So what if the grass is all bare?

The Kurdening Scenic Area was definitely my favorite spot on this Xinjiang trip. 🩷

We went at the end of July, which isn't the best time to see the grasslands. The grass was all yellow and green, and the sky was a grayish blue. But that didn't detract from Kurdening's beauty. Kurdening's beauty lies in its mountains, streams, and forests. 🌳

The scenery on the way to the scenic area was breathtaking. There weren't many people in the area, so it was a nice drive from the entrance, stopping along the way to play in the streams and take photos in the woods. Without a hotel reservation, you can't drive up to the top of the mountain. You can only take the shuttle bus, but the wait isn't long. The bus takes you directly to the campsite hotel. The weather wasn't great when I went, but the scenery was breathtaking nonetheless.

You can ride horses up there. The Kurdening route is flat, making it perfect for beginners. The grooms simply pull the horses along at a leisurely pace. The route is a round trip, and you'll reach the photo spot (Figure 5), where you can take photos of the vast hillside. After taking photos, we disembarked. The ride took about an hour. Horseback riding in scenic areas in Yili generally costs 80 RMB per hour (I heard that's the official price).

⚠️Remember to protect the environment and avoid littering. Plastic bags blowing in the wind can scare horses and be dangerous for riders.

💰Tickets: 84 RMB/person

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Post by Iengggggg | Jul 30, 2025