Vast beauty reaches across Xinjiang paradise(2)

Tekesi Bagua Town

Kuerdening Resort

Kuerdening Resort is a valley in the mountainous region east to Gongliu County. The uniqueness about the place is that while most valleys take advantage of the hills nearby, this geographical wonder parallels the snowy mountains on its sides.

The valley earns its popularity as a pleasant summer hideaway. Not only backpackers visit here, but also many painters and photographers, who draw their inspiration from its indescribable grace.

Deep ravines and forests offer perfect habitats to wildlife. Around the resort live more than a thousand types of plants, such as spruce, and more than 30 kinds of animals under national-level protection.

The main scenic areas are Kuerdening Grasslands, Hecang Pass, Hecang canyon waterfall, Tike Kala Gayi Forest and Kaban Bayi Peak.

Tangbula Grassland Scenic Spot

The Tangbula Grassland lies in Nilka County. It is well-known as one of the top five grasslands in Ili, as well as the shoot site for a once popular movie Tianshan Red Flowers. It was used as a summer camp for the Ili General during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), not only for its nature scenes made by flowers and grass, but also for natural hot springs in valleys.

If you are interested in more of that bizarre and magnificent work of nature, the Aslan Rock Site would be a fine option. Lining the northern bank of Kashi River, some rocks are taller than 10 m, all jutting into the sky.

Centuries of wind and water erosion have sculpted some into spectacular shapes like colossal animals. In fact, a hunter in the Qing Dynasty came and was awed by one that looked like a lion, which in Mogolian is called "aslant" or "arslan." Some look like the hump of a camel, others even capturing motions, such as an eagle hovering or a deer drinking.

Qiaxi Scenic Resort

Qiaxi, also located in Gongliu County, is not only a travel destination for backpackers, but also a nature park for locals. Everything here is natural and visitors do not need any kind of admission tickets to enter. When the fall comes, the snowy mountains faraway, green grasslands, golden tree leaves and springs, and flocks of sheep form a natural painting of this scene.

The crack in a mountain near the entrance allows travelers to peep out and get a glimpse of the sky through a very narrow slit. Another must-see spot around the place called "spring of wonder," which is said to have a healing effect on anyone who drinks from it. Some people even carry bottles to bring sips back to give "wonder" to their family and friends back home.

How to go: There is no bus stop at the resort. But you can rent a car in Yining or Gongliu County. Follow the signs on the road connecting Yining and Gongliu and you can't miss it. The best option is hiring a car to send you there.

Where to stay: Hotels are readily available in the summer, when many people come here to escape during the hot months. Some people choose to camp outside, but again, be prepared with something to keep you warm at night when the temperatures drop, if you choose this option. Accommodation is available from 120 to 180 yuan ($19 - $50) per day. Since fall and winter are off-seasons for hotels, you would be wise to bring your own food and snacks and come to the area on a day trip only during these times.

Nalati Grassland

Tourism in the Nalati area has been well-developed in recent years. Located in Xinyuan County, the grasslands and racecourses have been highlights of the notable summer retreats by tourists. Home to many Kazak people, it embodies the age-old tradition and culture of pasture life. It is said that Genghis Khan and his exhausted army once reached this part of Ili. Suddenly a vast panorama of a valley opened up before them as if they had trespassed into a new world. Seeing the sun shining someone exclaimed, "nalati (there is the sun)!" And that has become the story of one of the greatest grasslands in Xinjiang ever since.

How to go: Since 2005, tourists have been flying directly from Urumqi to Nalati Airport. The airport is about 58 km away from the scenic area.

Tekesi Bagua Town

Tekesi Bagua Town is the world's only well-reserved town, built in the bagua or eight trigrams design. At the entrance of Tekesi County, you will see the town's sculpture in the shape of bagua with yin and yang in the center.

The town center is the bagua cultural square, representing two forms in bagua, yin and yang. There are eight main streets surrounding the square, following the design of bagua. Each street is about 1,200 meters long and there is a ring road circling the eight streets every 360 meters. From the center to the outer roads, there are four ring roads in total. Since 1996 when the county decided to cancel traffic lights on the roads, the bagua town has been a city without traffic lights.