Live Your Best Lives
Baicheng, a transliterated form of the Turkic word "Bayi," means "rich." Baicheng County is located in a mountain basin at the southern foot of the middle Tianshan Mountains, on the northern edge of the Qeretag Mountains, and in the upper reaches of the Weigan River. To the north, it borders Zhaosu and Tekes Counties, both directly under the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, along the Tianshan Mountains. To the south, it shares a border with Xinhe County across the Qeretag Mountains. It borders Kuqa County to the east and Wensu County to the west.
Abundant in water, soil, sunlight, and heat, this region offers unique advantages for developing modern large-scale agriculture. It is a major grain and oil production base in Xinjiang, and a base for producing the Merino fine-wool sheep. It is known as the "Hometown of Fine-Wool Sheep in China" and the "Hometown of Yellow Rapeseed." The region boasts abundant oil and natural gas reserves, and with prospective reserves of 5.5 billion tons of raw coal, it is known as the "Coal Capital of Southern Xinjiang."
The county's most famous scenic spot is the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, one of the four largest grottoes in China. It is located on a cliff face on the north bank of the Muzati River, 7 kilometers southeast of Kizil Township. The carvings and murals date back over 1,700 years, dating back to the late 3rd century AD. The grottoes stretch for 3 kilometers and contain 236 numbered caves, encompassing approximately 10,000 square meters of murals.
Baicheng County has a temperate continental arid climate with cold winters and cool summers.
Recommended play time: 1 day
Baicheng is a city in the Aksu region of Xinjiang, known for its rich Uygur culture and historical significance. It has been a key location along the ancient Silk Road and is recognized for its diverse population and vibrant cultural traditions.
Baicheng is located in the Aksu Prefecture, southwestern Xinjiang. To get there, you can fly into Aksu Airport and take a taxi or bus for about a 40-minute drive to Baicheng. Public transportation within the city is limited, so taxis are recommended for getting around.
Baicheng is an open destination with no specific opening hours. The best time to visit is during spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild. Summers can be quite hot, while winters are cold and dry.
There is no general entrance fee to visit Baicheng itself. However, certain attractions like parks or cultural sites may charge small fees, which can be paid at the entrance or through local tour operators.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not necessary for most attractions in Baicheng. However, if you plan to visit specific sites or join a guided tour, it's recommended to book at least a week ahead, particularly during peak travel seasons.
1-2 days is ideal for exploring Baicheng and its surrounding areas. This allows enough time to experience the local culture, explore the scenic landscapes, and visit key attractions.
Guided tours are available through local operators, with most tours in Mandarin or Uygur. English-speaking guides may be available, but it's best to arrange this in advance if needed.
Night visits and special tours are not common in Baicheng. However, the clear skies make it an excellent spot for stargazing at night.
Baicheng is generally not crowded, especially compared to larger Xinjiang cities. The least crowded times to visit are in the winter months (December to February), when the weather is colder and fewer tourists are around.
Basic facilities such as toilets, local eateries, and small shops are available. It is advisable to carry bottled water and snacks while exploring, especially when visiting remote areas.
The main attractions in Baicheng are accessible, but some of the outdoor areas and hiking trails may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. However, local villages and markets are more suitable for all ages.
Cash is preferred in Baicheng, especially in smaller villages and remote areas. Credit cards and mobile payments may be accepted in larger towns or hotels, but it's advisable to carry cash in local currency (Chinese Yuan).
Local Uygur restaurants and cafés offer traditional dishes like lamb, pilaf, and naan bread. There are limited options in the city itself, so exploring nearby villages for local food is a great choice.
Halal food is widely available, as Uygur cuisine is predominantly Muslim. Vegetarian options are available, although they may be limited in remote areas.
Accommodation in Baicheng includes budget guesthouses and small hotels. For more options, you can consider staying in Aksu, which is nearby and offers more modern facilities.
Nearby attractions include the city of Aksu, which offers additional cultural sites and natural beauty, as well as the Tianshan Mountains, which are perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.
Souvenir shops in Baicheng offer traditional Uygur handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry. You can also find spices, dried fruits, and handmade goods in the local markets.
After visiting Baicheng, you can continue your trip by bus, taxi, or private car to Aksu, where you can find more transportation options, including flights to other cities in Xinjiang.
