Exploring the Untouched Beauty of Kurdening

True beauty often comes with a threshold, and this is certainly true for Kurdening.
Compared to the vast grasslands of popular destinations like Nalati, Kalajun, and Tangbula, Kurdening might not qualify as an ideal grassland.

The self-driving route in Kurdening is relatively straightforward—just drive in, circle around the main spots, and you might only see a rushing stream and a man-made swing.

However, it is perhaps this simplicity that preserves its raw and untouched beauty. The best way to explore Kurdening is by horseback riding into the back mountains and delving deep into the forest.
Although a 4-hour ride might leave your legs and backside sore, not venturing into the depths of the grassland on horseback would truly be a missed opportunity!

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The scenic area offers various horseback riding routes, ranging from 1 to 4 hours, priced at 80💰/hour. If you have enough time, it’s highly recommended to try the route leading to Alang Snow Mountain.
Along the way, you’ll pass through grasslands, streams, and forests, with the scenery becoming increasingly enchanting as you venture deeper. The forest landscapes are far more diverse than the flat grasslands.
Moreover, this route is less crowded, allowing for a tranquil and intimate connection with nature—something you won’t experience at the main tourist spots.

A suggested itinerary is to drive directly to the Bai Rui Camp horseback riding point and start your journey into the back mountains from there. On your way back, if you still have energy, you can visit the Qimengde Observation Deck.

The best scenery in Kurdening is concentrated around the Bai Rui Camp area. Starting here will save you an hour of horseback riding compared to the Qimengde parking lot riding point, and the round-trip exploration time is about 3 hours.
If you don’t see the horse team at the camp, you can simply call 📞 the staff, and they’ll bring the horses over.
The route from Bai Rui Camp to the snow mountain is quite smooth, so even first-time riders don’t need to worry. Staff will lead the horses slowly throughout the journey.
For the more adventurous, you can also experience galloping across the grasslands—an experience that’s hard to find in most grassland scenic areas in Northern Xinjiang.

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Most visitors to Kurdening stay in Xinyuan County, but accommodations there can be quite pricey. Alternatively, you can consider staying in Gongliu County, which is generally more affordable.