Things to do in Bayingolin

Bayinbuluke is definitely worth a visit. Besides swans, we also saw Siberian red-billed gulls at the Swan Sanctuary, and the interaction between the lambs and swans was particularly interesting. It's really cold up there, so be sure to dress warmly! The scenic area is much larger than I expected. From the entrance to the main attractions, even with no stops and a speed limit of 60 km/h, it takes about an hour, so be sure to allow plenty of time. The weather was exceptionally good the second time, and I wanted to go back in to watch the sunset. However, when I arrived at the scenic area at 6:30 PM, the staff said the sightseeing bus had already stopped running, so I unfortunately missed it. 🥲 If you want to see the sunset, be sure to check the last sightseeing bus time in advance. Also, if you're driving, after watching the sunset, drive slowly and carefully as it gets dark.

Our day tour in Korla was led by Mr. Liu, a local resident familiar with the local culture. He was a skilled driver, obeyed speed limits, and drove very steadily. He even went hungry himself to accommodate everyone's decision to eat in the city. He also provided local fragrant pears for everyone and helped accommodate those who didn't want to try off-road driving. Tomorrow we will continue with our company's day tour packages.

The Duku Highway, also known as the Dushanzi-Kuqa section of National Highway G217, is hailed as a scenic highway traversing the Tianshan Mountains. Stretching over 500 kilometers, it cuts across the entire Tianshan range, connecting northern and southern Xinjiang, and is also a breathtakingly heroic road. The highway winds its way through towering mountains, traversing numerous snow-capped passes, offering breathtaking views of canyons, glaciers, forests, grasslands, and deserts – perfectly embodying the saying "experience all four seasons in a day, and different weather every ten miles." Starting from Dushanzi in northern Xinjiang and heading south, the scenery changes dramatically, passing through Qiaerma, Nalati, Bayinbuluke, and finally Kuqa in southern Xinjiang, with countless famous scenic spots strung along this route. Due to snow and ice, the Duku Highway is not open year-round, only accessible for a few months each year, and may even be temporarily closed if you're unlucky. The mountain roads are treacherous, with numerous bends, and the weather in the mountains is unpredictable. Even in the height of summer, the high-altitude sections remain bitterly cold; be sure to bring warm clothing and drive with caution. This highway is not just a passageway; it is itself the most spectacular scenery of the entire Xinjiang trip. Only by driving through the Duku Highway can one truly understand the magnificence of the Tianshan Mountains. It is a must-visit destination for countless self-driving enthusiasts.

We arrived on October 26th, a little late. Many leaves had fallen, and the weather wasn't great either. The scenery was somewhat different from what we had imagined. However, the 60 yuan entrance fee for a car was very reasonable, and the ticket price was also fair. Several of our companions got free or half-price tickets. The staff at the scenic area were also very responsible. Thumbs up!

The West Sea lives up to its reputation, with an endless expanse of turquoise blue and emerald green nearby. Seagulls fly, waves crash against the riverbank, and how can you not be mesmerized by the tranquility? Let the love song of the West Sea ring out!

Because of the Tianshan Victory Tunnel, I specifically chose Tata Secret Realm to see the poplar trees. Compared to the poplar trees in Luntai, which I visited before, the management here is much better. There are wooden boardwalks, a boat dock, and a well-designed tourist route. The most stunning part is the scenery. The poplar trees are concentrated along the road into the scenic area, which mainly consists of lakes and sand dunes—perfect for taking photos. Highly recommended.

A journey to northern Xinjiang to encounter Kanas makes all the travel fatigue worthwhile. Crystal-clear lakes, rolling forests, and flowing river bends create a breathtaking panorama, with the three bays shrouded in ethereal beauty at dawn. The natural scenery is pure and healing; every frame is a natural wallpaper. It's a place you'll want to return to again and again.

You must go to an uninhabited area once in your life! Crossing Lop Nur, exploring the ancient city of Loulan... Going there once is enough to brag about for the rest of your life Once upon a time, the huge ancient city of Loulan was located in the northwest, bustling with people and the gateway to the Silk Road. Now, only a faint ruin remains, which has disappeared for hundreds of years, causing endless sighs.

[Scenery] Five exhibition halls, full understanding of prehistory, Loulan, Ruoqiang culture and history [Fun] Loulan is a military restricted area [Value for money] Free, 100 yuan for a tour guide for up to 4 people

You can go to the Huyang Hotel in Ruoqiang to sign up for a tour group to the Altun Mountains in Lop Nor, but the special tour fee is high. Two or three people travel hundreds of kilometers in an off-road vehicle. But it is worth it. There are the Altun Mountains Nature Reserve, Xiaohe Cemetery, Loulan Ancient City, Haitou Ancient City. If you are willing, there are treasures to pick up haha