Sent the photos to my friend, and my friend thought I had gone abroad

1. Qiaxi Tibet is located in the mountainous area southeast of Gongliu County, Ili, Xinjiang, 72 kilometers from the county seat, known as the "South of the Great Wall." There are no crowded tourists here, only a natural painting composed of snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, and streams. According to the latest data in 2025, the scenic area ticket price is 30 yuan per person, open from 09:00 to 20:00. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required for self-driving; ordinary cars should enter with caution.

2. Must-visit Attractions
1. Qiaxi Scroll Viewing Platform
Highlight: An excellent spot overlooking the entire grassland panorama, with snow-capped mountains in the distance and flower seas nearby, blooming beautifully like an oil painting from June to August. It is recommended to arrive before 10 a.m. when the morning mist adds to the photo effect.
How to enjoy: Wear bright-colored clothes for photos, and use a wide-angle lens for a more stunning effect; next to the viewing platform is the "Cloud Swing," swinging on it instantly makes you look like a character from a Hayao Miyazaki animation.

2. Swallow Bridge
Highlight: A wooden plank road crossing the stream, with crystal-clear water beneath. In summer, you can chill watermelon here. Swallows often nest on both sides of the bridge, and the evening light and shadow are stunning.
Tip: At the bridgehead, herders sell roasted buns, closing after 5 p.m., don’t miss it.

3. Shimen Waterfall
Highlight: A natural waterfall reachable by a 20-minute hike, with the largest water flow in July and August. Rainbows often appear in the mist; remember to wear non-slip shoes.
Bonus: Nearby is the "One Line Sky" canyon, where the narrowest part only allows one person to pass sideways, full of adventure.

4. Tarim Grassland
How to enjoy: Ride horses across the grassland (80-120 yuan/hour), or lie on the grass watching the clouds roll by. If you encounter herders moving their herds, be patient as groups of cattle and sheep pass by.

3. Transportation Guide
🚗 Self-driving (recommended)

Route: Yining → Gongliu County (2 hours) → Qiaxi (1.5 hours), navigate to "Qiaxi National Forest Park Visitor Center."
Road conditions: The last 8 kilometers are gravel roads; a four-wheel-drive SUV is recommended; sedans may scrape the chassis, and rockfalls are common in the rainy season. Traveling between 10:00 and 18:00 is safer.

Fuel: Fill up in Gongliu County before entering the mountains; there are no gas stations inside the scenic area.
🚌 Public Transportation
Take a bus from Yining Bus Station to Gongliu County (2.5 hours), then charter a car to Qiaxi (1.5 hours/150 yuan).

There are only 1-2 buses daily with limited trips; self-driving or carpooling is recommended.

4. Accommodation Recommendations
🏕 Inside the Scenic Area
Herders' Yurt: Recommended "Ayiguli" family, 150-200 yuan per yurt, provides hot water and simple breakfast, fall asleep listening to insect sounds at night.
Qiaxi Eco Hotel: Better conditions, needs to be booked one week in advance, 300 yuan per night including breakfast.

🏨 Nearby
Kudening Town: 40 minutes by car, more options available, recommended "Xueling Spruce Inn," 200 yuan per night.

5. Food Map
🍖 Must-try Foods
Hand-grabbed Lamb: Gongliu County's "Qingzhikou Hand-grabbed Meat," tender meat, excellent with onions and naan (50 yuan per person).
Jieyou Fish House: Sichuan chef in charge, grilled fish crispy outside and tender inside, 60 yuan per person.
Kazakh Milk Tea: Drink freshly brewed milk tea in yurts, served with Baursak (fried dough), 10 yuan per bowl.
🍪 Souvenirs
Wild Mushroom Sauce: Made from morel mushrooms picked in July and August, 40 yuan per jar, perfect for cooking noodles at home.
Marlin Dried Fruit: Sweet and sour, 30 yuan per bag, sold at small stalls inside the scenic area.

6. Itinerary Suggestions
Day 1: Classic One-day Tour
Morning: Visitor Center → Swallow Bridge (photo) → Qiaxi Scroll Viewing Platform (picnic)
Afternoon: Shimen Waterfall hike → Tarim Grassland horseback riding → Return

Day 2: Deep Camping Tour
Morning: Qiaxi Scroll camping → Afternoon: Hike the Qiata Loop (visit herders' homes) → Stargazing at night

7. Practical Tips
Clothing Guide: Large temperature difference on the grassland; bring a windbreaker even in summer, and a down jacket in winter.
Sun Protection Essentials: Sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF50+), hat; UV index often reaches level 8 or above.

Safety Tips:
Some sections have no signal; download offline maps in advance.
Do not trample flowers; open fires in the wild are strictly prohibited.
Money-saving Tips: Carpooling costs 80-150 yuan per person, cheaper than chartering; no restaurants inside the scenic area, bring your own food.

8. Seasonal Limited Experiences
June to August: Grassland wildflowers in full bloom, perfect for photography; camp at night to watch the Milky Way.
September to October: Colorful autumn scenery, best for hiking.
Winter: December to February snow scenery is stunning, but the scenic area is closed; it reopens in April the following year.