# Kaidu River (开都河)

Bayingolin, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region · Northwest, China · Guidebook rating: 4/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/kaidu-river
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** Free
- **Opening hours:** 2026.01.01-2026.12.31 open all day
- **Time needed:** 1-3 hours
- **Address:** Elzaiteuru Township, Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
- **Getting there:** Located in Elzaiteuru Township, Hejing County; self-driving is recommended; reachable from Hejing County seat along National Highway 218
- **Good for:** Photography, Nature

## About Kaidu River

Legend has it that this was the last of the 81 ordeals Tang Monk faced on his journey to fetch scriptures from the Western Heaven. The unique scenery of the Kaidu River's 18 bends can be admired from the highest point of the scenic area, reached by sightseeing bus, with wide and open views. At sunset, if you're lucky and find the right angle, you may see nine suns reflected in the river, making it a prized spot for photography enthusiasts.

## Tips from the guidebook

- The best time to see the nine suns is around the Mid-Autumn Festival.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 877. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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