Step into a fairy-tale world of three-dimensional grasslands, left speechless by its beauty

Qiongkushitai (usually referring to Qiongkushitai Village in Tekes County, Ili, Xinjiang) is a hidden paradise deep in the Tianshan Mountains, known as the "northern entrance of the Ancient Wusun Trail," famous for its pristine natural scenery and Kazakh culture. Here's a detailed travel guide to help you plan your trip:

1. Best Time to Visit
- June to September: Summer brings lush green grasslands and blooming wildflowers, with cool temperatures (20-28°C during the day, around 10°C at night), making it the golden season for hiking and photography.
- Late September to early October: Autumn paints the forests in vibrant colors, and the grasslands turn golden, with fewer tourists, perfect for a peaceful experience.
- Winter offers stunning snowscapes, but transportation is challenging, recommended only for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

2. How to Get There
1. Major Transportation:
- By Air: Fly to Yining Airport, then hire a private car or shared taxi (about 4 hours).
- By Train/Bus: Take a bus to Yining City, then transfer to Tekes County (2 hours), and finally hire a car to Qiongkushitai (about 3 hours, 80 km, mostly winding mountain roads).

2. Self-Driving Route:
- Yining → Tekes (Bagua City) → Qiongkushitai Village (passing through the stunning Kalajun Grasslands along the way).
- Note: Some sections are rough; SUVs or off-road vehicles are recommended. Beginners should drive with caution.

3. Must-Try Experiences
1. Hiking and Horseback Riding:
- Ancient Wusun Trail: A classic hiking route (requires a guide, ~120 km total; casual hikers can explore the first section).
- Alpine Lake Hike: Qiongkushitai → Kalajun Grasslands, ~6-8 hours, with overlapping views of snow-capped mountains, forests, and streams.
- Horseback Riding: Rent horses in the village (~¥80-100/hour); riding up the mountain for panoramic views is highly recommended.

2. Photography Spots:
- Village Sunrise/Sunset: Morning mist over wooden houses and smoke from chimneys; evening light on the grasslands.
- Secret Spruce Forest: Pristine spruce forests behind the village, perfect for woodland-themed photos.
- Stargazing: Minimal light pollution; the Milky Way is clearly visible in summer.

3. Kazakh Culture:
- Stay in Kazakh wooden houses, savor hand-pulled lamb, milk tea, and bauyrsak (fried dough).
- Join herders during seasonal migrations (common in summer), try milking cows, or baking naan bread.

4. Accommodation Recommendations
- Budget: Kazakh homestays in the village (~¥150-300/night), like "Shanye Homestay" or "Yunhai Villa," simple but cozy.
- Luxury: Grassland tent camps or scenic B&Bs (e.g., "Qiongkushitai Back Mountain Homestay," ¥500-1000/night), with private bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Tip: Book 1-2 weeks in advance during peak season. Some homestays lack private bathrooms, so bring toiletries.

5. Practical Tips
1. Clothing: Large temperature swings—wear sun-protective clothing and hats during the day; bring a windbreaker or light down jacket at night.
2. Altitude: ~2000m; altitude sickness is rare, but avoid catching a cold after strenuous activity.
3. Connectivity & Cash: Weak mobile signal (China Mobile/Telecom); some areas have no network. Carry some cash.
4. Eco-Friendly: Do not litter; protect the pristine environment.
5. Border Permit: Not needed for Qiongkushitai, but required if hiking the Ancient Wusun Trail to southern Xinjiang (apply in Tekes in advance).

6. Nearby Attractions
- Kalajun Grasslands (~2 hours from Qiongkushitai): A UNESCO World Heritage Site and 5A-rated scenic area; don’t miss Falcon Terrace and Flower Terrace.
- Tekes Bagua City: A traffic-light-free city based on the I Ching; climb the central observation tower for a bird’s-eye view of its bagua layout.
- Sayram Lake (on the way back to Yining): "The last tear of the Atlantic," with stunning lakeside wildflowers in summer.

Qiongkushitai is ideal for slow travel—stay at least 2-3 days to unwind and connect with nature. For hiking plans, always go with a guide and prioritize safety!