Northern Xinjiang 15-Day Grand Loop (Kanas + Ili + Desert)
by 新疆向导侯彬彬
May 4, 2025
Qiongkushitai Pitfall Avoidance & Ultimate Photo Spot Breakdown✨
——From a veteran traveler who just returned📸
📌 Quick Facts
📍Location: Tekes County, Ili, Xinjiang - a hidden summer paradise (peak beauty in July-August)
💰Cost: No entrance fee! But shuttle bus required (60 RMB round trip, first bus 10:00, last bus 18:00)
🚗Transport: A driver's paradise! Navigate to "Qiongkushitai Village", ~8 hours from Urumqi (SUV essential! Extremely bumpy mountain roads)
🔥 Viral Photo Spots + Hidden Gems
🌟 Wusun Ancient Trail Stream
The stunning shot 90% of people miss!
👉Spot code: Take shuttle to terminal, walk down plank road to stream
👗Outfit: White dress + bright rain boots, shoot dynamic shots with ankle-deep water
📷Photo tip: Low-angle shots for longer legs! Lazy folks just copy my angle~
⏰Golden hours: Before 9am (soft light + no crowd), after 7pm (sunset through trees)
⚠️Warning: Mid-section "tree hole" gets crowded! Arrive early for empty shots!
🌄 Backhill Swing
The ultimate Instagrammable spot!
☕️Location: Feed the Mountain Wind Café (inside Yunhai Villa), 40+ RMB coffee unlocks 999+ RMB worth photo spot
📸Pose: Capture at swing's highest point! Photographer should shoot from low angle behind
🌲Bonus: Secret spruce forest path beside swing - perfect for backlit silhouettes!
🏡 Accommodation Red/Black List
✅ TOP Pick: Captain & Bridge Homestay
- Private grassland viewing deck = instant Windows wallpaper shots
- Super thoughtful owner! Free horseback riding route maps
- Must-try: Fresh lamb skewers + secret recipe yogurt (book ahead)
❌ Blacklist: Village chain hotels
- Water pressure lottery! Showers become "intermittent challenge"
- Advertised good WiFi but only works in lobby
🍲 Food Survival Guide
🛒Shopping tip: Water costs 10 RMB in village! Stock up in Tekes town:
- Xinjiang apricots (heart-meltingly sweet~)
- Self-heating meals (emergency essential)
- Authentic naan (half the price!)
🍖Hidden delights:
- Kazakh family visits (50 RMB all-you-can-eat!)
- Night market lamb buns (juicy goodness!)
⚠️ Bloody Lesson Tips
- Bring enough bug spray! Stream bugs love fair skin😭
- Only reliable 4G at village entrance - pre-download photo apps
- Only use official horseback riding teams!
- Sunrise lovers must camp! 4am wakeup = priceless views
🗺️ Ultimate Road Trip Route
D1: Yining → Kalajun Grassland (aerial shots) → Overnight in Tekes
D2: Tekes → Qiongkushitai (arrive afternoon to avoid heat) → Wusun Trail/Swing → Sunset chase
D3: Morning village exploration → Wildflower Valley → Return (stop by Qiaxi Forest Park)
💡Pro tip: Check my profile for "Xinjiang Must-Visit List" with detailed guides to Xiata Ancient Trail & Zhaosu Jade Lake!
Post by Miles789~Simmons | Jul 12, 2025

















