Things to do in Baicheng

Although I visited several Yardang landforms, the Kizil Red Stone Forest was still quite impressive. Unlike other Yardang landforms, it has a variety of shapes and is recommended to be visited together with the Kizil Caves.

It is worth experiencing to see the natural wonders of the fusion of water and fire. The scenery is pleasant and the terrain is very unique. It is recommended to appreciate it.

The murals in Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves are badly damaged, which makes people sad. Among the few open caves, none of them are well preserved. Some tourists complained that they could not see anything. In fact, how many people can understand the ancient murals and the Western Region culture? I don’t understand it either, but I think it is a blessing to be able to stand in this Buddhist land!

The Murzat Glacier is located in the mountains of Zhaosu. The snow-capped mountains here melt all year round. The accommodation in the scenic area is limited, but there are self-made wooden houses. The Xiaofengquan is very cozy. It is recommended that travelers come here to take a dip. It is best to stay here for one night so that you can take pictures of the sunrise over the icebergs.

I personally think that Kizil Ghost City is worth a visit. The scenic area is very close to Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, so you can visit them together and stay in Kuche. You can drive in now. The road is very beautiful. A large number of rocks inside have been weathered and eroded by the years, showing various strange shapes. Climbing up and looking far, you can't help but sigh at the power of nature. Moreover, there are few tourists, so the experience is very good. Stop the car and walk deeper. There are jagged rocks in front of you, and the wind whistles in your ears, which makes you feel awe.

There weren't many tourists before the holiday; it was mostly locals. The hot springs also offered massages and chicken legs 🍗. After soaking in the hot springs, you can go to the hotel restaurant for authentic Xinjiang-style mixed noodles, which are reasonably priced.

Narat Scenic Area, nestled deep in the Tianshan Mountains of Yili, Xinjiang, is a national 5A-level scenic area and a world-renowned alpine valley grassland. Its name in Mongolian means "the place where the sun first shines." The entire scenic area is mainly divided into three sections: the Sky Grassland, the River Valley Grassland, and the Panlong Valley. Snow-capped mountains, spruce trees, streams, and rolling meadows blend perfectly, creating a rich tapestry of landscapes where every snapshot is a magnificent scene. The Sky Grassland is expansive; from the Tianjietai (Heavenly Platform), one can see snow-capped peaks stretching to the horizon, scattered yurts, and grazing cattle and sheep. The River Valley Grassland is gentle and lush; from Tawusani, one can enjoy panoramic views of four different mountain ranges. The Panlong Valley trail winds through a deep forest, its ever-changing light and shadow creating a poetic atmosphere. The area is home to the Kazakh people, who have preserved their authentic nomadic customs, offering a variety of experiences including horseback riding, family visits, and camping. Wildflowers bloom everywhere from June to August, making it a great place to escape the summer heat; in autumn, the forests turn golden, creating another breathtaking scene. The scenic area is vast, so it's recommended to allow at least one day, pack warm clothes, and slowly savor the unique vastness and romance of the Tianshan grasslands. It's a must-see stop when visiting Yili.

It was definitely the right choice to come! The scenic area is better than I expected. There are plenty of shuttle buses, and the area is so pristine – the air is fresh, there's lots of green grass, cattle and sheep graze freely, and the views are expansive. I didn't get enough of it!

I originally planned to go to Wensu Grand Canyon, but it was closed due to weather, so I went to Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon instead. Luckily, the weather was great; with the blue sky, the canyon's colors were particularly bright, and the contrasts were even more striking, making it perfect for taking photos in bright colors. The temperature difference inside the canyon is significant, depending on whether you get sun exposure. I recommend bringing a scarf this season; it's warm and can also be used as a photo prop. Although the scenic area isn't very large, walking around and taking photos will still take about two hours. If you don't want to walk, you can take the park shuttle bus or choose to ride a camel.

Kuldning Scenic Area, located in Gongliu County, Ili Prefecture, Xinjiang, is known as the "Oriental Switzerland," where snow-capped mountains, spruce forests, and grasslands intertwine to create a picturesque landscape. Recommended attractions include the Qimengde Viewpoint, where a wooden boardwalk offers panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains and spruce forests; the Ayousai Viewpoint provides views of the snow-capped peak of Kabanbay Peak; and the Ten-Mile Gallery features winding streams with dappled sunlight, creating a natural gallery effect. Summers are cool and pleasant, ideal for self-driving or camping. Tent campsites and wooden cabins are readily available within the scenic area, while wild fruit forests and ancient spruce trees add to the rustic charm, making it a secluded and less-traveled gem on the Ili route.