Tekes Autumn Colors: A Romantic Encounter Between the Bagua City and the Golden Grassland

🔍 Exploring Bagua City

Climb the Taiji Altar Observation Deck early in the morning to overlook the panoramic view of the world's largest Bagua City. Eight streets radiate from the center, with red-roofed houses under the autumn sun blending beautifully with the golden poplar forest. Around the corner, meet Kazakh elders embroidering at Lijie, the fallen leaves on the wooden boardwalk rustling underfoot, and the scent of lavender coffee mixed with the steam from baked buns at the street corner—every snapshot looks like an oil painting.
🌾 Autumn Search on the Kalajun Grassland

Drive for 1 hour to reach Kalajun, where the autumn three-dimensional grassland looks like a spilled palette. From the Falcon Platform, overlook the canyon sea of clouds, and the winding sunset dyes the river golden. Ride horses through the folds of the human-shaped grassland; herders say these are the "curves of the earth." Stay overnight in a yurt, listening to the winterbula lute while waiting for the Milky Way to rise. When a shooting star crosses the snowy mountain, even your breath pauses for a moment.
🏡 Qiongkushitai Wooden Cabin Time

The morning mist in the ancient village has not yet dissipated, and the smoke from wooden cabins intertwines with the spruce forest. Hike 2 kilometers along the Wusun Ancient Road and encounter migrating sheep like flowing pearls. When the swing on the back mountain sways into the clouds, the entire golden pine forest shakes. In the evening, learn to make milk curds at "Baima Homestay," where the hostess’s black Zouma dance lessons have everyone laughing.
🍎 Autumn on the Tip of the Tongue

Dried apricots on the tree: In the apricot orchard of Qiaolak Tieke Town, pick a half-dried apricot that’s sweet enough to stick to your hands.
Lamb ribs with hand-pulled noodles: At Mabaikai Restaurant, iron pot stews bone-in lamb, and the noodles soak up the broth.
Xinmei fruit: In the orchard of Qilewuzeke Town, the purple-black fruit bursts with juice with every bite.

📸 Travel Tips

Kalajun is open from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM in September; it’s recommended to enter before 4:00 PM.
For horseback riding in Qiongkushitai, choose a herder guide for 200 yuan/hour; the back mountain route offers better scenery.
Don’t miss the yogurt zongzi at Lijie Night Market, especially with honey added.