Kalajun Grassland

Guozigou Valley

Also known as Talaqi Valley, this 28-km-long gorge has long been an important gateway linking the Central Plains with Central Asia and Europe. Even today, the Wuyi Highway between Lake Sayram, Bole and Yining still runs through Guozigou. The valley takes its name from the many wild apple trees growing in its mountains. When Genghis Khan campaigned westward, he passed through here and had 48 plank roads built; during the Qing dynasty, 42 bridges were built on the old route. The road winds and turns, and the scenery is unrivalled: sharp peaks rise on both sides, mountain streams murmur, and pine forests and pastures spread across the slopes. Even if you pass through quickly by bus, you will feel as though you have turned straight onto the road to paradise.

2–3 hours

Kokesu Grand Canyon

One of the routes within the Kalajun scenic area, centred on canyons, waterways and alpine grasslands. Crocodile Bay, rafting and boat cruises are all on this route, and visitors can tour by boat. Beautiful scenery and few crowds make it well worth a visit.

Tangbula Grassland

A collective name for the valley grassland scenery along the upper reaches of the Kashi River, a natural landscape combining forest, grassland, rapids and rock formations. The area has many sights; it is said to contain 113 gullies, each with its own character. The famous film 'Red Flowers of the Tianshan' was partly shot here.

3–4 hours

Nalati Scenic Area

Nalati Grassland sits on a major transport route between northern and southern Xinjiang and is one of the four great alpine river-valley grasslands in the world. It has long been a famous pasture. Here you can enjoy the distinctive grassland scenery of the Western Regions and immerse yourself in the rich, rustic folk culture of the Kazakh people; many of the region's gatherings are held here.

Hiking entry ¥95; shuttle bus ¥24–40; customised self-drive tour ¥300 per person · 1–2 days

Tekes Bagua City

The world's only fully preserved Bagua City, and it has no traffic lights. Its streets radiate in a circular, octagonal layout, forming a maze-like network where every road connects to the next. The city also offers rich folk customs, a deep history and beautiful natural scenery, including the well-preserved Wusun ancient tomb complex, the site of the 'summer capital' of the Wusun Kingdom, grassland stone statues, ancient rock paintings and rock wind caves.

Free · 0.5–1 day

Ili Flower Viewing

Zhaosu Rapeseed Flowers: On the open Zhaosu Grassland lies the largest rapeseed field in China. Every July, golden rapeseed flowers and sunflowers bloom in full, adding a romantic and picturesque touch to the grassland.

Viewing lavender from the road requires no ticket; entering the fields to take photos costs ¥5–10 paid to the farmer; the Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden is sold separately, ¥35 in peak season and ¥17 in off-season; free · 2–3 hours