7-Day Self-Drive Around the Junggar Basin: A Geological Epic Across Half of China
by KORI JIMENEZ
Oct 18, 2025
When canyon winds sing Kazakh folk songs, and birch forests bury all farewell footprints—this Xinjiang's most hidden autumn fairytale breaks hearts with its beauty! ✨
**📍 Shenzhong Mountain**
The solitary romance of giant granite! Stand at the foot of "Amirsala Peak" and watch the Irtysh River suddenly curve into an Ω-shaped bend—the entire mountain turns into a golden bell at dusk.
**📍 Birch Forest**
A real-life *Kite Runner*! In October's golden corridor, the smoke from Kazakh herders' cow dung fires drapes the autumn scenery in a hazy filter.
**📍 No.3 Mine Pit**
The republic's heroic mine! Descend 136 meters underground to touch lithium ore once used to repay Soviet debts—rainbow light reflects off tantalum-niobium minerals on the walls.
**🐎 Frontier Experiences:**
✔️ Learn to swing the "urdo" (ancient shepherd's sling) from local herders
✔️ Hunt for raw aquamarine stones by the Irtysh River
✔️ Stay in a Tuvan wooden hut and listen to the melancholic chuur flute
**📸 Photography Secrets:**
"Capture Shenzhong Mountain backlit at sunrise! Twirl in a red dress through the birch forest~"
💬 **If it were you, would you follow the shepherd or wait for the beekeeper?** Continue the story in the comments 👇
Post by wren_3748 | May 16, 2025























