TANG SHAN YANG TE SE LAMB CHOP PULLING FILM

The taste is very authentic, the environment is comfortable, and the service attitude is very good

The surrounding environment is quiet and beautiful, and the service is warm and thoughtful

🌄 At dawn, as the first rays of sunlight touched the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains, we stood on the Taiji Altar viewing platform and looked down upon the entire Tekes County, which resembled a giant Bagua (Eight Trigrams) diagram from the I Ching, slowly unfolding beneath our feet. As the world's only well-preserved Bagua city with a formal architectural layout, its streets are not laid out in a straight line, but rather follow the ingenious arrangement of the ancient "Later Heaven Bagua Diagram": Centered on the Taiji Altar, eight main streets—Qian, Dui, Li, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Gen, and Kun—radiate outwards, with four ring roads encircling it like concentric circles, forming a wondrous pattern of 8 streets in the first ring, 16 streets in the second, 32 streets in the third, and 64 streets in the fourth, just like the unfolding of the sixty-four hexagrams. Most remarkably, this city has no fixed traffic lights. We rented bicycles and wandered through the streets and alleys, initially worried about chaos, but found the traffic orderly. Vehicles naturally slowed down and merged at roundabouts, with drivers yielding to each other with tacit understanding. Jin Wentao, former director of the Construction Bureau of Tekes County, once explained that because "all the roads in the county are interconnected and linked," there is rarely congestion. This unique traffic design makes cycling an enjoyable experience—we feel as if we are traveling through a huge "open-air museum of the I Ching," with each turn feeling like deciphering the wisdom of our ancestors. The details within the city also hold hidden secrets. Strolling along Kan Street to the north, we discovered that the lampposts are decorated with small water droplet patterns, corresponding to the "water" trigram in the I Ching; turning south onto Li Street, the lampposts are decorated with leaping "little flames," symbolizing the vitality of "fire." This ingenious design of "one street, one scene, one trigram" makes strolling like a treasure hunt, full of fun. 🌃 Night: As the lights come on, feel the modern pulse of a thousand-year-old culture at the "Night of the Bagua City" As dusk settles, the Bagua City is reborn in the lights. Entering the Shengshi Huajiang·Bagua City Night themed street, we are greeted by another dazzling scene. Along the 566-meter-long street, 66 lampposts are arranged in a row, with octagonal lanterns in the center symbolizing "the two polarities giving rise to the four symbols, and the four symbols giving rise to the eight trigrams." On both sides of the street, 103 distinctive shops line the street, selling local traditional handicrafts, specialty snacks, and intangible cultural heritage products. The air is filled with the aroma of roasted meat and spices, and the sound of street performers playing the dombra can be heard, perfectly blending traditional culture with modern tourism. 🍲 Late-night snack: A bowl of lamb chop noodles, soothing to the soul As night deepened, following the aroma, we found the famous "Ma Bai Kai Lai Lamb Chop Noodles" near the intersection of Gulebag Street (Gan Street) and Azati Street on the Third Ring Road. This dish is a specialty of Yili. Fresh lamb chops are patiently stewed until the meat is tender and almost falls off the bone. The chef pinches noodles into the boiling lamb broth right in front of you; the noodles are chewy and smooth, fully absorbing the essence of the broth. A sip of hot soup, fresh and rich, the savory lamb and the wheaty aroma of the noodles blending in the mouth, instantly soothes the fatigue of the journey with this authentic flavor. A day in Tekes Bagua City, from rational exploration by day to emotional immersion by night, this city without traffic lights, with its unique layout and rhythm, silently interprets the Eastern philosophy of "following the natural way." And that bowl of heartwarming lamb chop noodles late at night, its fresh and rich flavor not only warmed the stomach but also became a culinary bond connecting us to this land. #LocalFood #TekesBaguaCity #CityCultureNotes #BeautifulNightView #XinjiangTravel #TekesBaguaCity #CityWithoutTrafficLights #LambChopNoodles #I ChingCulture #ProsperousXinjiang #TravelStory

Why go to Qiongkushitai? 1. Three-dimensional grassland ceiling: Kazakh herders' wooden houses are scattered across the undulating meadows, creating a play of light and shadow comparable to a Windows desktop background. 2. Hiking and horseback riding paradise: Three classic routes lead directly to the Kalajun/Wusun Ancient Road, with a difficulty level lower than Yubeng. 3. Living fossil of culture: Preserving nomadic traditions such as transhumance culture, handmade naan bread, and wool felt making. Itinerary (Starting and Ending in Yining) Day 1: Yining → Tekes → Qiongkushitai 8:00 Depart from Yining, passing the Guozigou Bridge (3-hour drive) 12:00 Lunch at Tekes Bagua City, recommended "Ma Bai Kailai Lamb Ribs with Hand-Pulled Noodles" 15:00 Enter Qiongkushitai along the winding mountain road (78 km, 3-hour drive, no entry after 18:00) 19:00 Check into a wooden cabin guesthouse at the village entrance, waiting for the "light and shadow grassland" at sunset. Day 2: Qiongkushitai → Horseback riding at the alpine lake 9:00 Horseback riding through the Kurdai River Canyon (6 hours round trip, approximately 400 RMB/person) 12:00 Picnic by the stream: Naan baked by local herders + homemade yogurt 16:00 After returning, visit the village's "Centennial Wooden Workshop" and learn how to felt wool. 20:00 Stargazing hot pot feast (copper pot provided by the guesthouse + freshly slaughtered mutton) Day 3: Hiking the entrance to the Wusun Ancient Road 8:00 Light hiking to the first campsite of the Wusun Ancient Road (12km round trip, 500m elevation gain) 12:00 Overlooking the snow-capped mountains from Baozhadun Pass 15:00 After descending the mountain, experience "black honey picking" (autumn only) 18:00 Visit a herder's home to drink "camel milk" and listen to dombra music. Day 4: Qiongkushitai → Kalajun → Yining 7:00 Drive 1.5 hours to Kalajun Flower Terrace (avoiding the scenic area bus tours) 10:00 Falcon Terrace Cliff View: Panoramic View of the Grassland 14:00 Return to Yining, stopping at "King of Roasted Buns" in Gongliu County along the way. Must-Visit Scenes Hill Swing on the Back Mountain: A popular spot for photos, with rolling grasslands and snow-capped spruce trees in the background. Kurdai River Wooden Bridge: Scenes of herders herding sheep across the bridge in the morning mist. Wusun Ancient Road Stream: Wild lilies bloom along the riverbanks in June. Herders Making Tandoor: Filming the entire process of traditional tandoori making. Nomadic Flavors Dried Meat Pilaf: The soul of the dish is the horse sausage smoked with pine wood. Baursak: Kazakh fried dough sticks with jam. Camel Milk: Richer than cow's milk, a sleep aid. Handmade Yogurt Curds: Extremely sour but with a sweet aftertaste. Important Notes Traffic Controls: Vehicles with more than 7 seats are prohibited from entering Qiongkushitai Village. Vehicles are prohibited from entering or leaving the village daily from 18:00 to 8:00 the next day. Accommodation Warning: Book your accommodation one month in advance! Recommended accommodations: "Shanye Homestay" and "Yunhai Mountain Villa" * Wooden cabins have poor sound insulation; earplugs are essential. Safety Highlights: * Hiking requires a guide (sudden flash floods are a risk). * Selfie sticks are strictly prohibited on horseback; hold onto the saddle at all times. Seasonal Tips: * June is best for flower fields/September for golden autumn. Hail is possible in July and August. * Winter snowstorms close roads (avoid traveling from November to April of the following year). Cost Reference (per person): * Transportation: Chartered car in Yining: 800 RMB/day (including Kalajun) * Accommodation: Wooden cabin: 600-1200 RMB/night * Food: 80-150 RMB/day * Guide: Horse riding/hiking: 300-500 RMB/day * Total budget: Approximately 4000-6000 RMB Hidden Activities: * Help herders migrate: Participate in sheep migration in September (meals provided). * Milky Way Time-lapse Photography: The Milky Way arch is visible to the naked eye after the cabin lights are turned off. #XinjiangOffTheBeatenPath #Qiongkushitai

A sea of ​​summer purple flowers! Aktas Grassland, a hidden gem in Tekes As the lavender of Huocheng gradually fades, the Aktas Grassland, deep within Tekes, quietly unfolds its 500-acre purple wonderland. Wild primroses here begin blooming in mid-May, reaching peak bloom in June and July, interweaving with yellow nasturtiums and white edelweiss to create a canvas of flowers. At 2,000 meters above sea level, the sky-high grasslands are dotted with snow-capped mountains, spruce trees, and yurts, and even the wind carries the sweet fragrance of wildflowers. As a travel blogger deeply rooted in Yili, I've personally visited the region and compiled this "no-buffers" guide to exploring the new wonders of Xinjiang's grasslands on a budget. I. In-depth Experiences in the Flower Sea Core Area (I) Three Must-Photo Spots 1. Girl Peak Observation Deck Arrive before 7 a.m. to see the golden morning light cast across the 20-kilometer flower carpet. Smoke curls from the white yurts. Use a telephoto lens to create a dreamy scene of "snow-capped mountains covered in flowers." We recommend wearing a long white dress and a traditional shawl, allowing you to take advantage of the morning mist to create a hazy effect. Although the number of purple primroses decreases in August, the golden carpet of golden lotus flowers complements the snow-capped mountains, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. 2. Love Ladder Turning right from the third observation deck on the wooden plank road, the S-shaped flower path extends into the spruce forest. Capture the dynamic silhouettes of people running or leaping, and the fleeting moments of flowing hair are truly captivating. Be careful to avoid the strong midday sun and choose side or backlighting for your shots. 3. Wild Scenery on the Pastoral Trail Two kilometers past the scenic area gate, follow the well-trodden dirt road deeper into the area, where you may occasionally encounter flocks of sheep framing the sea of ​​flowers. Using a drone for aerial photography (some areas are prohibited from flying, so please confirm in advance) can capture the wavy patterns created by the wind on the flowers. (II) Immersive Experiences 1. Horseback Flower Viewing The scenic area offers children's saddles, allowing you to ride deep into the heart of the flower sea for 80 yuan/hour (summer special offer until August 30th; students with a student ID get half-price admission and shuttle bus fares). It's recommended to photograph the silhouettes of people and horses after 4 p.m. when the light is softer. 2. Starry Sky Camping The newly built wooden plank road campground within the scenic area offers starry sky tent rentals for 128 yuan/night, including a light meal and breakfast for two. The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye at night, so be sure to bring a tripod and wide-angle lens. Camping sites are free if you bring your own camping gear. 3. Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicrafts In the Folk Customs Park, experience Kazakh wool felt making for 30 yuan, and unlock indigo-dyed handkerchiefs for 50 yuan. Sister Ayi Shamu will teach while singing ancient felt-making songs, and your creations are available to take home. II. Cost-Effective Itinerary Planning (I) One-Day Tour Plan - Depart from Tekes County at 9:00 AM and drive 40 minutes to the scenic area (use the navigation system to "Aktas Girl Peak Visitor Service Center"). We recommend renting an SUV, as the 5-kilometer dirt road at the entrance is prone to getting stuck after rain. - From 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, hike the "Wild Flower Valley - Wusun Ancient Town" route. Along the way, you can pick wild strawberries (don't overdo it) and occasionally encounter Kazakh herders migrating. - From 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, enjoy lunch at "Yunmu Manor" within the scenic area. We recommend the 168 RMB herders' family dinner set menu (includes freshly squeezed mare's milk, hand-pulled meat, and thin-skinned steamed buns), less than 50 RMB per person. - 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Experience an ATV off-road tour (original price: 388 RMB/vehicle, including 2 hours; 50% off during summer, approximately 194 RMB/vehicle). Traverse a sea of ​​golden lotus flowers and a pine forest. The "giant heart-shaped cliff" at the end offers a unique photo op. - 5:30 PM: Stop at the Baguacheng Observation Deck before returning to capture the moment when the sunset gilds the grasslands with a time-lapse video. (II) In-Depth Tour Recommendations To avoid crowds, camp overnight in the scenic area. Arrive at the Girl Peak Observation Deck before 7:00 AM the next morning to capture the breathtaking view of the golden mountain and the sea of ​​flowers. Free ginger tea and a dryer are provided at the campsite, so bring a warm sleeping bag (nighttime temperatures can drop to 8°C). III. Avoiding Consumer Traps (I) Transportation Traps - A direct bus from Tekes County to the scenic area departs daily at 12:00 PM (board at the Zhouyi Town Visitor Center) and returns at 5:00 PM. The one-way trip costs 30 RMB/person. Don't trust the 50 yuan per person quote from roadside "ridesharing drivers." - Driving into the scenic area requires a grassland maintenance fee of 75 yuan per vehicle (for vehicles with fewer than 7 seats). Some privately built footpaths by herders pose a risk of getting stuck, so it's recommended to use the official entrance. (II) Shopping Scam Prevention - The "wild Tianshan snow ginseng" and "millennium-old Ganoderma lucidum" found in the scenic area are mostly cultivated. The same products are only 80 yuan per jin (0.5 catties) at pharmacies in Tekes County. If you encounter a "drug tout" who is rushing to buy them, call 12315 to report them. - A wool shawl at the embroidery workshop is priced at 380 yuan, but you can bargain it down to 150 yuan. We recommend choosing traditional geometric patterns for greater collectible value. (III) Dining Scams Avoided - Baked steamed buns in the scenic area are 6 yuan each, with insufficient meat filling and a tough crust. Return to Tekes County and order a 28 yuan fried pork noodle dish at "Mystery City Special Lamb Ribs and Slices." Additional noodles are free, and the meat is generous. - The internet-famous "Gulandam Ice Cream" recommends trying the saffron flavor. Almonds and raisins are freely available in the self-service topping area, but honey costs an additional 5 yuan per portion. IV. Quick Information - Admission: 30 yuan per person, 75 yuan per car (7 seats or less). Full-time students can enjoy half-price admission and shuttle bus tickets with their student ID (summer special offer until August 30th). - Flowering Warning: Purple primroses are at their peak in mid-June, gradually fading in late July. In August, nasturtiums dominate, with some colorful wildflowers still dotting the landscape. - Equipment List: SPF 50+ sunscreen, windproof fleece jacket, waterproof hiking shoes, and a thermos (hot water is scarce in the scenic area). - Side Tours: You can combine Kalajun Grassland (1.5-hour drive) and Koksu Grand Canyon (2-hour drive) to create a 3-4 day loop. In Aktas, unfiltered, pristine beauty blends with the unpretentious warmth of the Kazakh people. Every sip of kumis carries the warmth of the grassland, and every wildflower holds a whisper of nature. This summer, let's escape the crowds and experience the true nature of Ili amidst a sea of ​​purple blossoms. #RomanticAutumnColorsofTekesXinjiang#TheMostComed-OnSite #CoupleTravel #HaveFunWithFriends