Only after visiting Ili did I realize that the animated film "The Adventures of Nalati" is realistic
by FreeSpiritJourney
Oct 17, 2025
🚗 Transportation Guide:
1. Self-driving (preferred✅):
· Navigation setting: "Kurdining Scenic Area Zhonggou Entrance"
· Route: Yining → Gongliu County → Kurdining (about 3 hours) | Gongliu County → Scenic Area (about 1.5 hours)
· Road conditions: One-way roads inside the scenic area! Enter through Zhonggou → exit through Donggou, missed spots cannot be revisited!
· Fee: 60 RMB per vehicle (peak season)
2. Public transportation:
· Take a bus from Yining/Gongliu County to Gongliu Bus Station → 2-3 direct buses daily to the scenic area (about 25 RMB/person)
(Recommended to go early and return late; if you miss the bus, you need to carpool)
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📸 Must-visit spots:
Attraction Highlights Photo Tips
Qimengde Viewing Platform Snowy mountains + spruces + grassland triple scenery, about 1-hour wooden plank trail hike (or horseback riding 80 RMB/hour) Morning light⏰, wear bright-colored dresses and capture running shots! Giant spruces at trail corners + snowy mountain background are stunning
Ayusai Viewing Platform Overlooking the hairpin bends of the mountain road & Kabambayi Peak Beautiful at sunset🌄, wide-angle lens a must
Heidi Grandpa’s Cabin 10-minute hike, movie scene replica Lean against the cabin or take photos with the dead tree, full of story vibes
Cloud Grassland Wildflowers everywhere (June-August), can hug lambs and drink fresh milk🐑 Lying down shots + drone views, feel like blending into the clouds
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🍢 Food & Accommodation:
· Food: Freshly brewed milk tea + naan bread, grilled lamb skewers (7-10 RMB/skewer), handmade yogurt at herders’ homes
(Avoid: Food street at the scenic area entrance tastes average, better to bring your own snacks)
· Accommodation:
· Yurt inside the scenic area (200-400 RMB/night): open the door to see the Milky Way🌌
· Kafeng Camp/Borui Camp: cabins & tents, close-up snowy mountain views
· Hotels in Gongliu County: suitable for those sensitive to cold (better conditions)
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⚠️ Practical Tips:
1. Clothing: Big temperature difference between day and night! Summer clothes + jacket during the day, thin down jacket needed early morning and evening
2. Sun protection: UV is very strong! Sunglasses + hat + SPF50+ essential
3. Signal: Often no signal in mountainous areas! Download offline maps in advance
4. Avoid crowds: Best time June-August but crowded, enter the scenic area early in the morning to avoid crowds
5. Environmental protection: Do not litter, do not trample herders’ grasslands❌
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💡 Summary in one sentence:
Less crowded than Nalati, more magical than Qiaxi! Self-driving + light hiking + horseback riding fun, unlock the most healing green paradise in the Tianshan Mountains~
Post by SenniM?kel? | Sep 19, 2025























