Hiking in Xata, Feel the Healing Power of Nature!

Dubbed by "China National Geography" as the "Epic Corridor at the Foot of the Tianshan Mountains"! Step into a Western fantasy where glaciers and flower fields dance together❄️🌸

Snow-capped peaks cut through the clouds, and the Milky Way falls upon ancient trails✨
This is the "Tang Monk's Ancient Trail" crossed by Xuanzang on his westward journey—a visual symphony of snow mountains, flower seas, dense forests, and untamed wilderness🎨
The Muzart Glacier is within reach, marmots peek out from under the spruce trees🐿️, and every breath carries the crisp scent of pine and freedom❄️
Some say "the beauty of Northern Xinjiang ends at Kalajun," until you stand on Xata's Flower Terrace and see a rainbow arching over glaciers and grasslands🌈—
This is the ultimate romance of the Tianshan soul👉 Save this secret-level ❷-day, ❶-night guide now!

📍 Xata Scenic Area, Zhaosu County, Ili, Xinjiang

🎫 Ticket + shuttle: ¥80 | Electric cart from Hot Spring Hotel to General Bridge: ¥30
🚗 Transportation:

- ✈️ Fly to "Yining Airport" → 3-hour drive (Yining-Zhaosu Highway, open only in summer—stunning but thrilling!🗺️)
- 🚌 Direct shuttle from Zhaosu County at 8:00/14:00 daily (1-hour ride, a lazy traveler's dream!🚍)

📅 Best Seasons:
- June–July: Snow-capped peaks meet blooming wildflowers—breathtaking!🌼❄️
- August–September: Glaciers within reach, autumn hues—perfect for photos!🍂
- After October: Scenic area closes (hardcore hikers can apply for entry🏃♂️)

🌸 Must-Visit Spots

❶ Xata Valley Light Hike:
- General Bridge → Flower Terrace → Glacier Viewpoint: 4km wooden trail through spruce forests, with marmots "demanding" snacks🐿️! The endpoint faces the icy glow of Muzart Glacier—speechless!❄️
- Kara House: Ruins of herders' cabins, prayer flags fluttering🕯️, and horses crossing streams like a scene from "Lord of the Rings"🎬

❷ Hot Spring Hotel Area:
- Golden Sand Waterfall: Glacial meltwater carves golden cascades, refracting rainbows at noon🌈—100% photo-worthy!
- Wild Afternoon Tea: Sip Kazakh milk tea☕ with freshly fried "bao'er sak" (sweet fried dough)—pure bliss!🥧

❸ Muzart Glacier:
- Tianshan's 6,995m "White Reaper"❄️—expert hikers can approach the ice tongue (guide + gear required🧊)

❹ Xata Ancient Trail Horseback Ride:
- 2-hour herder's path led by Kazakh riders🐎, capturing glacier reflections—Instagram-worthy!📸 (¥150/hour)

❺ Stargazing Camp:
- Overnight in tents near the hot spring hotel⛺, with the Milky Way cascading over snow peaks🌌—unreal magic!✨

🏔️ Itinerary Highlights

𝐃𝐚𝐲𝟏: Symphony of Glaciers & Flowers
Yining → Yining-Zhaosu Highway (cliff turns with epic views!) → Xata Scenic Area → Light hike to Flower Terrace → Picnic🥪 → Hot Spring Hotel stay (soak in mountain springs♨️)

𝐃𝐚𝐲𝟐: Wild & Secret Collide
Muzart Glacier Viewpoint → Horseback ride on Xata Ancient Trail → Zhaosu Wetlands sunset🌇 → Refuel with "guo you rou" noodles before leaving—heavenly!🍜

🚶 Hardcore Version (permit required):
3-day, 2-night trek through Xata Ancient Trail to Southern Xinjiang, crossing Hadamuzi Daban (3,582m)—glacier heart awaits (June–Sept only, for the brave!💪)

📌 Survival Guide

✔️ Altitude Warning:
- Elevation: 2,000–3,000m—avoid sudden movements; carry glucose + ibuprofen💊
- Hot spring baths ≤15 mins—exit if dizzy!⚠️

✔️ Transport Alerts:
- Yining-Zhaosu Highway: 7-seat max; cliff turns demand caution!🚙
- Last shuttle: 18:30—miss it, and it's an 8km hike down!⏰

✔️ Photography Hacks:
- Sunrise at General Bridge: Misty spruce forests = "dark fantasy" vibes🌫️
- Noon at Golden Sand Waterfall: Rainbow guaranteed—wear white for fairy shots!👗

✔️ Food Adventures:
- Must-try: Fermented mare's milk "kemuzi," smoked horse sausage pilaf, wild strawberry jam with naan🍖
- Skip mediocre sausage stalls—go for air-dried beef (with garlic to cut the grease)!👅

🌌 Hidden Gems

❶ Glacier Night Exploration:
- Join researchers to explore ice caves—blue ice under headlamps looks alien!🔦🧊

❷ Ancient Rock Carvings:
- Hunt for Wusun hunting petroglyphs (guide required for cultural immersion!📜)

❸ Herder Homestay:
- Learn to milk mares, churn butter—trade three Kazakh phrases for yogurt balls!🥛

*"When Xata's glacial wind brushes your lashes, the Western Regions take shape."*
Here, spruces mark time, and hoofbeats rhyme the grasslands🐎
Wait for flower fields to dazzle, herder songs to pierce clouds, and Tianshan's love letter to the brave🏔️