Hidden Wonder of Xinjiang: Baicheng's Tree of the Earth Aerial Photography Guide—a visual feast that’s taking social media by storm!

🌳 Want to witness the natural wonder of Baicheng's "Tree of the Earth" in Xinjiang? Here’s your guide

🏜️ Baicheng "Tree of the Earth" Travel Guide

✨ Highlights

· A natural marvel shaped by nature: From an aerial perspective, the river valleys and ravines intertwine like a towering tree with lush branches stretching across the Gobi Desert, creating a spectacular sight.
· A tranquil experience at a lesser-known destination: Compared to other popular spots in Xinjiang, Baicheng is more off the beaten path, allowing you to avoid crowds and enjoy nature’s gifts in peace.
· Diverse travel experiences: Besides the "Tree of the Earth," you can explore ancient Buddhist grottoes, enjoy hot springs, and savor authentic Xinjiang cuisine—all in one trip.

📝 Basic Information

Best travel time: April to October is the golden season for visiting Baicheng. The weather is cool and perfect for outdoor activities.

Climate characteristics: Baicheng County has a temperate continental climate with distinct seasons.

Recommended duration: 1-2 days

🗺️ Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Tree of the Earth and Kucha Culture

· Morning: Head to see the "Tree of the Earth" natural landscape. From the air, the intersecting ravines resemble the trunk and branches of a giant tree spreading across the land. Don’t forget to bring a drone to capture this breathtaking view from above.
· Afternoon: Visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves. This is China’s earliest large-scale grotto complex, listed as a World Heritage Site in 2014. The cave murals are rich in content, featuring not only Buddhist Jataka tales but also many folk customs.
· Evening: Return to Baicheng town and enjoy local cuisine. We recommend trying Xinjiang’s signature grilled meat (lamb skewers) and liangpi (cold noodles). At authentic restaurants, you’ll taste tender and flavorful grilled meat.

Here’s an overview of the Baicheng one-day tour schedule to help you plan more intuitively:

```mermaid
gantt
title Baicheng "Tree of the Earth" One-Day Tour Itinerary
dateFormat HH:mm
axisFormat %H:%M

section Morning
Travel to Tree of the Earth Scenic Area :a1, 08:00, 1.5h
Aerial Photography of Tree of the Earth :a2, after a1, 2h
Lunch at Local Restaurant :a3, after a2, 1h

section Afternoon
Travel to Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves :b1, 13:30, 1h
Visit Caves and Murals :b2, after b1, 3h
Return to Baicheng Town :b3, after b2, 1h

section Evening
Enjoy Local Grilled Meat and Liangpi :c1, 19:00, 1.5h
Purchase Local Handicrafts :c2, after c1, 1h

```

Day 2 (Optional): Hot Springs Experience and In-Depth Exploration

· Morning: Visit the Terek Hot Springs, known as the "Number One Spring in Southern Xinjiang," with water temperatures reaching 66.6°C. It features outdoor hot spring pools and private soaking tubs.
· Afternoon: You can choose to visit the Kizil Reservoir or head to local markets to buy specialty handicrafts such as Idilies hats and ethnic musical instruments.

💰 Budget Estimate

Item Economy (CNY) Comfortable (CNY)
Accommodation (per night) 100-150 200-350
Meals (per day) 50-80 100-150
Transportation Public transport + carpool, about 100-200 per day Private car, about 600-1000 per day
Attraction Tickets Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves 70 Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves 70
Others Hot spring fees about 100-200 Hot spring fees about 100-200

💡 Practical Tips

1. Transportation: Baicheng County is remote and transportation is not very convenient. It’s recommended to self-drive or join local tours. You can also fly to Aksu or Kuqa first, then transfer by car to Baicheng.
2. Accommodation: Baicheng has limited tourist facilities, so book your stay in advance. The town offers a range of options from budget to comfortable hotels.
3. Photography gear: A drone is essential for the best shots of the "Tree of the Earth." If you don’t have one, try to find local photographers who offer aerial photography services.
4. Cultural respect: When visiting Baicheng, be mindful and respectful of local religious beliefs and cultural customs.
5. Essentials: Xinjiang has strong UV rays, with daytime temperatures of 20-30°C and nighttime 10-15°C. Prepare SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats for protection.

Baicheng’s "Tree of the Earth" is just the beginning of exploring this magical land. We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to experience Xinjiang’s unique natural wonders and cultural charm.