[2025 Tekes Attraction] Travel Guide for Kalajun Prairie (Updated Mar)

The "Most Mysterious" City in China - It Has to Be This One! In the vast expanse of northwest China, there is a unique city laid out like a giant Bagua formation. There are almost no traffic lights in the urban area, yet traffic flows smoothly. This hidden gem, located in the Ili River Valley at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, is Tekes County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. From the air, Tekes County resembles a giant spiderweb. Looking across the country and even the world, it is undoubtedly a city with extremely high recognition. It is said that the layout of the county was designed by Qiu Chuji, a Taoist master, based on the Bagua diagram from the I Ching. The center of the city represents the Taiji Yin and Yang, extending outwards according to the eight directions of the Bagua. Notably, in 1996, Tekes removed all traffic lights, becoming a city without them. The most famous attraction in the county must be the Kalajun Grassland, known as "China's most beautiful three-dimensional grassland landscape belt." Kalajun boasts a variety of natural landscapes, including green grass, flowers, rivers, forests, snow-capped peaks, glaciers, canyons, hot springs, waterfalls, stone forests, and karst caves, as well as cultural relics such as rock paintings, ancient roads, grassland stone figures, and ancient tombs. Kalajun Grassland is not only a paradise for nature lovers but also an ideal destination for photographers and tourists! When spring arrives and flowers bloom, embark on a journey to experience the unique charm of Tekes!

Friends👫, is there a song that makes you yearn for that "Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall"? I was drawn by the song "Moonlit Night on the Ili River," with its melodious tune and captivating lyrics: "The moonlit night on the Ili River, how serene, the moon hangs in the sky, the stars fill the fields." So, in February, I resolutely embarked on a dream trip to Yili. Here's my travel guide💕. Attraction Introduction • Kalajun Grassland: Although lacking greenery in winter, it resembles an elegant ink painting. The vast snowfield, rolling hills, and scattered yurts of the Kazakh people, with smoke curling from their chimneys, create a dreamlike scene. Experience the tranquility and grandeur of the wilderness. • Nalati Scenic Area: The "Sky Grassland" lives up to its name. In February, after a snowfall, it transforms into a fairy-tale world. Spruce trees draped in snow, rivers frozen solid – take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, experience local customs, and immerse yourself in the magnificent snowy landscape. • Huocheng Lavender Manor: While the sea of purple is absent at this time, it possesses a unique charm. The manor's buildings, set against the backdrop of snow, exude an exotic ambiance. Learn about lavender and imagine the romance of summer, adding a touch of color to your journey. • Guozigou Bridge: Resembling a giant dragon lying across the mountains, it appears like a silver snake dancing after a snowfall. Overlook it by car or from the viewing platform for a breathtaking and magnificent view. Marvel at the architectural wonder and appreciate the perfect fusion of nature and human ingenuity. How to Get There • By Plane: Fly directly to Yining Airport✈. Airport buses and public transportation are available to the city center, making it easy to start your journey. You can also transfer from nearby cities. • By Train: Yining Railway Station has frequent train services🚂. The scenery along the way is beautiful, and transportation from the station is convenient, allowing easy access to attractions. • Local Transportation: Public buses and taxis are readily available within the city. Tourist buses or chartered cars are available for scenic spots, offering flexible sightseeing with stops at your convenience. What to See • Kalajun Folk Performances: The scenic area features Kazakh song and dance performances and horsemanship. Visitors can participate and experience nomadic culture, feeling the vitality of the ethnic group. • Nalati Bonfire Party: At night, a bonfire is lit, and people gather around to dance and sing, dispelling the cold and creating joyful memories. • Huocheng Lavender Product Making: The manor has workshops where you can make your own sachets and other lavender products, taking home a unique souvenir and learning about the diverse uses of lavender. • Guozigou Bridge Photography: The light and shadow after snowfall are enchanting, attracting photography enthusiasts to capture the bridge's stunning beauty. Best Photo Spots • Kalajun Grassland Viewing Platform: With the vast snowfield and winding pastoral paths as a backdrop, wear bright, warm clothing and take stunning photos in the wilderness, showcasing the grandeur of the scene. • Nalati Snow Forest Plank Road: Stroll along the plank road, with snow-covered spruce trees and frozen waterfalls as your backdrop, capturing beautiful snow scenes that will amaze your friends. • Huocheng Lavender Manor Gate: The European-style gate looks picturesque against the snow. Use it as a backdrop for stylish travel photos, showcasing the exotic atmosphere. • Guozigou Bridge Best Viewpoint: Find the perfect spot overlooking the bridge, with the bridge and snow-capped mountains as your backdrop, and take breathtaking panoramic photos that highlight the magnificence. Travel Experience This 3-day trip to Yili was a wonderful experience💕. I was captivated by the wilderness of Kalajun, admired the magnificence of Nalati, imagined the romance of Huocheng, and marveled at the grandeur of Guozigou. Yili is like a magnificent symphony, with the boldness of the frontier and the warmth of folk customs. I've fallen deeply in love and look forward to visiting again. Tips • Yili is cold in February. Bring thick down jackets and warm clothing, and pay attention to staying warm. • Book tickets and accommodation online in advance. Plan ahead for performances and activities. • Respect local customs. Greet people before entering a yurt. Choose reputable restaurants for meals and pay attention to food hygiene. • Drivers should be aware of icy road conditions and have snow chains. Choose reputable companies for chartered cars and negotiate the price beforehand. Friends, Yili in February is infinitely charming. Come and embark on a musical journey to Yili💖!

| 12 Must-Visit Attractions + Hidden Gems! As a seasoned Xinjiang travel expert, having visited Xinjiang five times and self-driven 3,000 km in Ili, I'm sharing this updated 2025 guide without reservation! From grasslands and lakes to glaciers and villages, 12 must-see attractions + off-the-beaten-track tips to help you avoid the crowds and capture cinematic shots!🎬 🏔Top 12 Must-Visit Attractions in Ili (Including Ticket Prices + Tips to Avoid Pitfalls) 1. Sayram Lake (💰140, 08:00 - 22:00) Highlights: The lake water shimmers like a sapphire. In May, wildflowers bloom along the lake, and swans swim by—it's breathtakingly beautiful! Tip: Avoid visiting at noon as the backlight will prevent you from capturing the lake's azure blue. Opt for early morning or evening for better lighting. 2. Nalati Grassland (💰135 including vehicle, 09:00 - 19:00) Hidden Spot: At the end of the "Aerial Grassland" boardwalk, the snow-capped mountains and forests complement each other, creating a Swiss-like scene with every shot! Off-the-Beaten-Track Tip: Visit in the early morning or evening to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquil grassland scenery. 3. Duku Highway (Free, All Day) Driving Warning: The northern section has sharp bends and narrow roads. Novice drivers should proceed with caution! Only vehicles with 7 seats or less are permitted. Best Time: It's recommended to start early in the morning to avoid the strong midday light for better photo opportunities. 4. Qiongkushtai Village (Free, All Day) Recommended Activity: Stay overnight in a wooden cabin, admire the Milky Way at dawn, and hike to explore the back mountains during the day. It's a worthwhile experience with fewer crowds and stunning scenery! (Although I fell three times here, I still think it's worth it😭) Tip: Book your wooden cabin in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment. 5. Tangbula's Hundred-Mile Gallery (Free, All Day) Highlights: Grasslands, forests, and snow-capped mountains complement each other, creating picturesque scenery perfect for a road trip. Off-the-Beaten-Track Tip: Visit in the early morning or evening to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene natural beauty. 6. Tekes Bagua City (Free, All Day) Highlights: The unique Bagua layout is stunning when captured with a drone! Tip: Using a drone is highly recommended for the best panoramic views. 7. Kurdening Spruce Forest (Free, All Day) Highlights: The dense spruce forest offers beautiful scenery, fewer crowds, and is ideal for hiking and camping. Off-the-Beaten-Track Tip: Visit in the early morning or evening to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquil natural beauty. 8. Yishi Forest Park (Free, All Day) Highlights: The dense forest and fresh air make it perfect for hiking and camping. It's so uncrowded that you might have the place to yourself! Tip: Check the weather forecast in advance and choose a sunny day for the best photo opportunities. 9. Shata Scenic Area (💰100, 09:00 - 18:00) Highlights: Snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and grasslands create a picturesque landscape. Tip: It's recommended to visit at 9 am to avoid the afternoon backlight for better photo opportunities. 10. Gongnaisi National Wetland Park (💰50, 09:00 - 18:00) Highlights: The wetland scenery is beautiful and ideal for birdwatching and hiking. Off-the-Beaten-Track Tip: Visit in the early morning or evening to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene natural beauty. 11. Gongliu Forest Farm (Free, All Day) Highlights: The dense forest and fresh air make it perfect for hiking and camping. Tip: Check the weather forecast in advance and choose a sunny day for the best photo opportunities. 12. Kalajun Grassland (💰100, 09:00 - 18:00) Highlights: The vast grassland offers beautiful scenery, perfect for road trips and hiking. Off-the-Beaten-Track Tip: Visit in the early morning or evening to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquil grassland scenery. 🎈Tried-and-Tested Packing List 🧳 (Learned from Experience) 1. Essential Gear Sunscreen + Sunglasses: The UV rays are incredibly strong! Disposable Underwear + Compressed Towels: Accommodation facilities in scenic areas can be limited, so prepare in advance. Motion Sickness Medication: The mountain roads are bumpy, so be prepared. 2. Outfit Inspiration White Maxi Dress + Straw Hat: Perfect for photos on the grassland! Windbreaker + Light Down Jacket: It gets cold on the mountaintops, don't trust the weather forecast! 3. Photography Essentials Drone: A must-have for Bagua City and Sayram Lake! Reflector: Capture bright photos even on cloudy days. 🚫Important Reminders ⚠ (Essential for Survival) 1. Driving Tips Duku Highway Restrictions: Use "AutoNavi" for navigation; Baidu's signal is unreliable! Plan Your Route in Advance: Avoid restricted time periods and road sections to ensure safety. 2. Accommodation Tips Limited Accommodation in Qiongkushtai: Book 2 weeks in advance! Don't believe "vacancies available on-site"! Contact the Accommodation in Advance: Confirm your booking details to avoid last-minute surprises. 3. Photography Tips Shata Scenic Area Has Backlight in the Afternoon: The snow-capped mountains appear grayish. It's recommended to visit at 9 am! Check the Weather in Advance: Choose a sunny day for the best photo opportunities. 4. Etiquette Tips Avoid Stepping on Doorsills in Herders' Homes: Don't take photos of children without permission (they might ask for money)! Respect Local Customs: Learn about local culture in advance to avoid unnecessary trouble. If this guide was helpful, remember to like and save it! I hope you have a wonderful time in Ili and create unforgettable memories!

Open this guide to experience the clear blue sky and beautiful grasslands of Northern Xinjiang and Ili. A visual feast awaits! -------- 🌍🧭Itinerary: Day 1: Dushanzi Grand Canyon Start your journey in Northern Xinjiang at the mysterious Dushanzi Grand Canyon, where endless natural beauty awaits. Day 2: Sayram Lake > Guozigou Bridge > Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden A lake, a bridge, and a garden. Enjoy the unique charm of Sayram Lake, the grandeur of Guozigou Bridge, and the relaxing atmosphere of Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden. Day 3: Kalajun Grassland On the third day, visit Kalajun Grassland, a place of freedom and vastness. Let your heart wander with the endless grassland. Day 4: Nalati Scenic Area > Air Grassland > Bayanbulak Scenic Area On this day, visit the famous Nalati Scenic Area, Air Grassland, and Bayanbulak Scenic Area to experience the grandeur of nature. Day 5: Duku Highway On the last day, drive along the picturesque Duku Highway, leaving unforgettable travel memories and ending your wonderful journey in Northern Xinjiang. -------- 📌Travel Essentials: Winter Packing List for Northern Xinjiang and Ili 🧥First, clothing. December in Northern Xinjiang and Ili is already very cold, so bring thick cotton clothes, down jackets, snow boots, gloves, and hats to prevent frostbite. 👜Next, accessories. Bring a warm blanket and earmuffs, and don't forget a thermos for hot drinks to keep warm. A humidifier is also important to combat the dry climate in Northern Xinjiang. 💊As for medicine, bring essentials like painkillers, cold medicine, band-aids, and lip balm. In cold areas, a hot water bottle is also useful. 📷Photography equipment is a must. The natural scenery in Northern Xinjiang and Ili is stunning, so bring a camera. Don't forget accessories like chargers, spare batteries, and memory cards to capture every moment. 📜Personal documents are also important. Carry your ID card, passport, driver's license, and credit card. Some attractions in Xinjiang may require documents for entry. 💄Lastly, women can bring moisturizing cosmetics. Northern Xinjiang is very dry in winter, and moisturizing products can help with dryness. -------- The beauty of Ili is indescribable. You have to experience it yourself to truly understand the beauty of this divine land!

Detailed travel guide for Zhaosu Heavenly Horses Bathing in the River and Kalajun Grassland: 1️⃣ Zhaosu Heavenly Horses Bathing in the River: 1. Viewing time: Held at a fixed time every day. It is recommended to check the specific time in advance and plan your trip accordingly. 2. Spectacular scene: The horses gallop through the river, splashing water everywhere. The scene is spectacular. 3. Cultural background: Heavenly Horses Bathing in the River is a show created to develop tourism. As early as the Han and Tang dynasties, Zhaosu horses (Yili horses) made great contributions to the consolidation of the frontier in successive dynasties. 4. Photography tips: It is better to use a drone for shooting, but pay attention to flight safety and avoid collision with other drones. 2️⃣ Kalajun Grassland: 1. Location: Located in Tekes County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, it is known as the "King of Grasslands." 2. Travel tips: It is recommended to visit the entire Kalajun area (Kalajun Grassland + Kuokesu Grand Canyon), which takes about 7–8 hours. 3. Main attractions: East Kalajun is mainly grassland, while West Kalajun is mainly hilly. There are also Kuokesu Grand Canyon, Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns, and other attractions worth visiting. 4. Experience activities: You can take photos with lambs and feel the vastness of the grassland and the harmony of nature.

🌟【Must-Visit Attractions】🌟 In the heartland of Xinjiang, there lies a green ocean forgotten by time—the Kanas Grassland. Here, the sky is profoundly blue, the clouds are softly white, and the grassland is so green it seems to drip with juice. Kanas, meaning 'wilderness on the ridge' in Uyghur, is not just a grassland but a flowing scroll of painting that changes with the seasons, offering endless beauty. 🏞️【Address】🏞️ Kanas Grassland is located in the southern part of Tekes County, Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, China, about 30 kilometers from Tekes County town. It is a dazzling pearl in the Tianshan Mountains. 🚀【Transportation Tips】🚀 Self-driving: Depart from Urumqi, take the Lianhuo Expressway to Yining City, then switch to the G218 National Highway to Tekes County, and finally take the S316 Provincial Road to reach Kanas. The whole journey is about 700 kilometers, and the driving time is about 9 hours. Public Transport: You can first take a plane or train to Yining City, then transfer to a long-distance bus to Tekes County, and finally rent a car or join a tour group to go to Kanas. 🍽️【Food Recommendations】🍽️ How can you miss the authentic Xinjiang cuisine when you come to Kanas? Kebabs, pilaf, big plate chicken, yogurt, and naan—each one is unforgettable. Especially recommended is the local roasted whole lamb, with crispy skin and tender meat, it will definitely satisfy your cravings! 🌄【Nearby Attractions】🌄 Nalati Grassland: Echoing the beauty of Kanas, equally breathtaking. Zhao Su Rapeseed Flower Field: In summer, the golden sea of rapeseed flowers interwoven with the green grassland forms a moving pastoral scenery. Kuerdening Scenic Area: Combining snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, and rivers, it is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. 📸【Tips】📸 1. The best time to visit is from June to September each year when the grassland is blooming with flowers and the climate is pleasant. 2. Remember to bring sunscreen and sunglasses, as the UV rays are strong on the plateau. 3. Respect local ethnic customs and experience a cultural journey. --- On this magical land, every inch of soil hides a story, and every breath is filled with poetry. Kanas Grassland is waiting for you to write your own fairy tale in the green wilderness. ✨

But it doesn't stop my love for the grassland❗I feel like the grassland is isolated from the world and like a fairyland🏞️ - 🌿Travel essentials: ✅The temperature difference between day and night is large, remember to bring a thick coat and warm pants👖 ✅It may rain, prepare ☔ rain gear and wear 👟 waterproof shoes ✅The ultraviolet rays are strong, pay attention to sun protection. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : - 🥰My partners: There are only 6 people in my group, and we had a lot of fun togetherP❣️The atmosphere was very lively🎉There was only one boy👦🏻He helped us carry our luggage throughout the trip🧳And he was a real social leader🐮Telling me a lot of interesting stories😂The sisters would also lend me💄🥰I also exchanged makeup and manicure with the sisters💅🏻'get✅Many, many towers like this are great

Freedom is the wind, and I hope you are free too. The beauty of Xinjiang must be witnessed with your own eyes, the brave get to enjoy the world first. Recommended itinerary for the 12-Day Pure Play Tour around Northern Xinjiang: D1 - Gather in Urumqi from all over the country D2 - Urumqi - Colorful Beach - Burqin D3 - Burqin - Kanas (Guanyu Pavilion, Kanas Lake) D4 - Kanas (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Dragon Bay) - Hemu (Sunset) D5 - Hemu (Hemu Morning Mist) - Urho Ghost City (Sunset) - Urho D6 - Urho - Sayram Lake D7 - Sayram Lake - Huocheng Lavender - Yizhao Highway - Zhaosu D8 - Zhaosu - Shat Ancient Valley - Tekes Hexagonal City D9 - Tekes Hexagonal City - Kalajun Grassland - Gongliu D10 - Gongliu - Bayanbulak Grassland D11 - Bayanbulak Grassland - Duku Highway - Hundred Mile Gallery Tangbula D12 - Tangbula - Anjihai Grand Canyon - Urumqi Must-visit Spots: Colorful Beach - Benefiting from the unique hilly geology here, it displays a variety of colors. When the setting sun shines in the evening, the colors are splendid and magical, very spectacular. Kanas - Known as 'a fairyland on earth', every year from May to August is the flower season in Kanas. Whether on the hillside, under the forest, beside the stream, or between the cliffs, the blooming mountain flowers turn Kanas into an ocean of flowers. Hemu - Known as 'a fairy tale world', in May the snow melts, and the grass grows out immediately, marking the arrival of spring. Sayram Lake - 'The last tear of the Atlantic'. Every year in May and June, the lakeside meadows are lush, and the grasslands are full of colorful flowers. The lake is azure blue, and the distant snow-capped mountains surround it like a fairyland on earth. Kalajun Grassland - Rated by 'National Geographic' as the most beautiful 3D grassland, May is the perfect time for the blooming of wildflowers, making it very suitable for trekking from Qiongkushitai. Precautions: 1. Xinjiang is nearly 2 hours ahead of mainland China. After arriving in Xinjiang, pay attention to adjusting to the time difference and temperature changes. The climate in Xinjiang is quite dry, so remember to drink more water. 2. Xinjiang is an area with a concentration of ethnic minorities, please respect the local ethnic customs. 3. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so bring a thin down jacket. 4. Pay attention to keeping warm as the ultraviolet rays are strong on the plateau, and be sure to protect yourself from the sun. 5. The journey involves long car rides and many winding mountain roads, so bring some dry food and snacks, and make sure your power bank is fully charged. Kanas · Burqin Colorful Beach Sayram Lake Kalajun Grassland Tips: For more details, please click the link below to consult with a travel guide.