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Yanqi Hui Autonomous County is located in the central Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, in the heart of the Yanqi Basin, a basin at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains. With a rich history and splendid culture spanning over 2,000 years, Yanqi served as a key transportation route along the ancient Silk Road and was one of the renowned "Four Anxi Towns" during the Tang Dynasty.
The area boasts numerous cultural sites, including the Seven Star Buddhist Temple ruins, the ancient city of Bogdaqin, the Tuzinoq Tombs, and the beacon tower at the mouth of the Hola Mountain Ravine. Famous poems and lines by Tang Dynasty poet Cen Shen and Southern Song Dynasty poet Lu You are also found within the area, as are the footprints of renowned monks such as Faxian of the Eastern Jin Dynasty and Xuanzang of the Tang Dynasty, as well as the national hero Lin Zexu and scholar Chu Tingzhang of the Qing Dynasty.
Yanqi's flower performances, with their diverse forms and extensive content, have been included in the first batch of China's intangible cultural heritage lists. Its five city cards, primarily "Ancient Silk Road Country," "Red Wine Capital," "Famous Gourmet City," "City of Commerce," and "Hometown of Flowers," fully showcase the ancient city's charm.
Yanqi County has a typical mid-temperate arid desert climate, with concentrated heat in summer and cold waves in winter, long sunshine hours, and large temperature differences between day and night.
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
Yanqi, located in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, is a historically significant area along the ancient Silk Road. It is home to the Yanqi Lake, a key landmark that has supported local agriculture and trade for centuries. The area is also notable for its diverse Uyghur and Mongol cultures.
Yanqi is located in the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or bus from Korla, which is about 90 kilometers away. There are no metro services in the area.
Yanqi is open year-round, but the best times to visit are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities.
Yanqi does not have a specific entrance fee for the general area, but activities around Yanqi Lake may have associated costs. Tickets can typically be purchased on-site.
Booking tickets in advance is not usually required for general visits. However, for special activities like boat tours or guided trips, it’s recommended to book 1-2 weeks in advance.
1-2 days should be enough to explore Yanqi, including visiting the lake, hiking, and experiencing local culture.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some may offer English-speaking guides for international visitors. Audio guides are typically not available, but local guides can assist.
There are no regular night visits or light shows. However, stargazing is a popular activity in the area, especially in the clear desert skies.
Yanqi is not usually crowded. Weekdays outside of local holiday seasons are the least crowded times to visit.
There are basic facilities including public toilets, food stalls, and rest areas around Yanqi Lake. Shops selling local handicrafts and food items are also available.
The town and surrounding areas are generally accessible for elderly and children, but some natural sites may require a bit of effort to reach. Accessibility for disabled visitors may be limited in certain areas, especially around the desert and hiking trails.
Cash is commonly used in the area, though some larger businesses or tourist attractions may accept mobile payments or cards.
There are local Uyghur restaurants offering traditional dishes like kebabs, pilaf, and naan bread. There are also a few cafes where you can try local tea and snacks.
Halal food is widely available, and there are vegetarian options in many local restaurants, including vegetable pilaf and fresh salads.
There are several guesthouses and inns around Yanqi, but for more luxurious options, you may need to stay in Korla, where a variety of hotels are available.
Nearby attractions include the ruins of Jiaohe and the historical sites of Korla. Both are within a 1-2 hour drive from Yanqi and can be easily combined for a day trip.
There are local souvenir shops where you can buy Uyghur textiles, pottery, jewelry, and spices. Popular souvenirs include embroidered textiles and colorful carpets.
After visiting Yanqi, you can take a taxi or bus to Korla, where you can access further transportation options such as trains or flights for traveling around Xinjiang.