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Chabuchaer Sibe Autonomous County is located between the Wusun Mountains and the Ili River Valley. It borders Kazakhstan to the west and faces Yining City, the capital of Ili Prefecture, across the river to the north. It is 15 kilometers away from the center of Yining City.
Chabuchaer is a multi-ethnic autonomous county with the Xibe ethnic group as the main body. There are 20,000 Xibe people living in the county. It is the county with the most complete, concentrated and representative preservation of the Xibe ethnic culture in China. In the Xibe language, it means "granary".
Chabuchar is an old place that inherits traditional culture and folk customs, and it is also a new world of innovation and development of modern civilization. Here you can visit the ancient city scenery, experience the archery culture, enjoy ethnic songs and dances, and taste Xibe cuisine. At the same time, you can also feel the romance from the modern era.
In Yuanpu Garden in the county seat, Yili's first art lantern festival bloomed brilliantly. The lanterns were mainly based on current affairs, love and local characteristics. The traditional handicrafts of Sichuan Zigong lanterns, a national intangible cultural heritage, were introduced, and matched with water lantern groups to create a light feast that combines cultural characteristics with romantic dreams.
In the Baishifeng Scenic Area located in the south of the county, the main peak of Baishifeng, with an altitude of 3,475 meters, looks majestic from a distance and steep and dangerous up close. Waterfalls and springs gush in the mountains, the weather is unpredictable, the mountain flowers are colorful, and the mysterious stone caves, huge mushroom stones and holy water on the top of Baishifeng attract tourists from all over the world.
Chabuchaer Sibe Autonomous County has a continental northern temperate mild arid climate with abundant sunshine, four distinct seasons, long winter and spring, cold winter, short summer and autumn, and hot summer.
Recommended play time: 1 day
Chabuchar is known for its location along the ancient Silk Road. The area has a rich cultural history, being home to Uyghur people, and it has served as a trading hub for goods such as textiles, spices, and agricultural products. Its natural beauty and historical significance make it a fascinating place to explore.
Chabuchar is located in the Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang, China. It can be reached by bus or private car from the nearby city of Yining. Local taxis and private transport are the best options to get around the area.
Chabuchar is a natural destination with no fixed opening hours, but the best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is mild and the landscapes are at their best.
There are no significant entrance fees for most attractions in Chabuchar, but for specific sites like the Tianshan mountains or historical sites, fees may range from ¥20 to ¥50. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to these sites, and some may offer online ticketing.
For popular sites or guided tours, it is recommended to book tickets a few days in advance, especially during peak tourist season (summer months). For most outdoor activities, advance booking is not required.
A visit to Chabuchar, including its natural and cultural sites, can take anywhere from one day to two days, depending on your interests and the time spent hiking or exploring the local villages.
Guided tours are available for historical sites and natural areas. Most tours are conducted in Mandarin, but English-speaking guides may be available upon request. Audio guides are less common in this area.
Start by visiting the Tianshan mountains for a morning hike, then explore the local Uyghur villages. In the afternoon, visit the Silk Road sites and finish your day with a relaxing visit to the local markets or parks.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available in Chabuchar. However, special tours may be arranged during cultural festivals or holidays to experience local traditions and performances.
Chabuchar is generally not crowded, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful experience. The least crowded times are during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn), particularly on weekdays.
Basic facilities like toilets, food stalls, and rest areas are available at major tourist sites. Local shops sell traditional goods, and some restaurants offer Uyghur cuisine.
The natural areas around Chabuchar, especially the mountains, may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. However, the town and cultural sites are more accessible to all visitors, with relatively flat terrain and paved roads.
Cash is still widely used in Chabuchar, but mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay) are accepted in larger establishments. It’s a good idea to carry cash for smaller transactions.
Halal food is common in Chabuchar, given the large Uyghur population. Vegetarian options can also be found, such as vegetable dishes, salads, and bread.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling traditional Uyghur handicrafts, including carpets, textiles, and jewelry. Local spices, dried fruits, and nuts are also popular souvenirs.
