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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Yining County [2025]
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Sayram Lake
4.7
/5
13840 reviews
9.1
From AU$ 23.64
Based on 92 reviews
77.4 km from downtown
Phone +8609097659990
Address: Sayram Lake, Bole, Bortala, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 days
Highlights:
A 79 km bike ride around the lake with scenic views of the water and mountains
Wildflowers bloom on the lakeside grasslands in June and July
Saved by 415 users12174 positive reviews
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You're most likely asking about money-saving tips for sharing tickets to Sayram Lake, or about carpooling for tickets. Here are two options for reference:
1. Saving Money by Sharing Tickets for Self-Driving: Currently, a self-driving package ticket to Sayram Lake during the off-season costs 110 yuan per person. If multiple people are traveling together by car, one person can buy a self-driving package ticket to enter the park, while the others buy a 35 yuan hiking ticket (available before 6 PM). They can then meet up inside the scenic area, saving on the self-driving service fee per person. However, the hiking route is about two kilometers long, and the entrances for hiking and self-driving are different.
2. Carpooling for Tickets: Many day trips to Sayram Lake departing from Bole and Yili offer carpooling services, starting at 268 yuan. These carpooling services usually don't include entrance tickets, which need to be purchased online or offline. There are also group tours for up to 6 people, which include entrance tickets and the cost of circling the lake. You can check and book these on platforms like Ctrip.
[Attraction Name] is truly a paradise on earth! [Specific landscape features, such as "layered karst peaks" and "waterfalls cascading like a silver river," are breathtaking.] The scenic area has a well-planned layout, and the [featured attractions] offer a truly immersive experience. The staff are professional and enthusiastic. During the tour, we even discovered [hidden photo spots]. Highly recommended for tourists who enjoy [photography/hiking/cultural experiences].
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Narat Scenic Spot
4.5
/5
3262 reviews
7.9
From AU$ 29.01
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609995291888
Address: Nalatizhen, Xinyuan, Ili, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 days
Highlights:
Kazakh nomadic life & horseback riding
Kazakh steppe summer activities
Saved by 212 users2080 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Nalati, a paradise on earth, has very fresh air. Although autumn is already here, Nalati is still covered in green, quietly waiting for tourists to come and chat. The snow-capped mountains, forests, meadows and lakes are so beautiful that it is fascinating!
The morning mist shrouded the Nalati Grassland, waking to sunlight. I rode across the stream, my hooves crushing dewdrops on the wildflowers. In the distance, snow-capped mountains reflected the blue sky, like a still painting.
Lying on the grass, the fragrance of green grass washed over me. The songs of Kazakh herders drifted on the wind, so free, so vast. In that moment, all worries melted away in the breeze.
The beauty of Nalati lies not in any particular scenic spot, but in every gust of wind and every ray of sunshine. It invites hurried travelers to pause and find a long-lost inner peace.
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Kalajun National Park
4.6
/5
2819 reviews
7.7
Based on 11 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609997765295
Address: Tekes, Ili, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 days
Highlights:
360° view of Koksu Canyon
Glass deck overlooks canyon beauty
Saved by 168 users2239 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Friends, if I told you there's a place that can simultaneously package grasslands, forests, snow-capped mountains, and seas of flowers into a giant, three-dimensional painting, it would definitely be Kalajun! As a travel blogger who has explored all of northern and southern Xinjiang, my self-driving experience in Kalajun is absolutely my top choice for "grand and majestic" scenery—it's incredibly impressive!
This isn't just any ordinary meadow; it's a "three-dimensional garden in the sky," handcrafted by nature itself. Driving through it, you're not just getting a tourist attraction, but a whole mobile Windows desktop background!
🌟 My Peak Self-Driving Experience & Must-Have Highlights 🌟
1. The sensual curves of the "human grassland," an art form of light and shadow!
This is absolutely Kalajun's trump card! Along the route from [Flower Terrace] to [Falcon Terrace], you'll see rolling hills with lines so graceful they resemble a woman's body. Under the light and shadow of sunset, their fullness, smoothness, and vibrant beauty are a true geological wonder! This is no ordinary grassland; it's nature's most sensual and curvaceous art, its dynamism impossible for a camera to fully capture.
2. A Three-Tiered Landscape: A Continuous "Wow!" Driving Through!
The most amazing thing about Kalajun is its "three-dimensionality." Your gaze will involuntarily divide into three layers: in the foreground, a colorful carpet of wildflowers; in the middle, a continuous, dark green belt of snow-capped spruce trees; and in the distance, the majestic Tian Shan Mountains, crowned with snow. Driving along the road, these three layers of scenery simultaneously unfold before your eyes, an unparalleled sense of depth, every frame a masterpiece!
3. Hike at Falcon Terrace: Become a "Son of the Tian Shan"!
Park your car at the Falcon Terrace parking lot, and we strongly recommend that you pack light and walk along the boardwalk towards the snow-capped mountains. When you stand on the edge of the cliff, overlooking the magnificent scenery of the entire Kurdai Grand Canyon, a sense of vastness and supreme grandeur will arise spontaneously. This is also the best spot for capturing panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains and canyons – you'll get amazing shots every minute!
🚗 Blogger's Exclusive Practical Tips (A Must-Have!):
• Route Selection: Kalajun is divided into "East Kalajun" and "Koksu Grand Canyon". If you have enough time, I recommend buying the all-area ticket for a more comprehensive view. If you can only choose one, I highly recommend the grassland route – the essence of the experience!
• Golden Time: Go in the afternoon! The soft sunset light is the perfect filter for the "human grassland," amplifying the beauty of the curves to the extreme.
• Clothing Suggestions: Wear white, red, or orange clothing; they will stand out against the green background. Be sure to bring a windproof jacket, as the weather in the mountains is unpredictable.
• Combined Itinerary: After leaving Kalajun, return to Tekes, the "Bagua City," and be sure to visit the night market for some barbecue – experience this magical city without traffic lights.
Concluding remarks:
Kalajun is not the delicate beauty of a young lady; it possesses a domineering, bold, and overwhelmingly powerful magnificence. With its extreme, three-dimensional landscape, it redefines your understanding of the word "grassland."
The moment I opened the car door and stepped into Kalajun, my breathing slowed. The grasslands stretched like a vast green velvet carpet, stretching from my feet to the foot of the snow-capped mountains at the horizon. Wildflowers, white and yellow, dotted the landscape, and shades of green undulated with the mountain's gentle waves.
Cloud shadows moved slowly across the velvety grassy slopes, like a silent film. Standing here, I could think about anything or nothing, simply feeling the vastness of the world, myself a part of this landscape. The wind brushed past my ears, carrying the scent of green grass and distant mountains. In that moment, all the noise in my heart was soothed.
No.
4
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Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon
4.6
/5
2194 reviews
7.5
From AU$ 8.60
Based on 13 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609977798838
Address: Mountainous area north of No. 1025, 217 National Road, Kuqa County, Aksu, 64 kilometers north of Kuqa County
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Fiery red mountains & unique valley
Canyon adventure through red mountains
Saved by 221 users1682 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
This canyon is different in style from the Wensu Grand Canyon, and it's really fun. It takes over an hour to walk in and out. You can also take a car or ride a camel. It's actually not very far. It's very interesting! Worth a visit!
The Tianshan Mountains boast breathtaking natural wonders. Standing within the canyon and looking up at the rock walls, one sees spacious courtyards, massive rock domes, and narrow slits of sky.
The trail is pedestrian-friendly; no shuttle bus is needed, and the path is gentle, only about 2km long.
No.
5
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Kurdenin Scenic Area
4.4
/5
578 reviews
7.4
From AU$ 12.90
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609997758590
Address: Tokkuztara, Ili, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 4–5 hours
Highlights:
Skywalk & mountain meadow views
Hike & enjoy mountain views
465 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
Walking through the snow-capped spruces of Kurdenin, the air is filled with the coolness of the vegetation. A stream sings at the valley floor, and sunlight filters through the dense forest, casting tiny specks of light. Standing high and gazing out into the distance, the endless snow-capped mountains are set against a sea of dark green forest. In that moment, the world becomes tranquil, and time seems to slow down. This untouched, pristine beauty offers the most gentle healing to those who have lived in the city for so long.
The scenery is very beautiful, with alpine grasslands, canyon rivers, and spruce forests. You can drive in and out from Zhonggou and Donggou. The scenic area is very large and it takes a long time to drive by yourself.
No.
6
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Dushanzi Grand Canyon
4.3
/5
1203 reviews
7.3
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609927258800
Address: 100m East of 250 County Road, Dushanzi District, Karamay City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Spectacular geological folds formed over eons
Billion-year sculpted steep cliffs
976 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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This canyon is indeed spectacular, with a very uniform height, but the mountain's structure is strangely fractured. There's almost no vegetation, and the colors aren't very vibrant. The only downside is that there's no path down; you can only view it from above. Going down and experiencing it firsthand would surely offer a different perspective.
The Dushanzi Grand Canyon is a beautiful sculpture masterpiece forged by the magic of nature. Standing on the south side of the canyon and looking at the cliffs on the opposite side, a picture of a stone forest with hundreds of meters high stone pillars in various shapes and sizes unfolds before your eyes. The slender and tall stone pillars are like a dense forest, making people marvel at the magic of nature. Viewing from multiple angles, it is beautiful and pleasing to the eye.
No.
7
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Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area Grand Canyon
4.7
/5
755 reviews
7.1
From AU$ 7.48
Based on 7 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609976796105
Address: Near the 306 county road in the Kirgiz ethnic township of Bozidun, Wensu County, Aksu City
Recommended sightseeing time: 4–5 hours
Highlights:
Tomur Peak & Taklamakan Desert
Unique red sandstone formations
641 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
If you come to Aksu, you must visit the Grand Canyon. It's really big and breathtaking! You can also see snow-capped mountains. Walking from No. 3 to No. 4, taking photos along the way, is truly amazing.
The scenery is beautiful, but transportation is inconvenient. The platform for booking the shuttle bus is extremely complicated; I spent ages trying to figure out which route to choose, and there was no tutorial. In the end, I just chose the popular route below, which eliminates the need to select locations manually: Aksu-Tacun-Grand Canyon (I misunderstood that Tacun also stops there, but I was only going to the Grand Canyon, so this was the correct route). I also don't understand why the ticket QR code isn't displayed at the main entrance; you have to walk a long way from the boarding area to the back to scan it. The buses are infrequent and small, with only a few seats. There's a risk of not getting a ticket if you go at the last minute, and even if you do, the time allotted for sightseeing is very short. The four-hour visit felt rushed, with the entire trip consisting of fast walking.
No.
8
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King Palace In Kuqa
4.1
/5
1605 reviews
7.0
Based on 11 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609977210013
Address: Kuqa, Aksu, Xinjiang, China, 842000
Recommended sightseeing time: 2 hours
Highlights:
40,000 sq ft with exhibits
Qing-era Uyghur prince's residence
1050 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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Once in Kuqa, a visit to the Kuqa Palace is a good option. It opens at 10:00 AM, and the opening ceremony begins at 10:30 AM. At the end, visitors are invited to dance together, and it's packed. Learn about the palace's history, take photos with the princess, and enjoy the beautiful gardens and a section of the ancient city wall. I highly recommend the freshly ground coffee, which is affordable and delicious.
When you come to Kuche, visiting the Kuche Palace is a must. While learning about the history and culture, you can also feel the ancient charm of Kuche. The building is very beautiful and many collections are on display. However, the princess and the princess were not at home that day, which was a bit regrettable.
No.
9
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Zhaosu Wetland Park Scenic Area
4.3
/5
449 reviews
6.8
From AU$ 8.60
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609996024789
Address: 17 kilometers from 758 County Road, Zhaosu County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Tour 3 wetland stops
Summer "Pegasus River" performance viewing
367 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
An underrated tourist attraction. When people mention Zhaosu, many think of Xiatu, but Zhaosu Wetland Park has the Tekes River, Ili horses, and grasslands. You can also see horses bathing in the river and witness Kazakh love stories (girls chasing each other on horseback), etc.!
We all came here to watch the Heavenly Horses Bathing in the River. There seemed to be about a hundred of them running majestically, but the distance they ran was quite short, only six times in total. They were so fast at grabbing sheep that the show was over just as we reached the front of the performance venue.
No.
10
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Nalati Grassland
4.7
/5
208 reviews
6.6
From AU$ 25.58
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609995291888
Address: Within Xinli County, Yili
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 days
Saved by 163 users170 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The grasslands are vast, and the grass should be greener in May, June, and July, but it's a bit yellow in August. The cost of clothing for filming at the scenic spots is high, but the price/performance ratio is not high. Horseback riding is also available, but the cattle on the grasslands produce a lot of organic fertilizer, so be careful. I recommend Hansai for accommodation. It's straightforward, with a nice courtyard where you can have tea and relax. Overall, it's pretty good.
Natural Landscapes
- Grasslands: Vast, boundless, lush green grass, verdant hues stretching for miles, with birdsong throbbing in the air.
- Sky: Clear, cloudless, high and light, the clouds rolling and unrolling, a jewel-like blue.
- Snow-capped Mountains: Towering, icy peaks and snow-capped ridges, pristine white, soaring into the clouds, rolling and rolling.
- Forests: Lush and verdant, towering ancient trees, blocking out the sun, vast expanses of forest, and the sound of pine waves.
- Rivers: Flowing gently, crystal clear, shimmering, winding, and rippling with emerald green.
Plants and Fauna
- Flowers: A profusion of vibrant colors, vying for beauty, a riot of color, and a dazzling array of blossoms.
- Animals: Herds of cattle and sheep, galloping horses, carefree, free, and full of life.
Cultural and Customs
- Yurts: Dotted across the landscape, staggered and elegant, quaint and unique.
- Herders: Warm and hospitable, talented in singing and dancing, simple and kind, hardworking and brave.
Comprehensive Experiences
- Tranquility and Peace: Silence, tranquility, peace and tranquility, a peaceful and peaceful time.
- Picturesque: Magnificent, poetic, dreamlike, like a fairyland.
- Relaxing and Refreshing: Pleasing to the eyes, refreshing, relaxed, and enlightened.
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