Almaty, a romantic city at the foot of the snow-capped mountains

💦Almaty is the former capital and largest city of Kazakhstan. It is located at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains. It has four distinct seasons and a blend of natural scenery and cultural history. The following is a detailed guide to help you explore this famous city in Central Asia efficiently: 1. Recommended classic attractions 1. Kok Tobe - Highlights: The highest point in the city, overlooking the panoramic view of Almaty, especially charming at sunset. - How to play: Take the cable car up the mountain 🚡 (🎫ticket price is about 3000 tenge, about 42.12 RMB), [Rainbow] check in the colorful "Beatles Monument", and experience the hillside slide 🏎 (Alpine Coaster). - Tips: The prices at the mountaintop restaurant are relatively high, so it is recommended to bring your own drinks. 2. Zenkov Cathedral - The world's second tallest wooden structure 🏰, with a candy-colored exterior and Orthodox murals, and a magnificent interior. You can listen to the choir on Sundays. 3. Green Bazaar - The flavor of Central Asia: taste horse milk (kumys)🌮, pilaf (plov), and buy dried fruits and spices. You can take panoramic photos of the market on the second floor. - Note ⚠️: Shop around and beware of pickpockets. 4. Almaty Metro - Hidden Art: Each station has a different style. The relief murals at Raiymbek Batyr Station are recommended. 🎫The ticket price is only 80 tenge (about 1.28 RMB). 5. Big Almaty Lake - Secret Glacier Lake: 1 hour drive from the city, [Drops] Lake water changes color with the seasons (💚turquoise in May-June, dark blue in September💙). You need to charter a car or join a day tour (🎫about 15,000 tenge/person, about 234.38 RMB). 2. Niche Experience - Shymbulak Ski Resort: [SnowFlake] Skiing in winter ⛷️ (November-March), hiking in summer, cable car directly to 3,200 meters above sea level. - Arbat Street: a literary and artistic street with street music performances in the evening, where you can shop for old Soviet cameras or Kazakh hand drums. - National Museum of China: 🏛Learn about the nomadic history of Kazakhs. The Golden Man armor is the treasure of the museum. 3. One-day tour around the area - Charyn Canyon: known as the "Mini Colorado", 🔴 the red rock walls are stunning, 🚶‍♀️ you can hike to the riverbed (3 hours drive). - Kapchagay Reservoir: Summer escape, water sports or beach barbecues. - Turgen Gorge: 💨Waterfalls, Tianshan cedars, suitable for 🈴picnics. 4. Food Recommendations - Traditional dishes: Beshbarmak (horse meat noodles)🍝, Kazakh milk tea (savory)🧋, baked buns (samsa). V. Practical Information - Visa: Chinese citizens are exempt from visa for 14 days (2023 policy), please confirm the latest requirements. - Currency: 1 yuan ≈ 64 tenge, there are many exchange points in the city. - Transportation: [TaxiFront] Yandex.Taxi is cheap, [Metro] The subway covers major attractions. - Language: Mainly Russian, young people know a little English, download translation software. - Safety: The overall security is good. Avoid traveling alone in remote areas at night. 6. Itinerary suggestions [Calendar] - 2-day classic tour: - Day 1: Ascension Cathedral ➡️Green Grand Bazaar ➡️Central Museum ➡️Night view of Koktobe Mountain. - Day2: Big Almaty Lake ➡️Qionbulak Cable Car ➡️Arbat Street. - 4 days in-depth tour: add one-day tour to Charyn Canyon and Turgen Canyon. Almaty combines Soviet imprints with Kazakh traditions. It has both the grandeur of snow-capped mountains and lakes and the warmth of urban life. Download offline maps in advance and set off with an exploration heart!