Seven-Day In-Depth Autumn Tour of Northern Xinjiang

Seven-Day In-Depth Autumn Tour of Tekes Bagua City and Ili River Valley Romance in Xinjiang

Tour Theme: Exploring Bagua City Culture, Autumn Grasslands, Canyon Hiking, Star Photography, Kazakh Ethnic Experience
Best Time: September 25 - October 15 (annual temperature may vary slightly; this is the best period to view yellow leaves)
Transportation: Recommended to rent a car or self-drive (SUV or off-road vehicle preferred) for maximum freedom.
Notes:

1. Temperature Difference and Clothing: Northern Xinjiang experiences a large temperature difference between day and night in autumn (up to 20°C). Wear light clothes plus a jacket during the day, and down jackets or windbreakers at night. Be sure to prepare for wind protection and warmth.
2. Sun Protection and Moisturizing: Strong UV rays and dry climate require sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, and moisturizing skincare products.
3. Respect Customs: Respect local ethnic minority customs; do not take photos of locals without permission.
4. Environmental Protection: Carry a trash bag with you and cherish the beautiful natural environment.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Yining, First Encounter with the Southern Frontier of the Great Northern Wilderness (Accommodation: Yining City)

· Itinerary: Fly or take a train from your city to Yining (the capital of Ili Prefecture). Yining is the gateway to the Ili River Valley.
· Activities: In the afternoon, visit the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area, which is not a cold tourist spot but a living place for the Uyghur people. Blue doors and windows, exquisite brick carvings, leisurely horse carriages, and playful children create a strong “Ili Blue” atmosphere. In the evening, visit Liuxing Street to experience the multicultural historic district and taste local specialties (mianfei, handmade ice cream, kvass, etc.).
· Preparation: Purchase some snacks, fruits, and bottled water in Yining for the upcoming journey.

Day 2: Yining → Sailimu Lake → Guozigou Golden Summit → Tekes (Accommodation: Tekes County)

· Itinerary: After breakfast, drive to Sailimu Lake (about 1.5 hours). In autumn, Sailimu Lake is called “the last drop of the Atlantic Ocean.” The lake water is bluer and clearer than ever, the grasslands by the lake are golden, and the snow-capped mountains reflect beautifully, creating a deeply moving layered landscape. Driving around the lake is the best way to explore.
· Highlights: In the afternoon, leave Sailimu Lake and cross the Guozigou Bridge. The autumn colors of Guozigou are like a spilled palette. Stop at the viewing platform to photograph the magnificent scene where this modern engineering marvel blends with natural autumn colors.
· Evening: Arrive at Tekes, the world’s only well-preserved and intact Bagua City. Climb the Ferris wheel or Bagua City observation tower (if open) in the city center to overlook the entire Bagua City. The night view is uniquely charming.

Day 3: Tekes → Kalajun Grassland (Full Area Tour) (Accommodation: Tekes County)

· Full-day itinerary: Dedicate the whole day to the “Sky Garden” — Kalajun Grassland. In autumn, Kalajun’s pastures turn golden, snow mountains stretch endlessly, and though flowers are fewer, the vast and magnificent scenery is even more impressive.
· Activities: It is recommended to purchase a full-area tour ticket. First, visit Kuokesu Grand Canyon to feel the sensual curves of the grassland under the soft autumn light. The river at Crocodile Bay shows a deep turquoise color. Then take the cable car across the canyon to the East and West Kalajun Grasslands. Hike at Falcon Platform or Flower Platform, embracing 360-degree Tianshan autumn scenery, as if walking inside a giant oil painting.

Day 4: Tekes → Qiongkushitai (In-Depth Experience) (Accommodation: Qiongkushitai Village Wooden Cabin)

· Itinerary: After breakfast, drive to Qiongkushitai Village (about 3-4 hours). The road itself is scenic, with rolling snow-capped mountains and grasslands, herds of cattle and sheep, and scattered wooden cabins.
· Afternoon activities: Arrive at this primitive village known as the “Eastern Switzerland.” After settling in, you can choose:
1. Light hiking: Walk a section along the starting point of the Wusun Ancient Road into the forest to experience the symphony of autumn river valleys and spruce-covered snowy ridges.
2. Horseback riding: Led by herders, ride horses to alpine lakes or deep grasslands (price and time to be negotiated in advance).
· Night: Stay in a Kazakh wooden cabin to experience authentic herder life. On clear nights, the starry sky is dazzling, making it an excellent spot for star trail photography.

Day 5: Qiongkushitai Dawn → Free Activities → Return to Tekes (Accommodation: Tekes County)

· Early morning: Don’t miss the village dawn, with smoke curling and sunlight shining on golden grasslands and wooden cabins, peaceful and serene.
· Morning: Continue wandering in the village or visit hospitable Kazakh families (small gifts recommended) and enjoy a bowl of rich milk tea.
· Afternoon: Leisurely drive back to Tekes County. In the evening, stroll along Tekes’s Li Street, a folk street with many specialty handicraft shops and cafes, perfect for relaxation.

Day 6: Tekes → Aktas Grassland (Lesser-Known Secret Spot) → Zhaosu (Optional) (Accommodation: Zhaosu County/Tekes County)

· Itinerary: If you want to explore a more off-the-beaten-path secret spot, visit Aktas Grassland (free, undeveloped). The autumn colors here are equally stunning; although the purple flower sea has faded, the golden grasslands and colorful wildflowers remain, and with fewer tourists, it feels more pristine.
· Alternative: If you are interested in the Shata Ancient Road, drive to Zhaosu County (about 1.5 hours) to prepare for entering Shata the next day. Autumn in Shata is a top hiking route to enjoy snow mountain autumn scenery.
· Adjustment: If tired, you can rest a day in Tekes, delve deeper into the Bagua Culture Museum, and taste more local delicacies.

Day 7: Tekes/Zhaosu → Yining → Return

· Itinerary: After breakfast, with full memories and reluctance, start your return journey. Depending on your flight or train schedule, return from Tekes/Zhaosu to Yining Airport/Train Station, concluding this romantic Northern Xinjiang autumn tour.