The Ibis Hami Hotel, a hidden gem with live performances and a cocktail bar

This year, the tourism boom in Xinjiang is incredible! As a travel enthusiast, I couldn't resist joining the trend and invited some girlfriends for a trip to Xinjiang. Our first stop was Hami, the eastern gateway of Xinjiang. Hami is the only city in China named after a local fruit. Surprisingly, the best Hami melon we tasted was at the Ibis Hotel along National Highway 312! The front desk staff were exceptionally warm—they delivered fresh Hami melons to our room upon arrival. The melons here are unbelievably sweet, completely different from what we've had inland. Back home, I usually avoid sweets for fear of gaining weight, but here, I indulged without hesitation. When we arrived, the temperature was scorching—around 39°C (102°F). The hotel staff had thoughtfully turned on the air conditioning in advance, so our room was refreshingly cool, which truly touched our hearts. The lobby is elegantly and stylishly decorated. At 9 PM, we enjoyed a live Uyghur dance and singing performance in the lobby. We even joined in, interacting with the dancers and sipping on specially crafted cocktails—the atmosphere was absolutely electric! Among all the hotels we've stayed at, this one stands out for its vibrant vibe. The next morning, we headed to Barkol Grassland with my friends. Honestly, Xinjiang's natural scenery is breathtaking. The moment we arrived, we were greeted by air rich in negative oxygen ions—it felt incredibly refreshing. If you have enough time, I highly recommend staying in a yurt on Barkol Grassland for a while. It's pure bliss: lush greenery, herds of cattle and sheep, and the stunning Barkol Lake where the water meets the sky. Locals say October brings a unique beauty to Barkol, so I'm already planning a return trip then—it's just that magnificent! Check out the photos of us jumping for joy [Trick][Trick][Trick][Joyful][Joyful]. That's all for today's share! Hope this helps fellow travelers planning a trip to Hami!