The so-called "After experiencing mountains and rivers, Qiaxi is worth it"

🌦 Qiaxi Grassland is located in the southeastern mountainous area of Gongliu County, Ili, Xinjiang, in the Ili River Valley. It is the essence of the Ili scenic area and is renowned for its picturesque Qiaxi landscape. 🌈 The Qiaxi Grassland Scenic Area is rich in tree species such as spruce, cedar, fir, Korean pine, and birch, with a forest coverage rate of 95%. At the end of 2004, the scenic area was upgraded to a national forest park, becoming one of the thirteen national forest parks in Xinjiang. 🌕 There is also a beautiful legend about Qiaxi. It is said that Qiaxi was originally a beautiful Mongolian princess, cherished like a pearl by her father, the king. Once, the princess accompanied her father on a tour of the pastures and arrived at Qiaxi. After traveling around Qiaxi with her personal maid, she was deeply moved and enchanted by the fairyland-like beautiful scenery of Qiaxi, becoming so infatuated that she lingered and could not bear to leave. After returning to the palace, the princess was lost in memories and fantasies of Qiaxi’s beauty, becoming absent-minded, losing appetite, and gradually growing thin. 🐣 The king anxiously asked the reason, and the princess said: "I have accompanied the king many times, traveling countless famous mountains and rivers, but only the splendid scenery of Qiaxi has deeply captivated me and I cannot forget it. I hope the king understands my deep love for Qiaxi’s landscape and grants me the Qiaxi pasture. I will build a hut there and live out my days without regret; otherwise, my life will be short." The king was deeply moved by his beloved daughter's heartfelt words and affection for the mountains and waters, so he fulfilled her wish, granting the Qiaxi pasture and herding tents to the princess as a hereditary territory for her and her descendants. To express his love and longing for his daughter, he named the land Qiaxi. 1. 🐋 Basic Information * 🐬 Location: Southeastern mountainous area of Gongliu County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, about 72 kilometers from the county seat. * 🐋 Best travel time: June to August (grassland lush and wildflowers blooming), September to October (rich autumn colors, colorful forests contrasting with snowy mountains). * 💸 Admission: 30 RMB/person (valid through 2025, self-driving cars can enter the scenic area for free). * 🎇 Climate: Cool in summer (15-25℃), large temperature difference between day and night, bring a windbreaker; strong UV rays, pay attention to sun protection. 2. 🚗 Transportation Guide How to get there 1. 🚘 Major transportation: * 🛫 Flight: Fly to Yining Airport, then charter a car or self-drive about 3.5 hours (200 km). * 🚊 Train: Urumqi → Yining (overnight), then transfer by car to Gongliu County (about 1.5 hours). 2. 🚃 Local transportation: * 🚘 Self-drive: Recommended SUV or off-road vehicle, navigate to "Qiaxi Forest Park," turn right into the mountains after Jierge Lang Township, drive along the Qiata loop (some gravel roads, drive cautiously in rain). * 🚖 Charter car: Available at Gongliu County Bus Station, about 100 RMB per vehicle. 3. 🎆 Must-visit Attractions and Experiences 1. 🌇 Qiaxi Scroll Viewing Platform: 360° panoramic spot with snow mountains, spruce, and grassland in one frame; best for shooting at dawn or sunset. 2. 🎑 Swallow Bridge: A wooden bridge spanning the Qiaxi River, ideal for slow shutter shots of streams and snow mountain reflections. 3. 🏞 Qiaxi River Valley Hiking: Easy hiking route (about 8 km), passing through spruce forests and streams, occasionally spotting marmots. 4. 🌠 Qiata Loop Self-drive: Pass through primeval dense forest and ford streams, occasionally encountering wildlife (SUV required, beginners advised to explore only the core area). 5. 🎇 Visit herders and horseback riding: Experience Kazakh life, drink freshly milked cow’s milk, horseback riding costs about 80 RMB/hour (price negotiable). 4. Recommended Itinerary 🎑 2 days 1 night deep tour * 🛤 Day 1: Yining → Gongliu County (lunch) → Qiaxi Grassland (afternoon viewing platform + river valley hiking) → stay in yurt/caravan camp (stargazing at night). * 🏞 Day 2: Sunrise photography → horseback riding to explore spruce forest → Qiata loop crossing → return to Yining or head to Qiongkushitai. 1. 🏡 Nearby attractions * ⛰ Kuerdening: 30 km from Qiaxi, also a World Natural Heritage site, can be combined into a 3-5 day Ili loop. * Special 🏚 Tekesi Bagua City: Can stop on the return trip for aerial cityscape photography. 5. 🏠 Accommodation Recommendations 1. 🏡 Inside the scenic area: * 🏠 Qiaxi Caravan Camp: Family suites for 4 people, private bathroom, panoramic platform to enjoy snow mountains, about 600 RMB/night. * 🏘 Herders’ yurts: 200-400 RMB per yurt, experience nomadic culture, reservation required. 2. ⛺️ Comfortable options: * 🏠 Shanye Chujian Country Hotel: At the scenic area entrance, comfortable bedding, offers health meals (morel mushroom stewed chicken), 218 RMB/double package. * 🏡 Gongliu County hotels: Such as Gongliu Yunzhen Shangpin Hotel, about 150 RMB/person/night, good conditions. 6. 🍲 Food Recommendations * 🍛 Inside the scenic area: Freshly grilled lamb skewers by herders (6 RMB/skewer), handmade yogurt, freshly brewed salty milk tea. * 🍝 Gongliu County: Kuergan Farmhouse (big plate chicken, wild mushroom noodles), about 40 RMB per person. * 🍜 Bring your own snacks: Few dining options inside the scenic area, recommended to bring snacks and water. 7. 🍢 Notes 1. ☘️ Environmental protection: Do not drive on the grassland, carry out all trash. 2. 🍀 Signal: No signal in some areas, download offline maps in advance. 3. 💵 Cash: Herders only accept cash, prepare small change. 4. 🕊 Safety: Do not hike into undeveloped areas, avoid going alone.