Live Your Best Lives
(Latest update: February 14, 2022)
The 2022 Winter Olympics will be held in Beijing. I believe many friends were shocked by the opening ceremony directed by Zhang Yimou!
From the opening “Twenty-Four Solar Terms Chart”, it brings together the beautiful river and mountain scenery I have ever taken. What attracts me the most must be the beautiful spring scenery of “Guyu” - the apricot blossoms in Turgen, Yili, Xinjiang!
White horses in the west wind in the north, apricot blossoms in the misty rain in the south!
In April, the grasslands of the Ili River Valley are awash in lush green, with the first signs of spring grass. Cows, sheep, and horses graze leisurely on the verdant grasslands. Thousands of wild apricot blossoms cover the hillsides, their branches intertwined, their branches adorned with pink blossoms, a fragrance permeating the air and a brilliance reminiscent of clouds. To be among them is to step into a sea of flowers, a fairyland. Climb a small hill and gaze out over the endless expanse of the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains in the distance, and the valley's heart lies in neat, unbroken farmland. If you visit this spot, you'll be amazed: This is the most beautiful April on earth!
Apricot
trees are members of the Rosaceae family. They have single flowers surrounded by a single layer of leaves, blooming before the leaves open. Their petals are white or slightly rosy. Apricots are highly adaptable to soil and terrain, and are often cultivated on hillside terraces and hilly areas.
Xinjiang boasts the largest area of apricot cultivation in China, with the trees primarily found in the Tianshan Mountains and the Ili River Valley. Every early spring, over 30,000 mu (approximately 1,000 acres) of wild apricot trees, dating back to the Middle Ages and located primarily on the low-lying mountainside, burst into bloom, their branches covered in pink petals. Beneath the trees, the undulating grasslands, teeming with cattle and sheep, create a scene reminiscent of a paradise.
CCTV's recently released "Aerial China 2" is a huge success. This is all thanks to the success of the first season of "Aerial China" in early 2017. The first episode of that season featured the Xinghuagou in Yili, Xinjiang, and I believe everyone who saw it was shocked!
Perhaps you first encountered a photo of Xinghuagou in a post titled "100 Must-Visit Places in Life." Among a slew of foreign attractions, there was a photo of vast expanses of pink and white apricot blossoms scattered across a green, rolling hillside. Beneath the photo, prominently labeled "Yili, China," it sparked a deeper understanding of Xinjiang's apricot blossoms.
Xinjiang boasts the largest area of apricot tree cultivation in my country. Every early spring, following the March blooms of rapeseed and peach blossoms, we begin to spot the apricot blossoms on Xinjiang's Ili grasslands. Over 30,000 mu (approximately 1,000 hectares) of wild apricot trees, preserved from the Middle Ages, offer both majestic grandeur and a solitary charm. The apricot blossoms have graced the cover of China National Geography numerous times.
From afar, pink wild apricot blossoms blanket the hills, dotting the landscape like pink cotton candy. Flocks of sheep and horses from Kazakh herders roam the hilltops, creating what a paradise on earth might look like.
There are four main places where apricot blossoms can be seen in Xinjiang: along Datong Township in the Pamir Plateau; Turgen Township in Ili Prefecture; Toksun County in Turpan; and Daxigou in Huocheng.
The flowering period varies from place to place. The apricot blossoms in Toksun County, Turpan, are the first to bloom in Xinjiang and the closest to Urumqi, around March 20th. Apricot blossoms are mainly distributed in the fields of Toksun. They are cultivated as cash crops and have little ornamental value.
Next up are the Pamir apricot blossoms, which bloom from mid-to-late March to early April. The Ili Turgen apricot blossoms typically bloom in early to mid-April. The last are the Daxigou apricot blossoms, which bloom slowly in mid-to-late April. The flowering period varies from year to year due to varying climates.
But the most beautiful ones are the Pamir and Turgen apricot blossoms, which is also the focus of our introduction today.
(Apricot blossom distribution map in Xinjiang, created by @飞翔)
(Apricot blossoms in the fields of Toksun first bloom around March 20)
(Apricot blossoms on the Pamir Plateau, blooming at the end of March)
The apricot blossoms in Turgen, Yili, are a prime spot for viewing. They typically bloom from early to mid-April, with flowering times varying depending on orientation, altitude, and temperature. The aerial footage of China was captured after the entire team spent over two weeks stationed in the area.
(Turgen apricot blossoms, blooming in early April)
The last apricot blossoms to bloom are in Daxigou and Kuerdenin, which are at higher altitudes and only begin to bloom in mid-to-late April. We usually go there to shoot after the Turgen apricot blossoms have finished blooming.
(Daxigou apricot blossoms, blooming in mid-April)
Tips:
① The apricot blossoms have a short blooming period, about ten days. When the apricot blossoms in Yili end, various wildflowers will bloom in Daxigou. If the weather is warmer, all the wildflowers will be in bloom around Qingming Festival.
② Apricot blossoms can basically be viewed during the day. The most beautiful moments are when the sun rises and sets. However, professional photographers have certain lighting requirements, so you can go to view them early or late.
"I asked where the tavern was, and the shepherd boy pointed to Xinghua Village in the distance."
The poet's few words have sparked debate over the title of "Apricot Blossom Village" in many places today. However, the apricot blossoms of the Pamir Plateau are undoubtedly the most deserving of this title. The Pamir Plateau is renowned for its cold, bleak, and desolate scenery. Yet, spring in Xinjiang begins here. Every year at the end of March, the long-dormant century-old apricot trees burst into bloom, transforming the nearly 300-kilometer-long Tashkurgan River Valley into a spectacular corridor of apricot blossoms.
(Photo source: China News Network)
So where are these mysterious apricot blossom villages? They are primarily found within the Kunlun Mountains, along the Tashkurgan and Yarkand Rivers, and on either side of the famous Tasha Ancient Trail, part of the Xuanzang Journey. The best places to view the apricot blossoms are in Kukoshiruk Township, Tal Township, Datong Township, and the villages below them. China-TravelNote was one of the first teams to visit these areas, and we're well-versed in the distribution and timing of the apricot blossoms in each village. I'd like to share two photos with you, showing that in the oasis carved out by the Tashkurgan River, the Tajik people cultivate wheat and apricot blossoms. In spring, the pink, green farmland, and blue river create a striking contrast against the stark mountains.
To reach Xinghuagou, you used to have to take an off-road vehicle because the roads were so bad. Five years ago, China-TravelNote visited the route and the undercarriage was completely rubbed out. It was even harder than the washboard road on Mount Everest.
Of course, the government has also been working hard on road construction in the past two years. Currently, a paved road has been built all the way to Datong Township. However, this has its pros and cons. With better roads, more people will go there, and many of the original cultural heritage will be lost. Travel early!
Apricot blossoms on the Pamir Plateau bloom closely to water, blooming earlier in areas with lower altitudes and higher temperatures. The China-TravelNote photography team, through years of practice and research, has developed a scientific photography method based on the order in which the flowers bloom.
We traveled south from Kashgar, climbing the 3,754-meter Aigezida Pass and entering the Karakoram Mountains. We passed through Qiallong Township and then sailed upstream along the Yarkand River to reach Xinghua Village in Datong Township.
Afterwards, we visited Datong Township, Tal Township, and Kukosiluk Township along the Yarkand River. There are many small villages under these townships that are suitable for photographing apricot blossoms, such as Xiaotong Village, Almalek Village, etc. We stopped and walked along the way to take pictures of the pink spring.
The in-depth filming lasts for four days and three nights, before finally crossing to Tashkurgan County and returning to Kashgar along the Karakoram Highway. Of course, if you can't handle the accommodations and bumpy ride in Xinghua Village, our in-depth tour will proceed from Tashkurgan County to Kukoshiluk Township for filming, staying one night before returning to Tashkurgan County. Different options are available to different guests.
The apricot blossoms on the Pamir Plateau typically bloom from late March to early April. In 2022, the earliest bloom is expected to begin around March 20th, with Datong Township being the first to bloom, followed by Tal Township around the 25th, and Kukoshiluk Township near the end of March, with the flowering period lasting about a week. Datong Township, at the lowest altitude, will bloom first, followed by Tal Township and finally Kukoshiluk Township. Apricot blossoms in Datong Township are relatively sparse, concentrated primarily in Tal and Kukoshiluk Townships. We will also spend more time in these two townships for accommodation and filming. Of course, the apricot blossom season is affected by temperature fluctuations, so the exact date cannot be determined with absolute certainty. If time permits, we recommend traveling to Kashgar in late March and then entering the Pamir Plateau based on the blooming conditions.
The apricot blossoms of the Pamir Plateau are primarily found in the valleys, so capturing them doesn't require a particularly long focal length. A 24-70mm lens is generally optimal. If you're looking to capture authentic humanistic scenes, a 70-200mm lens will suffice. A prime lens with an 85mm focal length or higher is recommended; using a 35mm or 50mm focal length for capturing humanistic scenes is not recommended, as it's considered impolite. Drones are welcome; aerial photography isn't permitted in Datong Township, but it's not a problem in other villages.
The Pamir Plateau is still covered in snow in late March and early April. The coldest area is Tashkurgan County, at an altitude of around 3,100 meters, with an average temperature around freezing. Xinghua Village is at a lower altitude, with temperatures mostly ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. It's recommended to bring three or four items, including a jacket, a thin down or fleece jacket, and thermal underwear.
Currently, you can only fly to Kashgar and rent an SUV there. Remember, it has to be an SUV! The road to Xinghua Village is in terrible condition, worse than a washboard. Once you reach Tashkurgan County, you'll need to go deeper into Xinghua Village. Hiking in one of the local pickup trucks is not recommended; it's uncomfortable and doesn't allow for full mobility.
The Karakoram Highway
, also known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, is the only land route from China to Pakistan. It runs from Kashgar, China, through Tashkurgan County, the world's highest national border crossing, the Khunjerab Pass, connecting China and Pakistan for trade. It is a major economic route jointly built by China and Pakistan. However, due to an oversupply of tourists, the national border is now closed to visitors.
Baisha
Lake is the first stop on the Pamir Plateau, situated over 2,000 meters above sea level. Silvery-white sand dunes stretch for more than a dozen kilometers, each with a metallic texture and sharp corners, their edges directly connected to the lake. The sand dunes and the blue lake, two magical natural landscapes, coexisting side by side, their uninterrupted presence awe-inspiring.
Karakul Lake
After passing Baisha Lake, continue on to Karakul Lake. Located at an altitude of 3,600 meters, this pristine alpine lake, fed by glacial meltwater, is a must-see on the way to Tashkurgan County and offers the best view of Muztagh Ata. On clear days, you can photograph its reflection.
Muztagh Ata Peak
Located at the junction of Akto County and Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County in Xinjiang, at an altitude of 7,509 meters, Kongur Peak and Kongur Jiubie Peak tower over the beautiful Pamir Plateau like pillars of jade, becoming its symbol and representative. The inverted glacier, like a silver beard fluttering on a chest, dominates the mountains, earning it the nickname "Father of Icebergs."
When you arrive in
Tashi County, you can't miss the sunrise at Jincaotan Wetland. Find a stretch of water in the wetland to get a nice reflection. Watch the sun gradually illuminate the Stone City and the snow-capped mountains in the distance, lighting up the entire Jincaotan Wetland.
Panlong Ancient Road
On the Pamir Plateau, great workers built another road that crossed the natural barrier: the Panlong Ancient Road. The continuous hairpin turns make every experienced driver tremble, but it has also become a beautiful landscape.
The Tianshan Mountains, flanking the Ili River Valley, are home to a variety of ancient wild fruit trees. As the weather warms in April, wild apricot blossoms are the first to sense the change in temperature and eagerly burst into bloom, ushering in the season for apricot blossom viewing. The Apricot Blossom Valley in Turgen Township, Xinyuan County, is the most breathtaking sight in the Ili River Valley. Like a surging tide, the apricot blossoms climb the hillsides and penetrate deep into the gully. The fresh green of the grasslands, combined with the vibrant pink of the apricot blossoms, punctuated by the yurts of herders and the leisurely grazing of cattle and sheep, perfectly captures the charm of spring.
Turgen Apricot Blossom Forest is a pristine wild apricot forest dating back to the Middle Ages. Covering over 30,000 mu (approximately 1,000 hectares), it is the largest and most concentrated wild apricot forest in Xinjiang. As a result, the stunning blossoms blanket the mountains and attract a large number of photography enthusiasts every April.
Apricot blossoms in the Ili River Valley are mainly distributed in Turgen Township, Xinyuan County. In addition, wild apricot blossoms can be seen in Daxigou, Kurdening and Nalati, which are higher in altitude.
Every year, apricot blossom season brings a wave of excitement, as everyone plans their trips around the blooming season. Historically, peak apricot blossoms have typically occurred around April 5th. However, varying temperatures can shift the blooming period slightly, potentially as early as late March or early April. However, the apricot blossoms' blooming period is very short, lasting only about seven days from opening to withering, so appreciating their peak bloom requires considerable luck.
China-TravelNote, based on years of blooming patterns and current temperature forecasts, has conducted field research with colleagues at the China-TravelNote Xinjiang station. A preliminary forecast for 2022 shows that the Turgen apricot blossoms will begin blooming around April 5th, peaking around April 8th and continuing until around the 18th.
Of course, forecasts are subject to temperature fluctuations, and every year, many photography enthusiasts travel to Xinjiang from early April to await the arrival of the blooms. That year, the China Aerial Photography team spent over two weeks in Yili, waiting for the blooms to arrive. In addition to the 8-day loop, China-TravelNote also offers a small car tour from Yining, which goes directly to Turgen Xinghuagou and enters the park twice to take photos.
Turgen's apricot blossoms are primarily distributed between the mountainside and summit, with some tucked away in the valley. Flexible camera positions allow for free movement and exploration, allowing for personalized perspectives. A longer focal length is essential; a 70-200mm is essential, while a 24-70mm is ideal for capturing smaller scenes. The best times for photography are in the morning and evening, when the sky glows red and the hillsides are a stunning sight. Aerial photography is permitted, but caution is advised due to the strong winds on the mountain.
Turgen's apricot blossoms are primarily for scenic photography. China-TravelNote also arranged for beautiful Kazakh women to lead horses along the apricot-covered hillsides, further highlighting the unique cultural landscape.
Beyond photography, China-TravelNote's in-depth tour also includes a second visit to Turgen's Apricot Blossom Valley to capture the morning and evening light, giving everyone ample time to explore.
In early April, the snow in the Tianshan Mountains has not yet melted. The coldest area, Saihu, is around 0°C. Other areas, including Xinghuagou, experience temperatures between 5°C and 20°C. It's recommended to bring three to four items: a down jacket or windbreaker, a sweater or fleece jacket, and thermal underwear. Warm pants and windbreakers or other trousers are sufficient for the lower body.
Also, rain is common in the Yili region from March to April, so be sure to bring rain gear and waterproof camera gear.
Xinghuagou's scenery may seem monotonous, but it's essential to carefully observe it. If time permits, we recommend dedicating a full day to exploring. If you have time that day, you can ascend directly to the mountain, admire the sunset, and then descend. The next morning, arrive at the scenic area at 8 a.m. to watch the sunrise and take photos. Don't just admire the flowers from the ridge; it's best to descend to the bottom of the gully and walk to the opposite ridge. Along the way, you can get up close to the apricot blossoms, cattle, sheep, and pastoral huts, or sit quietly under a tree, waiting for the spring breeze to blow the apricot blossoms down.
Turgen Apricot Blossom is located in Turgen Township, Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, 2km north of National Highway 218, 205km from Yining City, 32km from Xinyuan County, and 2km from Turgen Township.
There are three general ways to reach Xinghuagou: join a local tour group meeting in Urumqi or Yining, take a long-distance bus, or charter a car or drive yourself. For good food and accommodation, and to visit the best attractions, it's recommended to join a local tour group. For more flexibility, charter a car or take a local long-distance bus.
Daxigou Wild Apricot Forest
The area is home to the rare wild sour plum (Prunus cerasifera), the only species found in Asia. It also boasts one of the highest concentrations of wild fruit forests in Huocheng. Mr. Bi Ye, in his famous "Notes on Tianshan Scenery," described the scene as follows: "In spring, flowers bloom throughout the valley; in autumn, fruits pile up on the mountainside. When the flowers bloom and the fruits ripen, it is a paradise for birds and animals." This scene is precisely what he was referring to: Daxigou.
Starting from early April every year, wild apricot blossoms, wild cherry blossoms, wild plum blossoms, wild sour plum blossoms, wild hawthorn blossoms, and wild apple blossoms bloom in turn, and the flowering period lasts for more than a month. The wild apricot forest in Daxigou Township can be regarded as a sister valley to the Wild Apricot Blossom Valley in Turgen Township. The flowering period of the wild apricot forest in Daxigou Township is about a week later than that of the Apricot Blossom Valley in Turgen Township. After taking pictures of the apricot blossoms in Turgen Township, you can go to take pictures of the apricot blossoms in Daxigou Township. The apricot blossom forest in Daxigou Township is picturesque all year round and is a good place for photographers.
Kurdnin
Kuerdening is a flower viewing spot that China-TravelNote has exclusively sought out. Its high altitude means the flowers bloom relatively late. After the Turgen blooms, we'll adjust our half-day itinerary to Kuerdening. Besides apricot blossoms, there are also a variety of other wild fruit blossoms, and the snow-capped mountains are quite spectacular. Currently, there are virtually no tourists here, except for a few self-driving tourists.
Nalati Grassland
Nalati Grassland is one of Xinjiang's most famous grasslands. In mid-to-late April and early May, the snow on the Nalati Grassland melts, leaving the distant snow-capped mountains still covered in white. Wild apple and apricot blossoms gradually bloom on the hillsides, covering the mountaintops. I prefer Nalati during this season compared to June and July, when the snow melts.
In the spring, there is a magical flower blooming on the Nalati grassland, that is the icy "wild lily". Even if it is covered with heavy snow, it can still break through the ground and amaze everyone.
Sailimu Lake blue ice melting
Having introduced the apricot blossoms of Yili, I also want to highly recommend the blue ice of Sayram Lake! Every winter, Sayram Lake freezes over, creating a spectacular display of blue ice. If you missed the winter ice, don't worry! In late March or early April, the ice on Sayram Lake begins to melt, and thick ice blocks are pushed to the shore by wind and waves, piling up layer by layer. Under the sunlight, you can still capture stunning blue ice photos.
Tangbula Grassland
Tangbula Grassland, named after the Tangbula Grand Canyon, generally refers to the lush mountain and valley grasslands along the banks of the Kashi River. The mighty Kashi River flows endlessly, while the southern bank of the river is covered in lush green grass. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a scene of blooming flowers. Entering the Tangbula Valley, you'll find gurgling streams and towering spruce forests, especially in summer, creating a picturesque scene of overlapping green mountains.
Aikenda Pass
It is the eastern starting point of Gongnaisi Valley, at an altitude of 3,035 meters. Overlooking the green corridor at the bottom of the valley, the mountains are shrouded in mist, and the winding mountain road swoops down through alpine meadows, creating a particularly spectacular scenery. It is known as the "Road in the Clouds." One of the few remaining snow walls in highway history, Aikenda Pass is also a scenic feature of the road.
transportation
Urumqi Diwopu International Airport is a major hub in western my country, offering flights from major domestic cities. It also serves as a connecting point for travelers to Yining and Kashgar. Both Kashgar and Yining have airports and train stations, so those traveling to Kashgar or Yining to photograph the apricot blossoms will need to transit in Urumqi.
Security at Xinjiang's airports and train stations is very strict. In addition to strict baggage checks, passengers are required to remove their shoes and belts. Airports are often crowded, so it's recommended to arrive at least two hours early to avoid missing your flight.
Urumqi Airport is 16 kilometers from the city center. A taxi ride to the hotel takes about half an hour, or about 25-35 yuan. Taxis are available 24 hours a day.
(Graphic by @flying)
Climate and clothing
The local climate and temperature have been detailed above. The main issue is the significant temperature swings between day and night. In March and April, you'll need to wear three to four layers of clothing and two pairs of pants. Furthermore, footwear is crucial for traveling in Xinjiang. While walking isn't a big deal, the temperature fluctuates greatly, so it's best to bring sneakers or outdoor shoes. Waterproof shoes are preferred, and comfortable shoes will make the journey much easier.
network
In most areas of Xinjiang, mobile phones only have 3G signals, and some areas still have 2G signals. The signal is relatively poor on the Pamir Plateau. However, most hotels in Xinjiang have broadband and provide free Wi-Fi.
jet lag
Xinjiang uses Beijing time, but Urumqi is located in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT+6), with a two-hour time difference from most mainland cities. Hotel check-in and check-out are typically at 2:00 PM. Lunch is around 2:00 PM, and dinner is around 8:00 PM. Some phones have an automatic time zone adjustment feature, so remember to disable it.
Consumer Price Index
Most of the consumption in Xinjiang is relatively normal, with an average meal costing about 20 to 40 yuan per person (mainly noodles and stir-fried dishes). The cost in or near scenic spots will be higher. Most people in Xinjiang do not use Alipay, but WeChat Pay is slightly more popular now. If you don't buy anything, it is recommended that you bring 50 yuan in cash per day.
Security Check
Xinjiang's security is arguably the strictest in the country. Whether you're visiting a hotel, supermarket, hospital, scenic spot, or any other public place, there will be security scanners and guards at the entrance. Please cooperate with these checks to avoid unnecessary inconvenience. Always carry your ID card with you! Don't leave it in your luggage.
Climb a small hill and gaze out over the vast expanse of snow-capped Tianshan Mountains in the distance, and the valley floor is lined with neatly arranged farmland. If you were to visit this spot, you'd surely exclaim: This is the most beautiful April day in the world!
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