Turgen

Introducing Turgen

Turgen Township, part of Xinyuan County in the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang, is located in the heart of the Gongnaisi Grassland. Turgen, a Mongolian word meaning "fast-flowing river," derives its name from it. The Turgen Mountain area boasts dense forests and pristine wild apricot groves, including the famous Xinghuagou Wild Apricot Grove. Turgen enjoys a north temperate continental semi-arid climate and boasts some of the finest arable land in the county. It boasts the highest winter wheat yield per unit area in Xinyuan County, earning it the reputation of "Xinyuan's granary."

Climate and best time to travel

Temperate continental climate, summer

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Gongnaisi grassland, Xinghuagou wild apricot forest, half a day

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Turgen

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Turgen Apricot Valley (in Turgen Township, Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture) preserves one of the largest wild apricot-forest areas in Xinjiang, dating back to medieval times, with tens of thousands of acres of wild apricot trees. The forest and valley are very important culturally (local Kazakh and other pastoral communities) and for spring-flower tourism.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

It is located near Turgen Township, Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang — about 30 km from Xinyuan County and roughly 200 km from Yining City. Getting there:

• From Yining City: you can drive or charter a vehicle to Xinyuan County, then onwards to Turgen Apricot Valley. Public bus service directly to the valley is limited.
• From Xinyuan County: charter a car or van to the scenic area (approx. 2 km from the National Highway 218 guard).

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Opening hours: The valley is naturally accessible all day (sunrise to sunset) as a scenic area in nature. Best time to visit: The prime season is mid-April when the wild apricot trees bloom in full, roughly from late March to May depending on weather.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

During the apricot-blossom festival the ticket price is around ¥20 CNY or so for some years. Tickets can be bought offline at entrance; online booking may be possible via local travel platforms but check seasonally.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Advance booking is not strictly required for most visits, but during peak bloom season (mid-April) it’s advisable to book vehicle transfer & lodging ahead of time. Secure tickets or transport 1-2 days in advance if you want a smooth trip.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

If focusing on the bloom area and photography allow 2-3 hours. If you plan to linger, ride horses, stay for sunrise/sunset or include nearby meadows, allocate half a day (4-5 hours).

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Highlights:

• The hillside covered in wild apricot blossoms, especially when the pink/white blossoms are dense.
• The grassland-meadow at the base, often also with grazing horses or sheep, giving pastoral contrast.
• The hillsides for panoramic views and the ridges that catch early morning/late afternoon light.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

No widely documented standard audio-guide system is mentioned. Independent visits are common; if you want a guided experience (in Mandarin and possibly English) you may arrange through local tour operators in Xinyuan/Yining.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Best photography tips:

• Early morning (about 1-2 h after sunrise) and late afternoon (1-2 h before sunset) for best light on blossoms.
• Shoot from ridge or hillside overlooking the valley of apricot trees for wide-angle effect.
• Include foreground elements like grazing animals or trails among the blossoms for context.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Suggested itinerary:

• Arrive early at the scenic area entrance, pay ticket, drive to valley base.
• Walk up to the hillside among the apricot trees, allowing time for photos and light changes.
• Descend back through the meadow, sample local scenery and perhaps interact with local pastoral life.
• If staying overnight, plan to wake at dawn for the best light or stay for sunset on the ridge.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

No major night light-shows are documented for this location. Visiting around sunset is recommended, but full night tours or lighting features appear limited in this somewhat remote scenic area.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

During the bloom period the attraction can be quite busy; for fewer crowds visit early morning, on a weekday, or slightly before/after the peak bloom week. Outside the main floral season it is much quieter.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities are moderate: scenic-area style entrance, restrooms and likely some local vendors during peak season. Because the area is more remote, carry water, snacks and a jacket (spring weather may be variable).

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Walking among the meadows and up gentle slopes is manageable for children and moderately mobile elderly. However steep hillsides or uneven ground may be challenging for people with mobility impairments; wheelchair access is likely limited.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Tickets and vendor purchases in tourist-areas of Xinjiang generally accept mobile payments (WeChat Pay/Alipay) and cards in more developed places, but in remote settings it’s wise to carry some cash (RMB).

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Nearby Xinyuan County will have restaurants offering local cuisine (Kazakh, Uyghur styles). Within the valley area fewer full cafés may exist; plan meals in the base town or bring picnic materials.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Halal food is available in the Ili region due to local ethnic groups; vegetarian/vegan options may be less prominent in remote rural eateries—carry snacks if you follow those diets.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Accommodation: There are some local yurts near the apricot valley for immersive stays; otherwise stay in Xinyuan County (~30 km away) where more hotel options exist. Book ahead in peak bloom season.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby you can combine the trip with other scenic spots in the Ili region such as the grasslands (e.g., Nalati Grassland) or valleys, making it part of a broader spring-flower or grassland tour.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

In Xinyuan County and valley-entrance areas you’ll find souvenir shops selling local handicrafts, dried fruits (apricots), wool felt goods, horse-riding related items. Within the remote valley the commercial offering is likely limited.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Turgen Apricot Valley you can drive or charter onward to other scenic areas in the Ili region or return to Xinyuan or Yining by car/taxi. Public transport is limited, so private or chartered vehicle is recommended for onward travel.