Autumn in Tekes is like a palette spilled by God

Autumn in Xinjiang always carries an unreasonable kind of romance, and Tekes, the only Bagua City in China, blends this romance into its streets, grasslands, and valleys. Just back from there, my phone’s photo album is filled with autumn colors, and every picture makes me want to set it as my wallpaper.

Slow Autumn Days in the Bagua City

Tekes County itself is a miracle—centered around a circular garden, eight streets radiate outward like the lines of a Bagua diagram, with poplar trees along the streets filtering the autumn sunlight into golden spots. Early in the morning, take a stroll on Lijie Street; the Uyghur uncles’ baked buns are just out of the oven, steam mixed with the aroma of lamb filling the alleys; at the Kazakh aunties’ stalls, dried wild apple slices gleam amber, buy a pack to chew on while walking, the sweet and sour taste carries the flavor of sunshine.

Standing on the sightseeing tower in the city center (ticket 30 yuan), you can overlook the entire Bagua layout. The slanting autumn afternoon sunlight coats the streets in gold; girls in colorful long skirts ride bicycles around the corners, their bell sounds crisp as if ringing in autumn.

Must-Visit Autumn Secret Spots Nearby

• Kalajun Grassland: About a 1-hour drive from the county, the autumn grassland sheds its deep green for a golden-brown coat. The undulating “human-shaped grassland” lines look even softer under the sunlight. From the Xianhuatai viewing platform, distant snow-capped mountains look like spilled milk, nearby cattle move slowly under the sunset, every snapshot feels like an oil painting. It’s recommended to take the “Kuokesu Grand Canyon” loop, ride the cable car to overlook the “S”-shaped river in the canyon, with autumn scenery reflected in the water, blurring the line between sky and earth.

• Aktas Grassland: More off-the-beaten-path than Kalajun, perfect for those wanting to avoid crowds. On the autumn meadow, dandelion fluff drifts in the wind, golden haystacks look like stars scattered on the ground. Walk along the wooden boardwalk to the mountaintop to see white yurts dotting the autumn landscape, smoke curling up, like a scene pulled from a fairy tale.

• Tekes Valley: 10 kilometers south of the county, the poplar trees in the valley blaze with red. Drive along the river, open the window to smell the fresh scent of grass and trees; occasionally, Kazakh children herd sheep out of the woods, their laughter startling a flock of birds into flight. At dusk, find a rock by the river to sit on and watch the sunset dye the water orange-red, even the air feels gentle.

Autumn-Only Experiences

• Drying Autumn in a Homestay: Stay in a Kazakh homestay in the county (recommended “Bagua City Homestay”), where corn, chili peppers, and wild hawthorns are drying in the yard. The hostess will teach you how to string chili peppers with needle and thread to hang under the eaves, a rewarding experience.

• Horseback Riding Through Autumn Forests: Kalajun Scenic Area offers horseback riding (150 yuan/hour). Choose a gentle Ili horse and let the horseman lead you into the autumn woods. Hooves rustle on fallen leaves, sunlight dances through the branches on the horse’s back, as if stepping into a scene from “Heidi and Grandpa.”

• Nighttime Stargazing: Tekes has little light pollution, making the autumn night sky exceptionally clear. Find an open space on the outskirts of the county, look up to see the Milky Way stretching across the sky, stars dense like scattered diamonds, and if lucky, a shooting star streaking by.

Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

1. Transportation: The county is small; a taxi starting at 5 yuan can take you everywhere; for Kalajun, self-driving or carpooling (about 50 yuan per person) is recommended. The shuttle bus inside the scenic area (90 yuan) is a must-buy; otherwise, you won’t be able to cover it all on foot.

2. Clothing: Autumn temperature differences can reach 20°C! A light jacket is fine at noon, but you’ll need a down jacket in the morning and evening. Layering “onion style” is recommended for easy adjustment.

3. Food: Don’t miss “mare’s milk wine” and “hand-grabbed meat.” The “Grassland Pastoral Song” restaurant in the county is recommended; hand-grabbed meat with piyazi, followed by a bowl of hot lamb soup, warms you all over. But mare’s milk wine is strong, don’t overdrink.

4. Tickets: Kalajun ticket + shuttle bus is 140 yuan, half price for students; Aktas is currently free, but please protect the environment and don’t litter.

5. Timing: The best viewing period is mid-September to early October; too early and the grass isn’t yellow, too late and you might encounter snow. Check the weather before you go.

On the day I left Tekes, the autumn sun was just right. Standing at a street corner in Bagua City, watching leaves twirl down, I suddenly felt that the city’s romance lies in this unhurried pace—autumn light is gentle, time is peaceful, even the wind carries a soft curve. If you love autumn too, you must come to Tekes and let its autumn colors live in your heart all year long.