"If I Could Only Visit One Grassland, I'd Choose Kalajun!"
by Thompson Katherine Kath
Apr 25, 2025
"This isn't just a trip—it's a healing journey to return your soul to the grasslands."
🔥Kalajun's Exclusive Dragon Boat Festival Experiences
📍Core Highlights:
Intangible Cultural Heritage Grassland Adventure: Join the "Zongzi Kalajun" event from May 31 to June 2, craft mugwort sachets, experience the Kazakh "Buzkashi" (goat-grabbing) competition, and win limited-edition Dragon Boat Festival pins.
Three Seasons in One Frame: Wear floral dresses at 25°C for flower field photos by day, bundle up in down jackets at 10°C for golden sunset mountain views by evening, and stargaze in -3°C inside a teepee at night (dressing formula: moisture-wicking base layer + windproof jacket + lightweight down).
Ultimate Light Hiking:
Beginner-friendly: Flower Terrace → Eagle Terrace wooden path (3km flat trail, suitable even for 5-year-olds).
Advanced route: East Kalajun → Tarim River Valley (18km, unlocking grasslands, canyons, and primeval forests).
Exclusive photo spot: Hike 1 hour from West Kalajun Camp to capture backlit silhouettes on the "Human Body Grassland" folds—80% fewer crowds than scenic viewpoints.
📸Photo Secrets:
Light magic: Use telephoto lenses for dewdrop shots during morning mist (7:00-8:30), and backlit hair photos at Kokesu Grand Canyon after 4 PM.
Prop hacks: Pack colorful scarves (grassland photo essential) and clear umbrellas (rainy-day prop).
Hidden gem: Feed marmots at Eagle Terrace (bring cookies) for "grassland fairy" interaction shots.
🚗Itinerary:
Day 1: Chengdu → Yining
Flight tip: Take morning flight (Sichuan Airlines 3U8695, includes 2×23kg luggage).
Arrival activity: Ride horse carriages in Kazanchi Blue Lane (bargaining tip: claim you're a location scout).
Stay: Yining Tianyuan International Hotel (free airport shuttle + Uyghur breakfast).
Day 2: Yining → Kalajun
Transport: Private car (¥500/day, recommend 7-seater).
Must-dos:
Aerial shots of Tekes Bagua City (drone permits require 3-day advance notice).
Horseback riding on Kalajun grasslands (¥80/hour, herders assist).
Stay: West Kalajun Glamping Camp (star-gazing tents + floor heating, includes whole lamb dinner).
Day 3: East Kalajun Deep Dive
Hike: East Kalajun Camp → Kizilsu Daban (6km, 400m elevation gain).
Lunch: Fresh milk tea and bauyrsaq in herder's yurt (¥30/person).
Hidden activity: Collect "Tianshan jade" (pale green pebbles) in Tarim River Valley.
Day 4: Kalajun → Yining
Morning: Rafting (combo ticket includes zip line, saves ¥120).
Afternoon: Detour to Qiongkushitai Back Mountain (undeveloped, SUV required).
Dinner: Hanren Street's "Halimulati BBQ" (red willow skewers + kvass).
Day 5: Yining → Chengdu
Morning: Craft workshop in Liuxing Street (learn ethnic instruments at "Guli's Home").
Souvenirs: Sea buckthorn juice (Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences) + lavender soap.
💡Pro Tips:
Last shuttle bus departs at 19:00—don't miss it!
Grassland UV is extreme—reapply SPF50+ every 2 hours.
Avoid red clothing when horseback riding (spooks horses).
Bring a thermos! Herders only offer hot water, no bottled water.
This Dragon Boat Festival, escape urban concrete and rediscover life's stolen serenity between Kalajun's grasslands and stars. When morning mist veils snow peaks and wildflowers cling to your skirt, you'll understand: travel's purpose isn't arrival—it's every tender encounter with the world.
Post by AdventureJunkie | May 30, 2025























