Xinjiang's Hidden Gem: Tangbula 'Fairy Lake'

1. Location and Navigation Location: Fairy Lake is situated in the Tangbula Scenic Area of Nilka County, Xinjiang, at an altitude of 2,500 meters near the Kuork Snow Mountain. Navigation: Search for 'Fairy Lake Entrance' or 'Kuork Summer Resort.' Note that this is different from 'Tangbula Scenic Area,' as they are separate locations. Transportation Tips: Driving: Approximately 2.5 hours from Yining, with good road conditions. Road Condition Alert: If coming from Gongliu/New Yuan direction, you will encounter a 10-kilometer unpaved section on Provincial Highway 316. The road is bumpy and frequented by large vehicles, so drive cautiously. 2. Tickets and Costs Entrance Fee: 10 RMB per person (sanitation fee), cash only, as there is no signal in the area. Horse Riding Costs: Round trip: 200 RMB per person (160 RMB for one-way, negotiable), includes a safety agreement. Horses are allocated by local herders, and there is no insurance. It is recommended to discuss the duration of your stay in advance (usually 1 hour). 3. Recommended Routes and Experiences 1. Suggested Route: Horse ride uphill + hike downhill Horse Ride Uphill (about 40 minutes): Start from the Fairy Lake parking lot, and the horse team will take you directly to the lakeside, saving time and effort. Horse riding is thrilling; leaning forward on uphill sections and backward on downhill sections can reduce the bumpiness. Hike Downhill (about 1.5 hours): Follow the horse trail downhill, capturing wildflowers, streams, and snow-capped mountains along the way. Wear non-slip shoes. Avoid horse manure and slippery areas; bring sandals for crossing streams. 2. Scenic Highlights Fairy Lake: The emerald-green lake reflects the snow-capped mountains. There are three paid grassland areas by the lake; the right-hand side offers better views. Along the Way: Herds of cattle, sheep, and horses, marmots, alpine meadows, and blooming wildflowers in summer resemble a 'Monet Garden.' 4. Essential Gear and Precautions Must-Have Items: Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat, as UV rays are intense at the summit. Warm Clothing: Due to significant temperature differences between day and night, bring a windbreaker or down jacket. Supplies: Carry your own snacks and water, as there are no shops on the mountain. Cash: Entrance fees and horse riding require cash payment. Safety Tips: Avoid wearing red clothing while horse riding (to prevent startling the horses). Beginners can practice horse riding techniques in advance. There is no signal on the mountain, so download offline maps and inform your companions of your itinerary. 5. Accommodation Recommendations Bee Town: Offers a variety of RV campsites and homestays with good conditions. Book in advance during peak season. Along the Duku Highway: If combining with a Duku Highway trip, consider staying near Qiaerma. 6. Best Travel Time May to October: Summer (June to August) features blooming wildflowers and emerald-green lake water; autumn offers stunning fall colors. Winter snow scenery is unique but requires precautions against altitude sickness. 7. Photography Tips Camera Angles: Use low angles to capture wildflowers and high angles for panoramic lake views. Props: Wear light-colored long dresses while horseback riding or interact with the herders' horses to add storytelling elements to your photos. 8. Nearby Attractions Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery: Stop along the way to photograph snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and streams. Free entry. Menggute Ancient Trail: Ideal for hiking enthusiasts, offering close encounters with waterfalls and snow-capped mountains. Duku Highway: From Fairy Lake, you can explore the northern section of the Duku Highway. Plan 2-3 days for this trip. Summary: Tangbula Fairy Lake is a hidden gem known for its pristine natural scenery and horseback riding experiences, perfect for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations. Plan your transportation and accommodation in advance, and prepare for sun protection and windproof measures to fully immerse yourself in the fairytale world of 'snow-capped mountains, lakes, and wildflowers.'