful wildflowers and herds of cattle. In the early morning, mist shrouds the valley, while sunlight filters through the treetops, casting a gentle glow over the landscape. The fresh air invites you to forget the hustle and bustle of life and return to inner peace. Kurdnin is not only a paradise for nature lovers, but also an ideal destination for photographers capturing breathtaking scenery. The warm hospitality of the local Kazakh people adds a human touch to your journey. Whether you're exploring on foot or simply appreciating the natural beauty, Kurdnin offers a unique and profound experience. 🌿 Traveler's Notes: • Best Time to Travel: June to September, for pleasant weather and the most stunning scenery. • Transportation Tips: Access to scenic areas often relies on chartered vehicles or self-driving, so be sure to check road conditions in advance. • Recommended Experiences: Hiking, nature photography, and exploring ethnic customs. Kurdening, a shining pearl in Yili, Xinjiang, invites you to journey into this pristine world and experience the stunning beauty and tranquility deep within the Tianshan Mountains. ⸻ 🔖 Tags #KurdeningScenic ...

| Just back from Xinjiang, this guide is super practical! I've prepared a super detailed Xinjiang travel guide for you today, hoping to help those planning a trip to Xinjiang! 🌸 Must-sees in Northern Xinjiang (4-7 day trip) Sayram Lake: In April, Sayram Lake boasts the spectacle of ice shoves and lakeside wildflowers, offering stunning views! A second visit is recommended for better photo opportunities. Turgen Apricot Valley: The world's largest wild apricot forest, with the best viewing period for the pink sea of flowers from late March to mid-April. Xiata Trail: A hiker's paradise in May, with picturesque scenery featuring snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and grasslands. Kuerdening: A lesser-known spot with pristine spruce forests, perfect for photos and features the same photo spots as Yi Mengling. Tip: Nalati Grassland doesn't turn green until May. For early spring, consider heading to Qasi Grassland for more scenic beauty. 🕊 Must-do experiences in Southern Xinjiang (3-7 day trip) Kashgar Old City: Wander through the maze-like city of the Western Regions and take Uyghur-style photos. Renting traditional clothing is a bargain at just CNY 50/day during the off-season. Baisha Lake: The "blue tears" of the Pamir Plateau, with a dreamy half-ice, half-water lake surface in March. Panlong Ancient Road: 75 kilometers with 600 bends, perfect for aerial photography capturing the essence of "taking all the detours today." Taxkorgan Apricot Village: The apricot blossoms are in full bloom from March 15th to April 2nd. Stay in a century-old Tajik stone house and experience the local culture. Note: Visiting Muztagata Glacier requires a 4WD vehicle with snow chains, and access is easier after April. 🍲 Xinjiang Food Recommendations Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken): Tender chicken and soft potatoes, paired with onions, create an irresistible aroma. Lamb Skewers: Grilled to perfection, these fragrant skewers are a signature Xinjiang dish. Nang Pit Meat: Aromatic roasted meat, paired with nang bread, is incredibly satisfying. Pilaf: Fluffy rice served with mutton, carrots, and raisins, offering a nutritious and flavorful meal. Baked Buns: Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these are a traditional Xinjiang snack. Yogurt Rice Dumplings: Indulge in these at local food streets and savor their unique flavor. Xinjiang Banmian (Mixed Noodles): La Tiao Zi noodles are hand-pulled from high-quality flour and served with mutton, tomatoes, peppers, and various vegetables for a truly satisfying meal. Fried Rice Noodles: Thick and chewy rice noodles in a rich broth, available with chicken, beef, mushroom, and other flavors. 🗓 7-Day, 6-Night Itinerary for Spring Flower Viewing in Ili 📅 Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi from various locations nationwide 📅 Day 2: Urumqi - S101 - Kenswat - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Kuitun 📅 Day 3: Kuitun - Sayram Lake Loop - Sayram Lake Afternoon Tea - Trip Moments at Sayram Lake 📅 Day 4: Sayram Lake - Turgen Apricot Valley/Kuerdening - Nalati 📅 Day 5: Nalati - Nalati Aerial Grassland - Jinghe/Shuanghe 📅 Day 6: Jinghe/Shuanghe - International Grand Bazaar - Urumqi 📅 Day 7: Departure from Urumqi 🌟 Xinjiang is a place full of natural beauty and ethnic charm. Whether it's the snow-capped mountains and grasslands of Northern Xinjiang or the ancient cities of Southern Xinjiang, your trip is sure to be filled with excitement. I hope this guide helps you plan your trip with ease and enjoy a perfect Xinjiang adventure! Save it and get ready to go!

Xinjiang is beautiful, but there are also many pitfalls! 😅 I sincerely suggest you do your research before you go, otherwise, you'll be crying on the roadside! 📝 Here's a guide to avoiding common mistakes. Please save it and read it carefully. - ✅ Weather: Xinjiang's weather is unpredictable. You can experience all four seasons in one day. ⛅ Be sure to pack sunscreen, warm clothes, and rain gear. - ✅ Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang is huge. Even in July and August, the nights are cold! 🧣 Wear breathable, warm clothing. Choose loose, cotton pants. - ✅ Transportation: Xinjiang's straight roads can cause visual fatigue and speeding. Drivers, please be careful! Travel times are long, so if you get carsick, remember to bring motion sickness pills 💊. - ✅ Shopping: Goods in Xinjiang are sold by the kilogram. - ✅ Accommodation: Apart from a few cities like Urumqi and 🏠 Karamay, which have modern hotels, accommodation in other areas is basic. Some places don't have air conditioning, or even showers and private bathrooms. - ✅ Time difference: Xinjiang is 2 hours behind Beijing time. ⏰ Most businesses operate on a different schedule than in other parts of China. - ✅ Acclimatization: The water in Xinjiang is alkaline and hard. If you're not used to it, it can cause constipation. 🍉 Fruits are high in sugar, so don't eat too much at once. Some people also experience diarrhea after eating fresh mutton and dairy products. - ✅ Trip length: Plan to spend at least 7 days in Xinjiang, starting in Urumqi. - 🚗 Sample 7-day Xinjiang itinerary: D1: Urumqi - Bole - Sayram Lake (stay overnight at Sayram Lake) D2: Sayram Lake - Yining - Zhaosu (stay overnight in Zhaosu) D3: Zhaosu - Shata (stay overnight in Shata) D4: Shata sunrise - Tekes (stay overnight in Tekes) D5: Tekes - Shixi - Nalati (stay overnight in Nalati) D6: Nalati scenic area sunrise - Nalati town (stay overnight in Nalati) D7: Nalati town - Urumqi

Visit Xinjiang! This is a place favored by the heavens. In Xinjiang, you can see vast grasslands like a green ocean, with galloping horses and flocks of sheep dotting the landscape like clouds. The Tianshan Mountains are majestic and spectacular, with snow-capped peaks shining mysteriously under the sunlight. Lakes are like sapphires embedded in the earth, with clear waters reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, creating breathtaking scenery. Northern Xinjiang 12-Day Dream Tour D1: Various locations --- Urumqi D2: Urumqi - Ulungur Lake Sunset - Burqin Night Market D3: Burqin - Hemu Travel Photography - Hemu Sunset Platform - Hemu Starry Sky - Hemu Wooden Cabin Homestay D4: Hemu Sunrise Morning Fog - Kanas Lake - Guanyu Pavilion - Kanas River - Old Kanas Village D5: Kanas Three Bays Hiking - World Devil City Sunset - Karamay D6: Karamay - Sayram Lake Circle - Guozigou Bridge - Yining D7: Yining - Yizhao Highway - Xiata - Zhaosu D8: Zhaosu - Qiongkushitai Travel Photography D9: Qiongkushitai - Nalati Air Grassland Travel Photography - Nalati D10: Nalati - Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery - Fairy Lake - Northern Section of Duku Highway - Dushanzi D11: Dushanzi - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - S101 National Defense Highway - Colorful Danxia - Urumqi D12: Urumqi Departure - Warm Home Preparations 1. Documents: Prepare your ID card and various discount certificates. 2. Clothing: Bring warm clothes, sun protection clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. Transportation Guide 1. Long-distance transportation: You can choose to fly or take a train to Urumqi. 2. City transportation: The distances between attractions are long, so it is recommended to rent a car or carpool for convenience and flexibility, allowing you to enjoy the scenery at any time. Food Recommendations 1. Urumqi: Baked buns, hand-grabbed rice, large plate chicken. 2. Burqin: Dogfish, Wudaohei and other cold-water fish. 3. Yining: Nang pit meat, grilled lamb skewers, laghman.

The grassland scenic areas in Ili are mostly located in east-west valleys, but Kurdening in the eastern mountainous area of Gongliu County, Ili, is situated in a north-south valley. It stretches about 14 kilometers long and is about 1 kilometer wide at its widest point, with an average valley floor elevation of 1500 meters. 'Kurdening' means 'crossing ditch' in Kazakh. The unique north-south orientation makes Kurdening warm in winter and cool in summer, with a pleasant climate throughout the year. Therefore, Kurdening is not only a famous scenic spot in Ili but also a popular summer resort. It combines the charming and delicate beauty of Jiangnan's mountain villages with the vast and rugged grassland scenery, attracting more and more domestic and international tourists. With an average elevation of about 1500 meters, it boasts the largest primeval spruce forest in China. The national-level spruce nature reserve is located here, offering beautiful and pleasant scenery. It's definitely worth a visit!

After a trip to Xinjiang, my heartfelt feeling is! Apart from Xinjiang, the rest is elsewhere, no other place can replace it! Xinjiang is about to enter the most beautiful summer, this summer, you must go to Xinjiang 🌲 · ✈ Chengdu - Yining, rent a car for a self-driving tour 🚙 Total cost per person is 6k (excluding airfare) May in Yili has just entered spring, there is still snow in many places, the biggest advantage is that during the off-season, air tickets and hotel prices are cheap, and you can enjoy both the snow-capped mountains and some early blooming flowers🌼. June is the best time, with blooming flowers and green grass, but the snow mountains have melted, and the consumption is moderate. July and August are the peak tourist seasons, with all the lavender in Huocheng in full bloom, and the consumption is relatively high. · 🚙 My favorite places throughout the journey 【Nalati】 Self-driving 300/person, although the price is not cheap, it is truly worth it, I love Nalati the most, there are herds of cattle and sheep on the grassland, as well as snow-capped mountains and streams, you must wait for the sunset at the nomadic homes 【Qiaxi Forest Park】 Compared to Kuerdening, I prefer Qiaxi, it's as romantic as an oil painting, just like the movie scene of 'Heidi and Grandfather', I suggest staying in Gongliu 【Qiongkushitai】 The road to Qiongku is extremely beautiful, there is a snow mountain swing in front of the mountain, there is no need to be stubborn about the back mountain, the stay at Qingkong Jiyi is awesome 【Fairy Lake】 Although it requires hiking, the scenery is absolutely worth it 【Sailimu Lake】 Get up at 5 am to go to S bay to watch the sunrise, an unforgettable experience, it is a beautiful scene that will be remembered for a lifetime . 🚙12-day trip recommendation 1. Chengdu - Urumqi 2. Huocheng - Sailimu Lake (must see the sunrise) 3. Sailimu Lake - Guozigou Bridge - Huocheng Lavender, stay in Yining or Huanghuang Village 4. Yining - Tekes - Qiongkushitai 5. Qiongkushitai 6. Qiongkushitai - Kalajun Grassland - Stay in Zhaosu 7. Xatage scenic area - Stay in Tekes Bagua City at night 8. Tekes - Tekes River - Qiaxi Forest Park - Nalati, stay in the town 9. Nalati Grassland Scenic Area 10. Nalati - Northern section of Duku Highway - Tangbula - Fairy Lake, stay in Tangbula 11. Tangbula - Northern section of Duku Highway - Urumqi · 🌟Precautions 1. Prepare mosquito repellent 2. Choose an SUV for car rental, the roads to Qiongkushitai and Qiaxi are not very good 3. The temperature difference between morning and evening is large, you can experience four seasons in one day 4. If you want to take pictures of the sunrise at Sailimu Lake and don't want to stay in the scenic area, you can enter from the east gate before 9 am (the south gate does not check tickets)

【Introduction】: ◆ The scenery of the Ili region is the most representative and popular in Xinjiang. From May, the grasslands of Ili begin to turn green, with vast seas of flowers and clouds that seem to come straight out of an anime. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe that such beautiful scenery exists in the world. 🛬【Itinerary】: Kanas Ili 10-Day Tour 1 - Urumqi - Burqin Attractions - Wulungu Lake - Colorful Beach Sunset Accommodation - Burqin Colorful Beach 2 - Burqin - Hemu Attractions - Haden Viewing Platform - Aid Bridge Accommodation - Hemu Hemu Scenic Area 3 - Hemu - Kanas Attractions - Kanas Lake - Guanyu Pavilion Accommodation - Kanas Kanas Burqin 4 - Kanas - Burqin Attractions - Kanas Three Bays - Burqin River Night Market Accommodation - Burqin 5 - Burqin - Kuitun Attractions - Devil City Accommodation - Kuitun World Devil City 6 - Kuitun - Yining Attractions - Sayram Lake - Guozigou Bridge Accommodation - Yining Sayram Lake 7 - Yining - Nalati Attractions - Nalati Grassland Accommodation - Nalati Nalati Tourist Scenic Area 8 - Nalati - Bayinbulak Attractions - Bayinbulak Accommodation - Bayinbulak Bayinbulak Grassland 9 - Bayinbulak - Kuitun Attractions - Duku Highway - Tangbula Accommodation - Kuitun Duku Highway 10 - Kuitun - Urumqi Attractions - Anjihai Grand Canyon - Hundred Mile Danxia - S101 National Defense Highway Accommodation - Urumqi Anjihai Grand Canyon 🧡【Tips】: 💬 For more customized routes, feel free to leave a message or contact me👇🏻

If you ask me whether to choose Nalati or Kuerdening for a trip to Yili, Xinjiang during the May Day holiday, I can only tell you that it's a tough choice, because I like both places. Kuerdening is a small but exquisite beauty spot that has really become beautiful during this time. Kuerdening means 'horizontal ditch' in Kazakh, and it is a niche attraction in Xinjiang that has become popular in the past two years. I did some research online before and discovered its advantages 'few people, suitable for self-driving' plus the pictures online were very tempting! So I set off, and I really don't regret it. Navigation location: Kuerdening Zhonggou Ticket Checkpoint Currently, the West Gully and East Gully are closed, and you can only visit Kuerdening Zhonggou. After driving to the scenic area, follow the wooden plank road for a light hike. Zhonggou is at a low altitude, with streams, and the scenic spot is on the opposite side of the river in the forward direction, with parking spaces and a cable bridge to cross, suitable for picnics and camping. There are also many beautiful sceneries along the way, and of course, hiking is tiring, but it's all worth it. I really like one of the spots here, the Qimengde Viewing Platform. This is the highest viewing platform in Kuerdening. Follow the wooden plank road all the way up, and you can see the same kind of little wooden house as in the movie 'Heidi and Grandfather', and because I really like this movie, I feel it's really worth it. Note: Currently, you cannot drive to Qimengde. You can only park at the 'Kafeng Campsite' parking lot at the intersection of Zhonggou and Donggou, and then walk or ride a horse in. The entrance fee is 30 RMB per person, no other fees are required for driving in, and the indoor parking is free. Horse riding is also available, 80 RMB for 1 hour of fun. The opening hours are from 9 am to 7 pm, so pay attention if you plan to go. You can also refer to my route Shili Gallery - Fengxiang Post Station - Kafeng Base Camp - Qimengde Viewing Platform - Ayusai Viewing Platform - King of Spruce - Cloud-top Grassland Please note 1. There is no signal in many places on the mountain, so it's better to download an offline map in advance. 2. Prepare food and water in advance, so you can replenish energy if you get hungry on the mountain. 3. There are no hotels in the scenic area, but there are camping sites and wooden houses, felt tents of the herdsmen, and you can also stay in the town of Kuerdening, so there are more choices. 4. It is recommended to go there in the morning or after 7 pm to catch the good light and shadow, which is key for taking good photos. If you go at noon, the sun is very strong, and the photos taken with a mobile phone are gray and not very good 😫 Welcome everyone to Xinjiang 👏👏

A year's wait, just for Xinjiang in May. Mid-May in Yili, not many people around, snow mountains, grasslands, flowers, beautiful scenery coexist! Friends who want to go to Xinjiang, you can set off in May! 📍Sailimu Lake: A must-visit! After entering the scenic area and reaching the lakeside, turn left to the S bend, where there are many people. Continue forward to the next bend, you can park your car on the roadside, then climb up the hillside on the left to admire the stunning scenery of Sailimu Lake🌊. 📍Nalati: Recommended for the sky grassland! The difference between the self-driving ticket and the sightseeing car ticket is not big, both require parking at the nomadic homes🚗. Follow the popular bridge and walk along the stream, the fewer people, the more beautiful the scenery🌄. 📍Kuerdening: An exclusive scenic area for May, like Qiaxi, it belongs to the grasslands that turn green early. After parking in the parking lot, you can ride a horse or hike, about an hour to reach the Qimengde viewing platform🧐. Along the way, there are small cabins and plank roads facing the snow mountains, the scenery is super beautiful! 📍Qiaxi: May's Qiaxi is the essence of Yili, because it turns green early and is an open scenic area, you can drive in, stop along the way to enjoy the beautiful scenery, but be sure not to block the way for passing vehicles🚧. 📍Xia Ta: Highly recommended! Even in summer, there are snow mountains and forests here, and the divine position is at the transfer bridge. After admiring the transfer bridge, cross the bridge and walk the right plank road all the way to the end, General Bridge, the scenery along the way is breathtaking👀! If you want to go to house number 2, you can start walking or riding from the transfer bridge, about half an hour to reach🐎. ▪ Tour Line Reference 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 D1: Yining-Sailimu Lake-Guozigou Bridge-Qingshuihe Town D2: Qingshuihe Town-Nalati Scenic Area-Nalati Town D3: Nalati Town-Kuerdening D4: Kuerdening-Qiaxi-Zhaosu County D5: Zhaosu County-Xia Ta-Tekes County D6: Tekes County-Yining ▪️My Views 𝗠𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 Yili in May can be selectively played, some attractions may not be so green yet, but the places listed above are all worth a visit! The grasslands of Yili are similar, be sure to choose differentiated scenic areas to avoid aesthetic fatigue😉.

You must come to Gongliu to see the snow in winter❄️ Kudening covered in white snow is unbelievably beautiful, especially with that touch of blue tone, it’s like a fairy tale world✨ When I visited recently, the snow was already very thick, and every corner looked like it was sprinkled with frosting～ 📍Kudening Scenic Area Address: Mountainous area in the southeast of Gongliu County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture (88 km from the county seat) Opening hours: October 1 - April 30, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Things you must do here: 1. Swing on the snow-covered swing, facing the blue sky and white clouds is super healing 2. Take a series of blue-toned snow photos, every shot is wallpaper-worthy 3. Step on the thick snow and listen to the crunching sound, it’s very stress-relieving Useful tips: ☑️ There may be snow on mountain roads in winter, if driving yourself, it’s recommended to choose a four-wheel drive ☑️ The temperature in the scenic area is much lower than in the county, down jackets + snow boots are a must ☑️ It’s best to enter right when it opens at 10 AM, the lighting is perfect for photos ☑️ Bring a thermos with hot water, staying warm in winter is very important

Who would understand! Winter in Kuerdening… it’s like a real-life ice and snow fairy tale❄️ Once you arrive, you won’t want to leave! Snowflakes on the branches sparkle with tiny golden light, walking through the forest you hear the “crunch crunch” of stepping on snow, even your breath carries the fresh scent of grass and wood～ 💦 Come to Kuerdening, stay here! 📍 Qimengde Viewing Platform, Arele Village, Kuerdening Town, Gongliu The environment here is truly amazing, the little wooden cabin in the snow is so healing! The roof is covered with a thick blanket of snow, warm yellow light shines through the window, like a cozy little nest full of surprises from a fairy tale… here you can take great photos or quietly enjoy the peaceful snowy life… especially dreamy～ The camp staff are very patient and responsible, extremely enthusiastic… not only helping with settling in but also thoughtfully sharing the best spot to watch the sunrise, instantly dispelling the fatigue of the journey🌅 Even luckier, the snow in Kuerdening came quickly, making it a “lucky” encounter. The camp is also equipped with a restaurant, a mobile coffee shop, and a mobile bar… you can enjoy a drink while watching the snow and chatting here, or lie in bed watching the snow, both great choices… instantly makes you feel life is worth it!! This spontaneous Altay trip not only offers the beautiful scenery of snow and sunrise but also the warmth of the camp’s lively atmosphere and the enthusiasm of the local people. If I come to Kuerdening again next time, I will definitely choose this place again, not for anything else, but for this warm reception like that of a friend…

Time⏰ Around New Year's I've experienced Yili in summer, autumn, and winter, and my favorite is still winter in Yili. There are fewer tourists, it's relatively peaceful, and hotels offer great value for money. Hotels that cost 700-800 yuan in summer average around 200 yuan in winter, making the overall travel experience very pleasant. Especially for someone from Hubei who has no heating in winter, a place where there is snow outside the window and you can eat ice indoors is simply so comfortable—that's what winter should feel like. 🚶🏻‍♀️A relatively relaxed, unhurried itinerary🚶🏻‍♀️ D1️⃣ Arrive in Yining City Six Star Street, Kazanqi (not as beautiful as in summer, but since you're here, might as well visit) D2️⃣ Yining City - Sailimu Lake (stay at Sailimu Lake; if pressed for time, return to Yining for accommodation) One day at Sailimu Lake is enough, but if you have time, you can stay overnight in the scenic area to catch the sunrise and sunset. The Sailimu Lake ticket is valid for 24 hours. We entered in the afternoon, stayed one night, and left the next afternoon. This way, we experienced the moody atmosphere of the lake on a cloudy day and the bright, clear lake the next day. (Must mention the hotel—on New Year's Eve it was only about 300 yuan, and the hotel held a New Year's event, spending a fortune on a half-hour fireworks show in the square at the entrance 🎆, costing tens of thousands. The value for money blew me away on the spot.) D3️⃣ Sailimu Lake - Yining - Kuerdening I had a very poor impression of Kuerdening; after one visit, I don't want to go again. It's not fun, the road is bad and muddy all the way. We stayed at my favorite hotel of the trip, which also gave free Kuerdening tickets. Luckily the tickets were free, otherwise, I would have thought 20 yuan was too much. D4️⃣ Kuerdening - Tekesi (passing by Chabuchi Lake on the way) Chabuchi Lake is more beautiful than Kuerdening. D5️⃣ Tekesi - Kalajun (stay in Tekesi) Big shoutout to Xianhuatai in Kalajun! The Wild Snow Park has complete infrastructure, natural scenery including snowy mountains and pastures, and various snow-related recreational activities including a ski resort. It’s the most worthwhile place to visit in Yili during winter! Arrive at noon, play all afternoon, and in the evening on the way back, you can watch the sunset. The pink sky I missed at Sailimu Lake was made up for by Kalajun. D6️⃣ Tekesi - Qiongkushitai In previous years, Qionku was deserted in winter, like a forgotten village, and the village had water shortages, making food and accommodation relatively troublesome. But this winter, many homestays are reportedly open, so the situation should be much better. The scenery on the way and in the village is quite nice. If you have time, you can stay a night. The road from Tekesi to Qiongkushitai is rough; self-driving requires snow chains. D7️⃣ Tekesi - Yining About Clothing 🧣 Except for the ice piles at Sailimu Lake (extremely cold 🥶, around -15 to -20°C) and Qiongkushitai (no heating), normal winter clothes are fine elsewhere. I wore clothes thinner than what I wear in Hubei, just added a hat and scarf. It’s cold on cloudy, snowy, and windy days, but when the sun is out and there’s no wind, the sunlight reflected by the snow feels warm on your body. All indoor places have heating, so people from central and southern China should have no problem.

This snow-view cabin in Kurdening is absolutely amazing! 🔥 Lying down watching snowy mountains + thoughtful service + luxurious facilities = a dreamy winter vacation ⛄️ If you come to Xinjiang and don’t stay here, you’ll really regret it! 🥰 ❄️【Location Guide】 📍Coordinates: Kurdening Scenic Area Ten-Mile Gallery (drive directly to the creek) 🚗Transportation: The butler will arrange shuttle cars to take you across the river and even help carry your luggage! No worries at all~ ❄️【Environment Experience】 The white fairy-tale cabin is nestled at the foot of snowy mountains 🏔️ In front of the door is a crystal-clear creek 💧 Surrounded by pine trees 🌲 Especially when it snows—the whole place is like a real fairy tale world! ☃️ 🏡【Room Facilities】 Open-air balcony: lie down and watch the snowy mountains and sea of clouds Comfortable bedding: soft like sleeping on clouds Luxurious bathroom: dry and wet separation + massage bathtub Thoughtful amenities: floor heating/humidifier/projector all included Also prepared disinfectant wipes + disposable bathtub covers! Snuggling in bed watching a projected movie at night is just pure happiness 🎬 🍽️【Restaurant Service】 Christmas-themed café: perfect for photos 📸 Buffet breakfast so rich it brings tears: even sticky rice chicken and shumai! 🥟 Wide selection of Chinese and Western dishes: the waiters are super nice~

Winter fairy tale Kuerdening❄️, Xinjiang’s ice and snow secret realm is truly amazing! It’s just a 2-hour self-drive from Yining to reach this silver-covered forest. Walking through the snowy pine forest in temperatures below minus ten degrees feels like being in Northern Europe (but prices are only one-third!). 🏔️【Must-Do Activities】 📍Snow Hiking: The wooden plank paths covered with thick snow in the scenic area are perfect for walking. It’s recommended to wear anti-slip boots (snow boots are also available for rent on site). Sunlight passing through the rime casts mottled shadows on the snow, every shot is a masterpiece📸 📍Rime Wonder: The best time to see rime is between 9-11 AM! Crystal-clear ice crystals cover the spruces. You can get panoramic shots from the Kabanbay Peak viewing platform. 📍Horse Riding Experience: Horse riding services are provided by local Kazakh herders (about 100 RMB/hour). Riding a horse through the snow is super romantic~ 🏨【Accommodation Guide】 🔥Recommended to stay in Gongliu County! Winter accommodation inside the Kuerdening scenic area is relatively simple, and there are more options in the county: • Gongliu Hotel (3-star): 240 RMB/night including breakfast, very warm heating • Spruce Grand Hotel: Newly opened in 2023, rooms have floor heating (40 minutes drive from the scenic area) 🍲【Food Radar】 • Xueling Spruce Restaurant (inside the scenic area): Must-try Xinjiang big plate chicken with belt noodles, about 60 RMB per person to eat until full • Gongliu County Food Street: Recommended rose chicken soup and baked buns, night market open until 1 AM 🚗【Transportation Tips】 1. Yining → Gongliu is all highway (2h), Gongliu → Kuerdening is all paved road (1.5h) 2. In winter, it’s recommended to rent a 4WD car (300 RMB/day), regular cars need snow chains 3. Set navigation to "Kuerdening Visitor Center," parking is free 📌Winter Special Tips: √ Mobile signal in the scenic area is intermittent, download offline maps in advance √ Temperature drops sharply after 4 PM, bring warm packs and a thermos √ If there is a snowstorm, the scenic area may close temporarily (you can call 0904-8969877 in advance to check)

❄️Xinjiang Travel Guide! A hundred filters can't capture the beauty of Sayram Lake! ✨Only after visiting Xinjiang did I realize how magnificent and beautiful our motherland's mountains and rivers are! I couldn't help but exclaim! Winter is truly the pinnacle of Southern Xinjiang! —————————————————— 🚐【My Amazing Travel Style: Private Customized Small Group Tour】 (Our amazing tour leader) ▪️No early mornings like military training! Waking up naturally every day is so wonderful! ▪️Our tour leader is actually a photographer and drone expert! My friends are practically legends! ▪️No waiting for others/no rushing the itinerary. Young people love to travel freely and leisurely! ▪️Laughing until my abs hurt! Snow camping + Xinjiang lamb skewers are awesome! —————————————————— 🏔️【Kurdening: Staying in the Snow Mountain Spirits' Living Room】 ▪️The snow-covered wooden cabin looks like a cream cake! Smoke from cooking fires paired with morning mist creates an ethereal atmosphere. ▪️Horseback riding through the rime ice forest; the sound of hooves is the only background music in winter. ▪️Lying in the snow watching the Milky Way, you instantly understand what "cosmic romance" truly means. —————————————————— 🌊【Sayram Lake: The Broken Eye of Blue Ice is Divinely Beautiful】 ▪️Ice bubble spectacle resembles frozen champagne bubbles! ▪️Swans and rime ice in the same frame; a Disney animation brought to life. ▪️The sunset dyes the ice surface pinkish-orange; so beautiful it brings tears to your eyes. —————————————————— 👗【Snowy Outfit Tips: Warmth and Style Combined!】 🔴Red outfits are awesome! Create stunning photos against the white snow. 🔵Royal blue/Klein blue instantly elevates the look. ⚪️Furry hat + fleece gloves = the perfect winter atmosphere accessory. ▪️Wrap a scarf three times! Warm and a great photo prop. ▪️Choose bright-colored snow boots! Snow footprints are all colorful! ▪️Sunglasses are a must! Reflective snow and a lifesaver for bare-faced beauties! —————————————————— 📸【Photography Tips】 1️⃣Throw snow in bursts! Dynamic shots bring photos to life. 2️⃣Lie down in the snow for overhead shots – unlock a princess-like perspective. 3️⃣Wear bright colors for aerial shots! A miniature world vibe is amazing. 4️⃣Use flash at dusk – snowflakes turn into diamonds and stars. -

Who understands! Winter in Kuerdening instantly pulled me into the snowy world of "Heidi and Grandpa"! Snow-capped mountains, forest seas, sunsets, starry skies… every frame looks like a movie still, with few people and stunning scenery, the cost-performance ratio is off the charts✨ 【About Kuerdening】 It is the "snow mountain secret realm" of Ili, with very few tourists in winter, covering vast snowfields and forests. No crowds, every photo looks like a masterpiece! 🌟【Must-Visit Stunning Spots】 1. Snowfield Sunset Drive deeper from the scenic area entrance to find an open snowy slope. At dusk, the sun dyes the snow mountains warm golden, and the tire tracks on the snow look like scattered diamonds. Just standing there feels like a story~ 2. Starry Sky Cabin Stay overnight in a cabin inside the scenic area, and look up to see the Milky Way! Remember to bring a warm light flashlight; the warm yellow light against the snow and starry sky is so romantic you’ll want to settle down right there. This is at Kafeng Pasture🌌 3. Snow Ridge Horseback Riding When the pink sunset clouds cover the ridge, riding a horse on the snowy slope creates an amazing atmosphere (remember to wear anti-slip boots and keep warm) 🧳【Practical Travel Tips】 - Transportation: It’s recommended to rent a car (you can drive inside the scenic area, the road conditions are good) - Clothing: Down jacket + fleece pants + snow boots + hat and scarf (around -10°C, watch out for wind) - Accommodation: There are wooden cabins in the scenic area, Bairui Camp is fantastic, book in advance (heating is strong, no need to worry about the cold) - Photography: Wear bright colors (red, yellow) for a striking contrast with the white snow and black forest! Winter in Kuerdening is the kind of healing quiet where you can hear the snow falling, once you come, you won’t want to leave~

Who says the romance of winter only exists in movies? I think that's because you haven't yet experienced the winter in Altay. I still remember the winter adventure in Hemu: Treading on powder snow that could cover your knees❄️, gazing at the curling smoke rising from distant wooden houses, seeing the bright moon hanging over the snowy mountains🌙, strolling through the silent white birch forest covered in rime... · ❄️ Ten days winter tour in Northern Xinjiang, collecting every side of ice, snow, and warmth❄️ 🏜️ Wonders: Cross the icy snow desert, encounter the golden sunset at Ulungur Lake; wander through the ink-wash wonderland of Kanas, searching for snow mushrooms; overlook the secret blue ice of Sailimu Lake; stroll through the snow-hung forest of Kuerdening, gallop on the white carpet of Nalati, and dance with swans at Swan Spring. 🎪 Experiences: Throw water to freeze at -20°C in Hemu and shoot winter blockbusters; ride dog sleds, jump in live houses, learn dances around bonfires; horseback riding on snow, skiing down slopes, then soak in snow mountain hot springs to wash away fatigue. 🏡 Accommodation & Food: Stay overnight in Hemu wooden cabins, by Sailimu Lake, and in Nalati scenic area with views right outside your window; taste Kazakh baursak breakfast and Burqin cold water fish hot pot, warming both stomach and heart. ✨ This journey is scenery, fun, rest, and all the tenderness of winter in Northern Xinjiang. · Northern Xinjiang Winter Tour 10 Days | Itinerary Highlights 🗺️ D1 Departure city → Urumqi D2 Urumqi → S21 Desert Highway → Ulungur Lake snowy sunset + Xinjiang-style milk tea → Altay 🏜️ D3 Altay → Hemu Village → Shepherd dog sled photo shoot → Countryside Livehouse 🛷 D4 Hemu → Throw water to freeze → Forest snow house → Self-drive to Kanas Lake (search for snow mushrooms) → Cold water fish hot pot → Burqin ❄️ D5 Burqin → Kazakh breakfast → World Devil City (snow train ride) → Kuitun 🚂 D6 Kuitun → Sailimu Lake circle (winter lighthouse/swans) → Mountain cable car + coffee → Bonfire party 🔥 D7 Sailimu Lake sunrise → Guozigou Bridge → Yining Six Star Street → Kuerdening snowy spruce ridge + horseback riding on snow 🌲 D8 Kuerdening → Self-drive to Nalati → Hayinsai skiing/snow play (ski rings/bicycles) → Bonfire + snow mountain hot springs ⛷️ D9 Nalati → Swan Spring (watch swans/take photos) → Yining high-speed train back to Urumqi 🦢 D10 Urumqi → Return trip · Why choose us❓ 🔴 Xinjiang local travel agency with 13 years of experience, pioneer in pure play small groups 🔴 Pursuing service experience, insisting on no shopping stops throughout the trip 🔴 Publicly offering 7 major compensation guarantees, promises fulfilled immediately upon breach 🔴 Self-operated compliant fleet + licensed vehicles, fully guaranteed 🔴 Full-time drivers and guides with social security, professional and stable, attentive service · 💬 Welcome to message us in the background to learn more~

Discovered a treasure homestay in Kurdening at an altitude of 1900 meters, a private snow mountain secret realm, fully wrapped by spruce forests and snowy mountains, full of natural wild charm, even the little dog is super affectionate in business, the healing feeling is maxed out💯 📍Location: Kurdening Scenic Area, Gongliu, Yili, Xinjiang ✔️Snow mountain wooden house ✔️Valley secret realm ✔️360° panoramic views, open the window to a painting, immersive lying down to enjoy the mountain and wild scenery✨ 🏕️Exquisite camping in the wilderness! Although hidden deep in the snow mountains, the facilities are very complete: restaurant, mobile coffee shop, mobile bar all in one, sitting outdoors in the afternoon to bask in the warm sun and enjoy coffee, looking up to see distant snowy mountains, so cozy you don’t want to leave☕️❄️ Free parking lot and public rest area are always available, with full access control + monitoring system for a strong sense of security, comfortable and safe to stay～ 🛏️Room type “Listen to the Pines” is a must! Panoramic automatic floor-to-ceiling windows yyds, once opened, the snow-capped Kabangbayi Peak and spruce forest directly hit your eyes, the healing feeling is overwhelming🌲 The whole house is smart-controlled and very worry-free, with both floor heating + air conditioning, warm to the heart even in the cold winter; equipped with TOTO bathroom, AO Smith hot water, and XGIMI projector, camping also has a top luxury experience, curled up on the sofa by the stove, full of relaxation and comfort✨ 📸Nearby photo and check-in spots collection: ▪️Qimengde Viewing Platform: Horse riding at the boardwalk entrance is amazing, overlooking the panoramic view of snowy mountains and grasslands, wide vision with a cinematic feel ▪️Bairui Camp: Just outside the door, wooden houses + swings full of forest vibes, every snap is an artistic masterpiece ▪️Red Maple Trees: Encountered right at the entrance of the scenic area, red maples reflecting snowy mountains, eye-catching and great for photos The days and nights in Kurdening are full of snow mountains, forests, and freedom, healing all fatigue. This wild mountain romance is truly worth rushing for❄️💨

Took the kids rushing to the winter North Xinjiang, unexpectedly gained a winter vacation that the kids will never forget for a lifetime, blue ice, snow fir trees🌲, wooden houses🏠, swans… healed throughout the journey～ ❄️ Sayram Lake: The blue ice is amazing, ice flowers and ice hanging are all winter wonders, unexpectedly met a little fox by the lighthouse, the kids chased it around 🏂 Ski Town: Fushoushan International Ski Resort is very suitable for families, the 8° beginner slope is gentle, the kids can ski in half an hour, played snow tubes and banana boats until they didn’t want to leave, adults can join the fun too～ 🏡 Kuerdening: The same snowy scene as Game of Thrones, 360° panoramic wooden houses, also found the same wooden house as in "Heidi and Grandpa," the snow swing photos are simply legendary～ 🦢 Swan Spring: The unfrozen lake surface is covered with rime frost in silver white, swans swim in the lake, the misty scene is so photogenic, every shot looks like a fairy tale filter～ 🧣 Dressing rules Outer layer: waterproof and windproof ski jacket/pants Middle layer: warm fleece/thin down jacket Inner layer: quick-dry underwear (pure cotton can cause colds when sweating) 🚗 Detailed itinerary (kid-friendly version) D1️⃣: Arrive in Yining ✨ Landed and stepped on the snow by the Ili River, rested at the hotel, the kids were a bit tired from the long flight～ D2️⃣: Yining—Sayram Lake ✨ In the morning, set off by off-road vehicle, passed Guozigou Bridge, the silver bridge crossing snowy mountains is spectacular, the kids pressed against the car window unwilling to look away ✨ In the afternoon, went straight to Sayram Lake, searched around the lake for blue ice and ice flowers (just in time from January to February), unexpectedly met a little fox🦊, the kids chased it for half a day D3️⃣: Sayram Lake—Ski Town—Back to Yining ✨ In the morning, rushed to Fushoushan International Ski Town, the beginner slope is super friendly, the kids wore ski gear like little penguins, dared to ski by themselves in half an hour⛷ ✨ In the afternoon, snowland carnival time, played snow tubes and banana boats, the kids teamed up with dad to play bumper balls, laughed until their stomachs hurt ✔️ In the evening, went to Six Star Street to eat roasted buns, the kids ate several～ D4️⃣: Yining—Kuerdening ✨ In the morning, drove 3 hours to Kuerdening, the snowy spruce along the way looks like an ink painting ✨ In the afternoon, rode horses to become little knights of the North🐎, also found the same wooden house as Heidi and Grandpa, took blockbuster photos on the snow swing, flooded with questions on social media ✔️ Stayed in a panoramic snow-view wooden house at night, ate hot pot with snow scenery, after dinner set off blue fireworks, the kids were super happy D5️⃣: Kuerdening—Zhaosu Ice and Snow World—Zhaosu ✨ Early morning in Kuerdening, took a quiet walk with the kids～ ✨ At Zhaosu Ice and Snow World, saw ice sculptures, played on ice slides, at night the Ice and Snow Night City lit up, a large-scale Frozen live show❄️ D6️⃣: Zhaosu—Swan Spring—Back to Yining ✨ In the morning, went to Swan Spring Wetland Park🦢, rime frost surrounded the unfrozen lake, swans swam in the mist, photos looked like a fairy tale picture book ✨ In the afternoon, returned to Yining, visited Kazanqi Blue Alley, checked in at a Russian bakery🍞, fed pigeons at Yujian Coffee D7️⃣: Yining—Return ✨ Watched the sunrise at Ili River Scenic Area, strolled through Han Street Grand Bazaar ✨ Returned in the afternoon according to the flight schedule～ Don’t compete at the seaside this winter vacation, bring the kids to North Xinjiang, run in the snow, marvel at the blue ice, a fairy tale ice and snow trip will really become a precious childhood memory🌟～ - 👉【Charter Tours】 【Customized Tours】 【Private Groups】 all available~ How to get the same itinerary? Tap the bottom left of the screen 【Chat with TA】 to get the plan! -

I didn't expect Kurdening in winter to be so stunning. The snow-covered mountains and streams really look like a fairy tale world 🏡 Another reason to fall in love with Xinjiang. . 🏔️ Lonely branches A newly discovered beautiful spot on the mountaintop (wasn't here last year), where you can capture the snowy mountains behind you. 🏔️ Heidi and Grandpa On the way to Qimengde Viewing Platform (slippery road, be careful), 🐑 it's a bit of a pity there are no lambs to hold in winter. 🏔️ Borui Camp Every time I come, I stay here. I think this is the best place to photograph Kurdening. The winter sunrise and sunset paint the whole sky pink, super beautiful 🌅 .

Dear friends! The winter limited edition 9-day Altay region tour guide is here! Capture fairy-tale snowy scenes with drone aerial shots, enjoy a beginner experience at General Mountain Ski Resort, and record beautiful moments with a photo shoot in Hemu Village. Let's rush together this winter! -------------------- 🌟Route Overview: D1: Depart and arrive at Urumqi Airport, arrange pick-up and check into the hotel to start a wonderful journey🎉 D2-3: Depart from Urumqi, travel via S21 Desert Highway, enjoy a beginner ski experience at General Mountain🎿, then head to Altay, and onward to Hemu, check into a Hemu hotel and enjoy a photo shoot📷 D4: Depart from Hemu, explore Kanas Scenic Area, experience nature’s masterpiece, check into a Burqin hotel🏨 D5-6: Depart from Burqin, visit Devil City, then Populus Euphratica River, followed by Sayram Lake, and finally arrive in Yining for overnight🏙️ D7-8: Depart from Yining, tour Kuerdening, head to Bole, explore Dushanzi Grand Canyon, and finally return to Urumqi for overnight🌃 D9: Transfer to the airport according to flight time, end the pleasant Altay trip, and return to your warm home🏠 -------------------- 🌨️Travel Checklist: 🧥**Clothing**: In December, Altay is below -20°C, bring a thick down jacket, windproof pants, wool socks, and waterproof, anti-slip snow boots! 🧣**Accessories**: A Lei Feng hat to protect your ears, fleece mask to prevent frostbite on your face, touchscreen gloves to use your phone without freezing hands, and warm patches for your waist and abdomen are super practical! 🕶️**Protection**: Skiing/snow play must-have snow goggles to block UV rays and prevent snow blindness; sunglasses for daily wear as sunlight reflecting off snow is very dazzling! 💊**Medicines**: Carry cold medicine, stomach medicine, altitude sickness medicine (may be needed around Kanas), and band-aids for minor injuries! 📄**Documents**: ID card, driver’s license (for car rental), student/senior ID (for scenic spot discounts), and electronic backups to prevent loss! 📸**Electronics**: Camera cold-proof cover to protect the lens, power bank with over 20,000mAh, and stick warm patches on your phone to prevent shutdown from low temperatures! 🍫**Others**: Thermos with hot water, high-calorie snacks (chocolate/beef jerky) for energy boosts anytime, and wet wipes for convenient hand cleaning! -------------------- Quickly call your travel buddy and join the private Altay tour, this trip is definitely worth it! 👏

Here comes the 10-day travel guide for Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture and surrounding areas! Want to gather around the stove to brew tea and enjoy slow moments, or find beautiful spots for perfect photo shoots? This route has it all! The scenery along the way is picturesque, with plenty of activities. Quickly save this treasure guide and start an exciting journey~ . 🌈 Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi and start your Xinjiang Vlog journey🎬! Free activities all day, explore authentic Xinjiang cuisine, stay at a 5-star hotel in Urumqi🏨. Day 2-3: Depart from Urumqi to visit the iconic Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake)🏞️, then head to Altay. On Day 3, choose between Kanas or Hemu to explore the primitive Tuva villages in the Altay Mountains🏡. Day 4-5: From Hemu/Kanas to Burqin, check in, then on Day 5 bravely explore the Western Hengdian Devil City and experience the magnificent Gobi Yardang landforms🏜️, followed by a visit to Populus euphratica River. Day 6: Depart from Populus euphratica River to Sayram Lake, enjoy the last embrace of the Atlantic warm current🌊, stay at a 5-star hotel in Yining🏨, and experience brewing tea around the stove🍵. Day 7-8: Depart from Yining, choose one of three grasslands (Kalajun/Qiashi/Kuerdening)🌿, if the Duku Highway is not open, head to Nalati. Continue on Day 8 in Nalati or Xinyuan/Gongliu to enjoy natural scenery and take fixed-point photos of the grassland beauty📸. Day 9-10: On Day 9, depart from Nalati Town, cross the Duku Highway (or take an alternative route if closed), visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon🌄, and return to Urumqi. On Day 10, after hotel breakfast, enjoy 24-hour private car transfer service🚗, ending a pleasant trip and looking forward to the next reunion! . Some tips: 1️⃣ December in Changji is super cold🥶, full gear with thick down jacket + scarf and gloves is key to staying warm!🧣 2️⃣ The snow scenery at Tianshan Tianchi is beautiful❄️, wearing bright colors makes your photos stand out, every shot is a winter masterpiece📸! 3️⃣ Taxi from Diwopu Airport to downtown takes about 40 minutes🚖, book in advance to avoid long waits~ 4️⃣ Don’t miss Changji’s delicious food🍢, crispy outside and tender inside baked buns, and hand-pulled rice so tasty you’ll lick the plate😋! 5️⃣ Winter has fewer tourists and beautiful scenery🏔️, but some roads have snow accumulation, wearing anti-slip shoes is safer👟! . All the hidden gems of Changji are here, quickly gather your friends and family to form a private group and just go!🚗✨

Dear friends! Don’t miss this 10-day travel guide for Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture and nearby areas~ Take the Northern Cable Car to General Mountain to catch a beautiful sunset, experience the winter fairy tale of Nalati, explore the dreamy Twilight Forest of Kuerdening, plus the S21 Desert Highway, Twin Yadan Canyons, Hemu Village, Kanas, the Twin Lakes of Northern Xinjiang… Hurry and save this! . 📒 Itinerary: D1: ✈ Arrive in Urumqi, enjoy 24-hour pick-up service, start your Urumqi CityWalk🚶‍♀️ D2-3: Depart from Urumqi, cross the S21 Desert Highway🛣️, enjoy night skiing or cable car views at General Mountain snowfield🌃, explore Kanas, stay in a wooden cabin in Hemu Scenic Area with a view right outside your window🏡 D4: Wake up naturally in Hemu, enjoy a bonfire party🔥, unlock a tipsy moment, and be enchanted by the Garden of the Gods🌸 D5-7: Depart Hemu, pass by Populus Euphratica River, VIP tour around Sayram Lake🌊, enjoy lakeside prime afternoon tea, cross Guozigou Bridge, visit wintertime Nalati🏞️, stay in Xinyuan County D8-9: Depart Xinyuan County, stroll through the Twilight Forest of Kuerdening🌲, explore the Twin Yadan Canyon landforms, stay in Bole City, revisit Dushanzi Grand Canyon, feel the ancient grandeur🌄, stay at a 5-star hotel in Urumqi D10: After breakfast at the Urumqi hotel, enjoy 24-hour private transfer to the airport✈️, having seen the mountains and rivers, looking forward to the next reunion🌈 . Recommended Attractions: 🏞️ Kanas Scenic Area 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Provincial Road 232, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region ⏰ Opening Hours: Unknown ⏳ Suggested Visit Duration: 1-2 days Legend of the mysterious lake monster, ever-changing lake colors, a must-see👀! 🏡 Hemu Scenic Area 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: 7 km east of Hemu Village, Hemu Hanas Mongolian Ethnic Township, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region ⏰ Opening Hours: Unknown ⏳ Suggested Visit Duration: 2-3 days Mountain valleys with quaint wooden cabins scattered beautifully, peaceful and lovely🌲! 🌊 Sayram Lake 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Along National Road 30, Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region ⏰ Opening Hours: Open all day ⏳ Suggested Visit Duration: 1-2 days Clear blue lake water, blooming wildflowers on the grasslands, breathtaking views🌼! 🏜️ Dushanzi Grand Canyon 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Along National Road 217, Dushanzi District, Karamay City ⏰ Opening Hours: September 1 - December 31, 09:30-20:30 ⏳ Suggested Visit Duration: 2-3 hours Steep cliffs, desert grasslands, experience the wonders of nature’s craftsmanship🌄! . 🌬️【Travel Checklist:】 🧥 Clothing: In December, Changji temperatures start at -10°C, thick down jackets + windproof pants are essential, snow boots with wool socks keep you warmer, choose windproof scarves and gloves. 👒 Accessories: Sunglasses to prevent snow blindness, thermos with hot water to warm your hands anytime, power bank + hand warmers to cope with cold and power drain, folding umbrella for sudden light snow. 🪪 Documents: ID card is a must, student/senior cards for discounts, driver’s license and vehicle registration if self-driving, some cash for areas without signal. . 🎉 Friends, pack your bags and join the group tour to Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture and nearby areas for an amazing dreamy adventure!

Want to have a fun 9-day trip in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture and nearby places? Don’t miss this hassle-free and money-saving guide! Take a cable car to catch a romantic sunset, join the lively bonfire party in Hemu, experience the wonder of water freezing into ice, stargaze under a dazzling night sky, and enjoy an exciting snow dance party—pure joy all the way! -- Exciting content coming up, scroll down to explore ↓ -- 📒 Suggested Itinerary: DAY1: ✈️ Depart and arrive in Urumqi, enjoy 24-hour airport/train station pick-up service, start the Urumqi CityWalk, and feel the city’s charm 🚶‍♀️ DAY2: Depart from Urumqi, cross the S21 Desert Highway, arrive in Altay, experience night skiing at General Mountain or take the cable car to see the snowy night view 🌌 DAY3-4: From Altay to Kanas, stay in a wooden cabin in the Hemu Scenic Area 🏡, enjoy the view right outside your window, watch the sunrise and sunset 🌅, join the Hemu bonfire party 🔥, and unlock a tipsy good time. DAY5-6: Depart from Hemu, pass through Populus Euphratica River/Dushanzi, stay at a 5-star hotel, then head to Sayram Lake for a VIP 270° deep tour, check in at Guozigou Bridge, and stay at a 5-star hotel in Yining 🏨 DAY7-8: From Yining to Nalati Scenic Area, stay in Xinyuan County for a slow-paced visit; then head to Kuerdening Scenic Area, take the high-speed train from Yining/Bole back to Urumqi, and stay in Urumqi city 🏙️ DAY9: After breakfast at the Urumqi hotel, enjoy 24-hour private transfer service to the airport ✈️, take in the mountains and rivers, cherish travel memories, and look forward to the next reunion 🌈 -- Must-know tips for your trip: 1️⃣ Airport transport: It takes about 30 minutes by taxi from Diwopu Airport to Changji city center; booking in advance is more convenient 🚗 2️⃣ Must-try food: Crispy and fragrant baked buns, spicy pepper chicken with belt noodles that will make you stomp your feet 🍗🌶️ 3️⃣ Photo spots: The night lights along Changji Binhu River are super dreamy, and the S101 highway is perfect for casual stunning shots 📸 4️⃣ December climate: Average daily temperature around -10℃, down jacket + wool hat + gloves are essential ❄️⛄️ 5️⃣ Cultural experience: Keep quiet when visiting mosques on Hui Muslim Street and respect local customs 🕌🙏 -- A wonderful journey is about to begin, tap the card below to book with ease~

Babies! The winter limited edition 9-day guide to Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture and other places is here! Take a bite of Gulandamu ice cream on Six Star Street, the aroma of Awudan baked buns will make you lick your fingers! VIP tour around Sayram Lake, cable car chasing the sunset, bonfire snow dance, you can even splash water to freeze and feed pigeons, watch the starry sky at night and get a little tipsy! Quickly save this article! -------------------- 📒 Itinerary: DAY1: Depart and arrive at Urumqi Airport, enjoy 24-hour pick-up/drop-off service, start Urumqi CityWalk🚶‍♀️ DAY2-3: Depart from Urumqi, cross the S21 Desert Highway🏜️, choose either night skiing at General Mountain or cable car night view, then stay in Altay; next day head to Kanas, stay in a wooden cabin in Hemu Scenic Area, enjoy sunrise and sunset🌄 DAY4: Sleep in naturally in Hemu, open the window to the view, join the bonfire party & unlock tipsy moments🔥, feel the tranquility and beauty of the Garden of the Gods🏞️ DAY5-6: Depart from Hemu, head to Populus Euphratica River/Dushanzi and stay in a 5-star hotel🏨; next day VIP tour around Sayram Lake, 270° deep tour, passing Guozigou Bridge, stay in a 5-star hotel in Yining City🌉 DAY7-8: Depart from Yining City, visit Nalati Scenic Area, stay in Xinyuan County; next day go to Kuerdening Scenic Area, then take the high-speed train back to Urumqi, stay in a hotel🏨 (during which you can experience feeding pigeons and other special activities🕊️) DAY9: After breakfast at the Urumqi hotel, enjoy 24-hour dedicated car transfer service to the airport✈️, end the pleasant journey, see the mountains and rivers, look forward to the next reunion🌈 -------------------- Must-visit attractions: 🏞️ Kanas Scenic Area 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Provincial Road 232, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region ⏰ Opening hours: Unknown ⏳ Duration: 1-2 days Kanas is mysterious and charming, with lake monster legends and changing lake colors, definitely worth exploring! 🌲 Hemu Scenic Area 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: 7 km east of Hemu Village, Hanas Mongolian Ethnic Township, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region ⏰ Opening hours: Unknown ⏳ Duration: 2-3 days Rustic wooden cabins scattered in mountain valleys, peaceful and beautiful, like a paradise on earth! 🌊 Sayram Lake 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Along National Road 30, Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region ⏰ Opening hours: Open all day ⏳ Duration: 1-2 days The lake water is clear and blue, wildflowers bloom on the grassland, as beautiful as a painting! 🏞️ Kuerdening Scenic Area 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Southeastern mountainous area of Gongliu County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture (88 km from county seat) ⏰ Opening hours: Unknown ⏳ Duration: 4-5 hours Tianshan Green Valley, hometown of snowy spruce, natural scenery is amazing! -------------------- 🌦️ Travel preparation: Must bring these when going to Changji! 🧥 Clothing: December in Changji is super cold! Thick down jacket, fleece pants, thermal underwear are must-haves, don’t forget windproof scarf and gloves, snow boots make walking steadier～ 👒 Accessories: Wool hat to protect ears, sunglasses to prevent snow glare, thermos cup with hot water to warm hands anytime, warm patches for phone and body are super practical! 🪪 Documents: ID card, student ID (don’t waste discounts), driver’s license if self-driving, some scenic spots check, put them in waterproof bags for peace of mind～ 📸 Electronics: Camera for snow mountains and starry sky, bring two power banks (cold drains battery fast), selfie stick for group photos, phone lanyard to prevent drops, snow photos come out great! 💊 Medicine: Bring cold medicine, stomach medicine, high altitude areas (like Tianshan) may cause dizziness, also bring motion sickness medicine, band-aids for small cuts～ 🧴 Skincare: Lip balm, hand cream, high-moisture face cream are must! Northwest wind is dry, sunscreen is also needed (UV rays are super strong on snow!) 🍫 Snacks: Chocolate, beef jerky for energy, thermos with hot milk tea, scenic spots are far apart, bring some dry food to avoid hunger～ -------------------- Babies, don’t hesitate anymore, group tours to Changji are cost-effective and super fun, hurry up and pack your bags, let’s set off together!

This winter, why not head west all the way to Xinjiang, that pure and flawless snowy dreamland! ❄️ Instantly fall into a fairy tale world wrapped in silver, with snow village cabins, rime forests, blue ice lakes… every snap is a stunning winter photo📸. Here, you can have endless fun—horse riding through snowy forests and fields, skiing to lift your spirits, swinging on snow swings into the clouds, or even rolling around for a close embrace with the snow—so healing! ✨ But don’t want to plan? Hate fighting for accommodation? Dislike rushed travel? Then you must pick this Xinjiang winter group tour! A 10-day deep pure-play small group, taking you to easily explore Northern Xinjiang, no pitfalls, no shopping, just pure enjoyment. 🚌【Group Tour Highlights｜Why Choose Us?】🎉 ✅ Exquisite small group of 6 people, say goodbye to crowded buses! Plenty of personal space, no fighting for photo spots～ ✅ Local experienced drivers + ice and snow road expertise, full safety assurance! 24-hour airport pickup service, peace of mind upon arrival. ✅ All-inclusive price! Airfare + 7 nights in 5-star hotels + 2 nights in unique homestays + 16 major attractions, zero shopping stops, no tricks! ✅ Tour leader shoots photos throughout, easily get your perfect social media grid～ Popular spots pre-booked, no speed or network battles! 【Itinerary Overview】 🔹DAY1-2: Departure → Urumqi → S21 Desert Highway → General Mountain night skiing / cable car night view → Stay in Altay (Night skiing or night snow viewing, your choice! All snow gear included, fun until 11 PM～) 🔹DAY3-4: Altay → Kanas Scenic Area → Stay in Hemu wooden cabin → Sleep in naturally + see snow from the window → Bonfire party 🔹DAY5-6: Hemu → Populus Euphratica River → Sayram Lake VIP lake circuit → Guozigou Bridge → Stay in 5-star hotel in Yining (270° lake circuit to find blue ice, see ice push wonders, tour leader takes you to the best photo spots!) 🔹DAY7-8: Yining → Nalati Snowfield → Kuerdening Scenic Area → Stay in Bole 🔹DAY9-10: Bole → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Urumqi → Return trip 📸【Must-Visit Spots｜Ice and Snow Photo Guide】⛄ 🏔️ Kanas: Frozen lake surface like a glass world, walking on snow-covered plank roads feels like entering a dream 🌲 Hemu Village: Ride a horse-drawn sled to the viewing platform, overlooking the village shrouded in morning mist; afternoon water splashing turns to ice, so fun, and at night, look up at the Milky Way from the cabin window! 🧊 Sayram Lake: Group tour lake circuit so you won’t get lost! Tour leader helps find blue ice bubbles and see ice push wonders (best viewing from December to February) 🏜️ S21 Desert Highway: Snow falls on the desert, vast and boundless, who says deserts can’t have snow scenes? 🌄 Nalati & Kuerdening: Snowfields and spruces complement each other, like stepping into a Christmas card scene ⏰【Winter Travel Tips】🧤 📅 Snow season duration: Late October to March next year 🌡️ Temperature range: -10℃ to -30℃, extreme cold weather, please keep warm! 👗 Recommended attire: Thick down jacket + fleece-lined pants + full thermal underwear set, don’t forget hat, scarf, and gloves～ 🎒 Must-have items: Heat packs (bring plenty!), thermos (hot water in snow saves lives), sunglasses (to prevent snow glare) --- This is not just a trip, but a healing and adventurous journey for the soul! In 10 days, capture the most beautiful winter scenery of Northern Xinjiang in your memory and keep the warmest experiences in your heart～ Group tour convenience, small group freedom, caring tour leader, you just need to bring a good mood, leave the rest to us!🧳

Winding valleys, towering snow-capped mountains, dark green spruce forests intertwined with golden meadows—this north-south oriented broad valley hides the most pristine secrets of the Tianshan Mountains. Starting from Gongliu County, drive 88 kilometers southeast to enter the Kuerdening Scenic Area. This approximately 14-kilometer-long and 1-kilometer-wide mountain valley, known as "Henggou" in Kazakh, meaning "cross valley," runs north to south parallel to the snow mountains. Unlike typical valleys that descend along the mountain slope, Kuerdening’s unique landform creates a special climate that is warm in winter and cool in summer, making it a year-round summer resort in the Ili River Valley. --- 01 A Natural Treasure of World Heritage Kuerdening is not only a national AAAA-level scenic spot but also a World Natural Heritage site. In April 2000, it was approved by the State Council as the Western Tianshan Nature Reserve. The reserve covers a total area of 1,176 square kilometers, with an average altitude of about 1,500 meters. It boasts the most luxuriant forests in the Tianshan Mountains and a world-rare spruce forest resource with a high timber volume per unit. This area is the habitat and origin of the global snow ridge spruce and Central Asian wild fruit forests, aptly known as the "Green Valley of Tianshan, the hometown of snow ridge spruce." The biodiversity of Kuerdening is astonishing. Preliminary statistics show 1,594 species of vascular plants and 223 species of wild vertebrates, making it a "natural gene bank" of wild species in the Eurasian continent’s heartland. 02 A Three-Dimensional Landscape Painting The scenery of Kuerdening is richly layered, like a three-dimensional painting. It features the snow-capped peak of Kabangbai Peak, standing majestically at 4,257 meters, one of the famous peaks of Western Tianshan. To the left of Kabangbai Peak, the mountain ridges densely covered with snow ridge spruce naturally form a hidden reclining Buddha. The Buddha’s head rests on the sunrise, feet touch the sunset, with a balanced posture and serene expression—a masterpiece of nature. Forests, grasslands, snow mountains, streams, canyons, and waterfalls compose the magnificent scenery. It combines the grandeur of the north with the delicate charm of the south, allowing every visitor to find poetry in their heart. 03 Complete Tour Routes Shuttle Bus Route Take the shuttle bus from the scenic area visitor center to first reach the Heritage Center, where you can walk around the exhibition hall. Then, view Kabangbai Peak from a distance, walk across the iron bridge, and admire the Tianshan Reclining Buddha. Next, take the bus to the King of Spruce, then proceed to the Cloud Grassland, where there is a wooden plank walkway for descending. Finally, dine at the Green Valley Resort or fast food restaurant, then walk to the Heritage Center parking lot to board the bus back to the visitor center. Self-Driving Route Self-driving visitors can start from the visitor center, enter the Ten-Mile Gallery through the middle valley entrance of Kuerdening Scenic Area, pass the Honey Fragrance Station, and arrive at the Kabang Base Camp. Then head to the Qimengde Viewing Platform and Ayusai Viewing Platform, hike to visit the King of Spruce, view the Tianshan Reclining Buddha from afar, and finally reach the Cloud Grassland. 04 Must-See Core Attractions Qimengde Viewing Platform From the Qimengde Viewing Platform, you can take in the essence of the entire Kuerdening. It is recommended to arrive around 4 p.m. when the snow peaks shimmer with a pearly glow, and the dark green spruce and tender green meadows blend in layers of light and shadow. Occasionally, a herdsman riding a horse passes by, becoming the most lively brushstroke in this oil painting. This is an excellent spot to photograph the three-dimensional landscape of snow mountains, spruce forests, and meadows. Ayusai Viewing Platform Ayusai is famous for its steep mountain roads and spectacular views. It is the highest point on the self-driving route, offering a view of the ribbon-like winding mountain road. Standing on the platform, the snow mountains seem within arm’s reach, surrounded by towering spruces and green meadows. Many visitors operate drones here for photography. King of Spruce At the foot of the King of Spruce, all words of praise seem pale. This snow ridge spruce is over a thousand years old, more than 60 meters tall, and requires nine people to encircle it. The trunk is covered with moss and lichens, and the crown spreads like a giant umbrella between heaven and earth. It is recommended to visit early in the morning when the first rays of sunlight penetrate the crown gaps, casting golden spots on the gnarled branches, allowing you to truly feel the tranquility of time. Cloud Grassland Located above 2,800 meters in altitude, the cloud grassland is the ultimate romance Kuerdening offers travelers. The lush vegetation here makes altitude sickness almost unnoticeable. In mid-May, the grassland turns purple, with wild tulips swaying in the wind; in June, it is the kingdom of golden lotus and dandelions. The best way to enjoy it is to lie on the grassy slope with your eyes closed—listening to the lark’s clear song, the whisper of grass leaves, and the tinkling of distant snowmelt water, composing the earth’s most beautiful harmony. 05 Distinctive Scenery in Four Seasons Kuerdening’s scenery varies with each season, each with its own charm. In spring, wildflowers bloom profusely in the valley, especially the wild fruit forest in blossom, which is intoxicating. Raspberries stud the branches like red rubies, and wild apples in early October dye the entire hillside crimson. In summer, it is an excellent summer resort, lush and green, with babbling streams and fresh air like a natural oxygen bar. In autumn, Kuerdening turns into a colorful fairy tale world. The early autumn Ten-Mile Gallery looks like a palette spilled by God, with golden birch and dark green spruce faintly visible in the morning mist. In winter, although covered in snow, Kuerdening remains vibrant. Winter here is not just for sightseeing but for truly engaging in activities. Snowfields, valleys, spruce forests, outdoor activities, and off-road experiences make it an excellent choice for winter tourism. 06 Practical Travel Tips Tickets and Opening Hours The scenic area ticket costs about 65 HKD. Operating hours are divided into two periods: October 1 to April 30 from 10:00 to 19:00; May 1 to September 30 from 09:00 to 20:00. Transportation The distance from Gongliu County to the scenic area is 88 kilometers. Upon arrival, visitors can choose shuttle buses or self-driving tours. Note that only SUVs and off-road vehicles with seven seats or fewer are allowed; sedans are prohibited. Best Time to Visit It is recommended to allocate 4-5 hours to tour the scenic area. If time permits, consider staying in Kuerdening Town or nearby, where many unique homestays are available. Travel Tips · The temperature difference within the scenic area is large; even in summer, bring warm clothing. · Wear comfortable hiking shoes as some sections require walking. · Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce water surface glare and enhance the sky’s pure blue. · Protect the environment by taking your trash with you. --- When leaving Kuerdening, look back at the north-south oriented cross valley, where the silhouette of snow mountains and spruces fades into the sunset. But I know this land has already planted eternity in my heart. Transportation: 88 kilometers by car from Gongliu County. Features: Home to world-rare spruce forest resources, with intact primary forest types and vegetation representing the most typical ecosystem of the entire Tianshan forest. Whether you seek tranquility alone or are a nature-loving adventurer, Kuerdening will welcome you with the same posture—the most authentic face of the Tianshan Mountains. Kuerdening Scenic Area