It Border Self-Driving Guide

It Borderline Self-Driving Guide: August Limited Edition Natural Palette

🌾 Route Highlights

Core Scenery: Golden wheat fields, sea of rapeseed flowers, sunflower fields, purple perilla, snowy mountain grasslands, China-Kazakhstan borderline

Hidden Gem Advantage: Few tourists, driving along the border wire fence throughout, distant views of Kazakhstan, immersive experience of "driving through a painting"

Day 1: Shata Light Hiking + Border First Experience

• Morning: Self-drive from Zhaosu County to Shata Scenic Area (about 1.5 hours), transfer to shuttle bus, then hike or horseback ride to the grassland at the foot of the snowy mountain (horseback riding about 80 RMB/hour).

• Afternoon: Stroll along the Shata River, observe wild animals like marmots, shoot layered shots of snowy mountains and forests.

Day 2:

• Core Section: Navigate through two large purple perilla flower seas (purple petals contrasting strongly with green grasslands). Sunflowers bloom in late July, perfect for capturing vibrant scenes of "sunflowers facing the wind."

• Photography Tips: Bring a telephoto lens to capture flower sea details; drone aerial shots to present a three-dimensional scroll of "golden wheat fields + purple flower seas + snowy mountains."

• Safety Reminder: Follow regulations when driving along the border, do not cross the boundary or trample flowers and grass.

Day 3: In-depth Tour of Zhaosu Grassland

• Rapeseed Flower Sea: Zhaosu is known as the "Hometown of Rapeseed in China." In August, millions of acres of rapeseed flowers bloom, creating a "yellow-blue-white" tricolor spectacle with the blue sky and snowy mountains.

• Fusion of Farming and Nomadism: Watch traditional Kazakh horse racing and sheep-catching activities, experience grassland culture.

• Accommodation Recommendations: Hotels in Zhaosu County or Shata Hot Spring Resort Hotel (open in summer, hot springs available).

2. Flower Bloom Period:

• Rapeseed Flowers: Early July to mid-August (Zhaosu Grassland).

• Sunflowers: Late July to early August (may wither early if it rains).

3. Road Conditions and Gear:

• Fully paved roads, sedans can pass, but some sections have steep slopes.

• Bring non-slip shoes, snacks, sunscreen, warm jacket (windy at the mountain top).

4. Environmental Requirements: Leave no trace, take all trash with you, do not damage flower seas and grassland ecology.

📸 Must-Visit Scenic Spots List

| Scenic Spot | Scenic Features | Best Shooting Time |
|----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Shata Snowy Mountain Foot | Snowy mountains, forest, grassland, and streams in one frame; Xuanzang’s pilgrimage ancient trail ruins | Before 9 AM (soft light) |
| 75th Regiment Purple Perilla Sea | Purple flower fields collide with green grasslands; drone aerial view looks like a "purple carpet" | After 5 PM (layered light and shadow) |
| Zhaosu Rapeseed Flower Sea | Golden flower sea contrasts strongly with snowy mountains and blue sky; ideal for portraits and landscapes | Before 12 PM (avoid backlight) |
| China-Kazakhstan Border Wire Fence | Distant view of Kazakhstan grasslands; shoot "borderline" themed grand shots | All day (recommended on sunny days) |

🍴 Food Recommendations

• Tekesi Haiyun Restaurant: Wild mushroom spicy chicken, signature tofu (a must-eat when driving in Tekesi).

• Local Zhaosu Cuisine: Hand-pulled lamb, kumis (fermented mare’s milk), grassland baked buns (experience Kazakh flavors).

💡 Summary

The It Borderline in August is a top natural secret spot among "hidden destinations."

Route Logic: Starting from Shata, crossing border flower seas, finally reaching Zhaosu rapeseed flower sea, forming a closed-loop experience of "snowy mountains - flower seas - grasslands - border line."

Suitable For: Photography enthusiasts, self-driving fans, travelers seeking "fewer people and beautiful scenery."