Winter Tekes: The Silver-Clad Bagua Maze

Winter Tekes: The Silver-Clad Bagua Maze, the Ultimate Romance of Skiing and Pastoral Songs

When the Ili Valley is covered in snow, Tekes, the Bagua City, transforms into an ice and snow fairy tale. As a travel blogger specializing in Xinjiang culture and tourism, I have carefully planned this in-depth experience of the "Bagua Maze + Skiing Pastoral Song" to unlock six core winter activities in Tekes:

1. Pre-trip Essentials: Your Ticket to the Ice and Snow Wonderland

Transportation Tips

- After flying directly to Yining Airport, take the winter tourism shuttle bus (60 RMB/person) directly to Tekes, a 2-hour drive.
- Self-driving tourists are advised to choose a four-wheel-drive SUV and install snow chains; National Highway 577 is prone to snow accumulation in winter, so drive cautiously.
- Starting December 14, 2024, the Zhouyi Town Tourist Service Center offers free shuttle buses, three trips daily to Kalajun Wild Snow Park and Aktas Scenic Area, with the last return bus at 17:00.

Gear Checklist

- Must-bring: -20℃ down jacket, anti-slip hiking boots, touchscreen gloves, warm packs (ski equipment rental at the ski resort requires a 500 RMB deposit).
- Optional: GoPro to capture skiing moments, drone for aerial shots of Bagua City (registration required at Taiji Altar).

2. Accommodation Recommendations: From Wild Luxury Camps to the Bagua Center

Luxury Options

- Tianlu The House British-style Villa Hotel: 5-minute walk to Taiji Altar, rooms equipped with floor heating, enjoy the Bagua City light show at night, off-season price 800-1200 RMB/night.
- Kalajun Boundless Wild Luxury Camp: panoramic tents facing snow-capped mountains, offering snow hot pot and stargazing services, 1200 RMB/night including breakfast and dinner.

Cost-effective Options

- Fuchun Mountain Residence Designer Homestay: New Chinese courtyard design, 10-minute walk to Lijie Street, winter special 400-600 RMB/night including specialty breakfast.
- Qiongkushitai Mountain Stay Homestay: century-old wooden house renovation, experience Kazakh kang heating, 300 RMB/night with participation in the Winter Slaughter Festival.

3. Core Experiences: Ice and Snow Sports and Cultural Exploration

1. Kalajun Wild Snow Park: Collision of Speed and Passion

- Skiing: beginner slopes suitable for novices (ski rental 98 RMB/hour), intermediate slopes challenge the wild snow area, bring your own skis for free admission during 2025 Spring Festival.
- Snowmobile Crossing: 480 RMB/hour, cross spruce forests to Kuerdai Canyon, professional coaches escort throughout.
- Snow Play Activities: over 20 activities including snow tubing, dog sledding (electric simulation), snow rafting, suitable for families.

2. In-depth Tour of Bagua City: Decoding the Wisdom of the I Ching

- Taiji Altar Exhibition Hall: climb the 50-meter observation deck to overlook the Bagua City "Yin-Yang Fish" layout, 20 RMB ticket includes AI smart guide.
- Lijie Folk Experience: seven alleys connecting six ethnic cultures, recommended Kazakh embroidery experience (50 RMB/person) and "Muma’s Ice Cream" traditional handmade dessert.
- I Ching Cultural Park: check in at the "Taiji Eye" Ferris wheel (Shanghai World Guinness record holder), stunning night light show with the Ferris wheel.

3. Aktas Maiden Peak: Ice and Snow Carnival in a Secret Realm

- Snow Hot Pot: enjoy freshly slaughtered lamb hot pot in a birch forest-surrounded cabin (150 RMB/person), paired with butter tea to warm up.
- Folk Performances: daily at 16:00 featuring traditional shows like "Maiden Chase" and "Sheep Grabbing," ethnic costume rental for photos (50 RMB/set).
- Horse-Drawn Sledge: 80 RMB/hour, cross the snowfield to the viewing platform, capture the golden sunlit mountain and rime in one frame.

4. Food Map: Prairie Memories on Your Palate

Must-Try List

- Huerdak: Lijie’s "Prairie Mama" restaurant’s lamb stew with potatoes, paired with handmade noodles, excellent, 40 RMB/person.
- Horse Sausage Platter: Qiongkushitai herders’ family feast specialty, paired with kumis (10 RMB/bowl), experience nomadic food culture.
- Snow Barbecue: grilled lamb skewers (5 RMB/skewer) and tandoor-baked buns at Kalajun Ski Resort, warm and satisfying.

Dessert Recommendations

- Muma’s Ice Cream: popular Lijie shop, made with traditional copper pot, recommended "Bagua City Limited Edition" (38 RMB), includes honey and crushed nuts.
- Kazakh Milk Tea: freshly brewed at herders’ home visits, with added butter and milk curds, 10 RMB/bowl with unlimited refills.

5. Spending Tips and Pitfall Avoidance

Discounts

- From November 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, Kalajun and Aktas scenic areas offer free admission, self-driving cars exempt from service fees.
- Follow the "Tekes Culture and Tourism" WeChat official account, ski tickets and homestay coupons issued every Wednesday, up to 200 RMB off.

Pitfall Warnings

- Ski resort lockers charge 30 RMB each, travel light is recommended.
- Some sections of Qiongkushitai have no signal; download offline maps in advance and carry cash.
- Respect local taboos during folk activities; do not photograph herders’ lives without permission.

6. Itinerary Suggestions: Three Days and Two Nights In-depth Tour

Day 1: Yining → Tekes

- Morning: arrive by shuttle bus, check into Lijie homestay.
- Afternoon: visit Taiji Altar, I Ching Cultural Park, shoot snowy scenes at Lijie in the evening.
- Night: enjoy the Shengshi Huajiang·Jiugongcheng Garden Light Show + "Zhouyi" Light and Shadow Show (50 RMB ticket).

Day 2: Kalajun Wild Snow Park Day Trip

- Morning: free shuttle to ski resort, experience skiing and snowmobiling.
- Afternoon: snow hot pot + herders’ home visit, learn to make milk curds.
- Night: return to county, recommended "Old Castle Restaurant" for big plate chicken (60 RMB/person).

Day 3: Aktas Maiden Peak → Qiongkushitai

- Morning: shuttle to Aktas, experience horse-drawn sledge and folk performances.
- Afternoon: self-drive to Qiongkushitai, shoot wooden house snow scenes, participate in Winter Slaughter Festival (December-January).
- Night: stay in herders’ felt tent, bonfire party + hand-grabbed meat feast.

7. Notes: Safety and Culture Equally Important

- Keep warm and anti-slip: daytime temperature -5℃ to 6℃, dress in layers; wooden plank roads in scenic areas are icy, wear crampons (rental 10 RMB/pair at ski resort).
- Border pass application: Xinjiang Public Security micro-police app allows online application, certificate issued in 3 working days, no need for on-site processing.
- Environmental agreement: Qiongkushitai practices "Leave No Trace" travel, carry out your trash, violation fines 200 RMB.

Winter in Tekes is a feast where ice, snow, and culture intertwine. From the speed and thrill on the ski slopes to the tranquil snowy scenes in Bagua City, every spot is worth capturing and feeling with your heart. Follow me to unlock more hidden Xinjiang experiences and make your trip more than just a check-in!

Travel blogger tip: It is recommended to purchase the "Tekes Winter Travel Package" (299 RMB), including Kalajun ski ticket, Aktas snow hot pot, and Lijie cultural creative experience, saving 150 RMB compared to buying separately. Book homestays 15 days in advance for early bird prices; some hotels offer ski equipment rental vouchers.