[2025 Gongliu Attraction] Travel Guide for Chapchi Sea (Updated Jul)

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!

### **1. Overview & Best Time to Visit** - **Location**: Situated 38 km southeast of Gongliu County in Xinjiang's Ili Prefecture, adjacent to the Tekes Bagua City (48 km), backed by the Wusun Mountains, and facing the Kalajun Grassland to the south. - **Highlights**: Xinjiang's largest hydro-junction project, a "high gorge cradling a serene lake" landscape, with a water area of 58 sq km and a 90-meter-deep alpine lake. - **Best Seasons**: - **Summer (June–August)**: Azure lake waters, lush grasslands, and cool temperatures (25°C daytime, 10°C nighttime). - **Autumn (September–October)**: Golden foliage mirrored in snow-capped peaks, ideal for photography. - **Winter (December–February)**: Crystal-clear ice floes and pristine snowscapes, though some areas may close. --- ### **2. Transportation Guide** **Self-Drive/Private Car** - **From Ürümqi**: Take G30 Lianhuo Expressway → G577 Highway → Gongliu County, then switch to County Roads X751/X737. Total distance: ~700 km (10–12 hrs). - **From Yining/Tekes**: Via G577 or County Road X765 (1.5–2 hrs), with stops at Kuerguening or Kalajun en route. - **Road Tips**: The 30-km X765 lakeside loop is a scenic drive perfect for photography. **Public Transport** - **Ürümqi → Gongliu**: Take a bus from Nianzigou Station (2 daily, ~10 hrs), then hire a car to the lake (~1 hr, ¥150–300). - **Gongliu → Lake**: No direct buses; shared taxis or rentals recommended (~30 mins). --- ### **3. Key Attractions & Experiences** **Nature & Culture** - **"High Gorge Serene Lake" Panorama**: Capture the lake and Wusun Mountains from observation decks or drones (permit required). - **Bishui Villa & Artificial Beach**: Enjoy boat rides (¥50–100/person) or water park activities. - **Kezile Tale Village Viewpoint**: Hike to the hilltop for pastoral scenes of herders and lake reflections. **Unique Activities** - **Photography**: Dawn (6–7 AM) for misty reflections; dusk (6–8 PM) for golden-hour hues. - **Winter Special**: Crystal-like ice floes for safe ice walks (guided only). - **Engineering Tour**: Visit the hydro-junction (Xinjiang’s 2nd-largest, 320 MW capacity). --- ### **4. Itinerary Suggestions** **Day Trip Highlights** - **Morning**: Gongliu → Qapqal Lake (30 mins) → Bishui Villa boat ride → beach relaxation. - **Afternoon**: Drive X765 loop → Kezile Tale photography → return or extend to Kuerguening. **2-Day In-Depth Tour** - **Day 1**: Lake exploration + water activities → overnight at Bishui Villa (2-star, ~¥400/night). - **Day 2**: Combine with Kuerguening (86 km) or Tekes Bagua City (48 km) for hiking/drone photography. --- ### **5. Accommodation & Dining** **Where to Stay** - **Lakeside**: Bishui Villa (modern amenities, ¥400–600/night). - **Gongliu Town**: Diehu-area hotels (e.g., Friendship Peak Hotel), budget-friendly and convenient. **Must-Try Food** - **Fish Feast**: Cold-water trout/sturgeon from the lake (steamed or braised). - **Kazakh Cuisine**: Hand-torn lamb, *bawrsak* (fried dough), with homemade milk tea. --- ### **6. Practical Tips** 1. **Fees**: Free entry (as of 2025); activities like boating cost extra. 2. **Gear**: Sun protection (sunglasses/hat/sleeves), windproof jacket, hiking shoes. 3. **Safety**: - Drone permits required; no-fly zones apply. - Winter ice activities: follow guides; avoid restricted areas. 4. **Eco-Rules**: No littering; protect lake ecology. --- ### **7. Nearby Destinations** - **Kuerguening**: 86 km from Gongliu—pristine spruce forests and snow peaks ("Emerald Wonderland"). - **Kalajun Grassland**: Adjoins the lake; summer wildflowers and horseback riding on "Human Body" slopes. - **Tekes Bagua City**: 48 km away—a traffic-light-free ancient town with drone-friendly geometric layouts.

|||✨ Opening hit "May at Sayram Lake is a symphony of ice ❄️ and sea of flowers! When the last trace of spring snow ❄️ melts away, the lakeshore instantly transforms into Van Gogh’s canvas—cobalt blue water meets a wildflower carpet, even the swan reflections come with a high-saturation filter. Bring at least 12G of memory—every frame here is wallpaper-worthy 📷!" --- 📸 Top 5 photo spots 1. "Swan 🦢 Romance" Kele Yongzhu - Best time: 7:30–9:00 am (swans swimming + morning mist) 2. "Flower Sea Maze" South Gate Pine Head - Hidden spot: Walk 15 min along the boardwalk to mid-mountain, overlooking the pink and white buttercup sea and the lake’s gradient blue. 3. "S-Curve Road Blockbuster" Demu Boardwalk - Outfit formula: Hanfu/ cowboy hat 🤠 + long skirt 👗, backlit silhouette shots look more sophisticated. 4. "Poppy Storm ⛈️" Borhan Mountain - Avoidance tip 🧭: Light is softest after 4 pm; wear light colors to avoid blending into the flowers. 5. "Blue Ice 🧊 Afterimage" West side of the waterside beach - Limited view: Early May chance to see unmelted ice shards 🧊 paired with purple ion mustard flower sea, full cyberpunk vibes! --- 🌸 Flower season battle map | Flower type | Bloom period | Coordinates | Must-shoot scenes | | Wild tulip 💐 | 4.20–5.25 | North shore boardwalk | Pamir blue background + flower close-ups | | Junggar ion mustard | 5.5–6.10 | West Sea grassland | Purple flower carpet + shepherd’s wooden hut | | Altai globeflower | From 6.1 | Lakeside boardwalk | Golden flower sea + snow mountain 🏔️ reflection | --- ⚡ 2025 hardcore survival guide - Weather strategy: Check the "Sayram Lake Live" mini program; on rainy days, the lake shows Tiffany blue! - Windproof kit: ▸ Detachable liner in your shell jacket (25℃ day-night temperature difference) ▸ Magic 🪄 scarf to cover your face (or you’ll get sand in your mouth) - Transport hacks: ✅ Private car price reference: CNY 800/day (can bargain down to 600) ❌ Avoid shuttle buses 🚗: 1-hour queues in peak season + fixed stops 🧷 --- 🚗 Ili 7-day divine route (2025 optimized) DAY 1–2 Yining → Sayram Lake loop (stay at Dianjiangtai starry sky RV, shoot the Milky Way falling into the lake at 3 am) DAY 3–4 Qiongkushitai back mountain (horse ride through Wusun ancient road, stay in Kazakh yurt and eat hand-pulled lamb 🐑) DAY 5 Chapuqihai (drone shoot the canyon + famous scene of Ili horse herds drinking) DAY 6 Nalati (self-drive nomad route, chance encounter with a little fox 🦊) DAY 7 Northern section of Duku Highway (one day crossing four seasons) --- 🌟 Ultimate advice "Don’t try to describe Sayram Lake with words—when you stand by the shore, you suddenly understand why Kazakhs call it ‘the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean 💧.’ The May wind will blow away all guides; you only need to do one thing: immerse yourself in this blue." 💗

First time in Xinjiang, a five-day trip, every day is full of surprises! 🏰 Day 1: Ancient City of Kazanqi - Six Star Street, the perfect spot for photos in blue Ili, the Xinjiang dance at night is unforgettable. 🏞️ Day 2: Sayram Lake - Guozigou, the clarity under the clear sky and the white waves under the dark clouds, the grandeur of the Guozigou Bridge, every spot is a paradise for photography. 🖼️ Day 3: Tumbler Hundred Mile Gallery - Tianshui Secret Realm Monkete, Xinjiang's natural scenery is fully displayed here, every spot is a green that heals the soul. 🌲 Day 4: Xiaorbulake - Kurdening, a small town filled with the fragrance of wine and pine forests shrouded in mist, making you feel like you are in a movie. 🌅 Day 5: Chapqihai - Tekesi Bagua City - Zhaosu, the surprising waters of Chapqihai, the cultural charm of Bagua City, the heavenly horse life in Zhaosu, every day is a new discovery. 🍢 Food Experience: Xinjiang barbecue, hand-pulled noodles, naan, big plate chicken, kvass, ice cream, every bite is satisfying, nothing is bad! 🎶 Music Experience: Brainwashed by Ili's special song "Apple Fragrance", a perfect combination of music and travel.

From Tekekesi to Kurdenin If you take the county road, Qiafuqihai is a must-go place This place is called Little Sailimu Lake by the locals I think this statement is too modest There are at least three points that Qiafuqihai is not inferior to Sailimu Lake 1️⃣No blocking of the road to ask for money National roads, provincial roads, and county roads Should ensure that people can go out normally Saihu not only blocks the national road to ask for money, but also manages it like a pile of shit Qafuqihai is not so shameless for the time being Compared to Saihu, it is less commercialized and more Original ecology 2️⃣The road is closer to the lake Sailimu Lake is divided into three sections The road closest to the lake is from the East Gate to the South Gate Even so, there is a considerable distance between the road and the lake When driving past Qiafuqi Lake Most of the time, you are moving close to the water, which makes you feel more integrated 3️⃣Don't look at the weather when taking photos Whether Sailimu Lake is good or not, look at the weather table first If it is windy, foggy or cloudy, you can only take photos of the depressed wind This is also a common weakness of alpine lakes Qafuqi Lake is at a low altitude, so it is almost impossible to take photos Use the weather And different water depths and coasts can also capture different beauties 🧭Navigation options✅ Don’t choose National Highway G578 Add the passing place [Arenbulak] when navigating Then take County Road 765-Village Road 729-County Road 742 Reference photo spots 📷Point 1: The junction of Kizilgarh and Tawenbulak There is a parking lot and toilet here There is a small path outside the parking lot leading directly to the lake This is also a small pier, with cow dung on the road More Standing on the right side of the pier, you can take pictures like [Figure 2] 📷Point 2 After passing Arenbulak, the first right turn There is a road on the left that leads directly to the cliff by the lake The end of the road is the Qiahai Patrol Station Now you can take pictures like [Figure 3] and [Figure 5] on the cliff 📷Point 3: The third B-turn after the patrol station Near Ashid Village The road here is curved into a U-shaped curve There is an open space on the left side of the road where you can park Standing here, you can take pictures like [Figure 4] effect • 📷Point 4: Near the village of Tard There is a small deep canyon here Cars can drive to the bottom of the canyon, and many people fish here Some people fish at the protruding tip In the afternoon, you can take pictures here to get the effect of [Figure 6] 📷Point 5: Looking down on the way up the mountain There are many parking spaces on the right side of the road After parking the car, cross the iron railing Standing on the slope on the side of the road, you can take pictures to get the effect of [Figure 1]