Don't get stuck in traffic on the Duku Highway until dark! The most stunning "three-dimensional oil painting" in Yili, tickets are only 30 yuan, and it's breathtakingly beautiful at the end of September!
Hello everyone,
Having driven in Xinjiang for over a decade, every autumn my inbox is flooded with the same question: "The Duku Highway is about to close, are there any places in Yili that are less crowded, scenic, and don't have long queues?"
My answer has remained unchanged for years—Qiaxi.
"The Jiangnan region beyond the Great Wall is in Yili, and the most beautiful place in Yili is Qiaxi." This saying has been circulating in self-driving circles for many years, but far fewer people have actually been there than in Nalati and Kalajun. Qiaxi's "beauty" is the breathtaking sight of snow-capped mountains, spruce trees, streams, and grasslands all unfolding before your eyes simultaneously. With over 90% forest coverage, it's like a three-dimensional oil painting painted by nature itself.
Most importantly—tickets are only 30 yuan per person, and 10 yuan per car, with no time limit for your visit, and you can drive directly into the core area. From late September to early October, the grasslands gradually turn golden, while the spruce forests remain verdant. Herdsmen move their cattle and sheep to new pastures, and the number of tourists is only half that of the summer season. Before the Duku Highway closes and before Qiaxi becomes overcrowded, go for a visit.
First, let's clarify this "window of opportunity": Autumn in Qiaxi is very short.
Qiaxi's peak season is from June to August, when the grass is green and the flowers are in full bloom, but this is also when it's most crowded. Mid-September to early October is the best time to take photos in Qiaxi.
The grasslands transform from emerald green to a gentle golden hue, the birch forests begin to change color, and the snow-capped mountains are exceptionally clear in the crisp autumn air. Most importantly, day-trippers decrease significantly, and the scenic area returns to tranquility. If you stay overnight in the scenic area, you'll practically have Qiaxi all to yourself at sunset and in the early morning.
However, please note: the regular opening period for the scenic area is from April 15th to October 15th. After that, it enters the off-season, and some areas and facilities will be reduced in size. Late September to early October is the last and best time to travel to Qiaxi in autumn.
II. Self-driving is the only correct way to experience it.
The core of exploring Qiaxi is driving through it. Without a self-driving permit, you can only take shuttle buses to fixed points, missing all the scenic routes.
Route: Yining City → Gongliu County → Qiaxi, approximately 170 kilometers, 2.5 hours. It's closer from Kuldning, only 35 kilometers and 45 minutes, suitable for combining visits.
Key Reminders:
· Daily limit of 1500 self-driving vehicles. During peak season, be sure to reserve parking spaces online in advance to avoid being unable to enter upon arrival.
· Fill up your tank in Gongliu County before entering the mountains, as there are no gas stations in the area.
· The main road is paved, but the Qiata loop and sections deeper into the pastures are gravel and dirt roads. SUVs or vehicles with high ground clearance are preferred; sedans should be driven with caution in rainy weather.
· Signal strength in the scenic area is extremely poor; download offline maps beforehand.
III. Core Highlights: Qiaxi Landscape is the C-position, but it's more than just that.
Qiaxi Landscape Viewing Platform (Absolutely the Ace)
The iconic photo spot of the entire scenic area. You can drive directly to the parking lot, or walk up the mountain via the wooden boardwalk from Swallow Bridge. The morning light is perfect, and the sunset creates a stunning atmosphere. Standing on the viewing platform, the valley grasslands, ancient spruce trees, and distant snow-capped peaks unfold in layers, offering desktop-quality visuals straight from the camera. The famous aerial shot of "rising from the ground" was filmed here.
Swallow Bridge
A popular wooden suspension bridge spanning the Qiaxi River, where swallows often nest on both sides of the stream. When a light mist hangs over the forest, the atmosphere is incredibly serene, making it a great spot for portrait photography.
Shimen Waterfall
Snowmelt from the mountains rushes down from the dense forest, creating a refreshing mist. Even during the transition from summer to autumn, the water volume remains considerable, and walking into the waterfall instantly lowers the temperature by several degrees.
Chata Loop (The Soul of Off-Road)
This off-road route, approximately 15 to 33 kilometers long, connects Chaxi and the Tarim Grassland. Featuring gravel, winding roads, and water crossings, off-road vehicles traverse forest valleys, past scattered cattle and sheep, and open meadows, offering a tranquil and uncrowded experience. Sedans and novice drivers should avoid this route, but if you own an SUV or four-wheel drive, this loop represents the most "wild" essence of Chaxi.
Tarim Grassland
With the same entrance fee as Chaxi, it's even less crowded and quieter, boasting vast wildflower fields and open meadows, perfect for picnics and camping.
IV. Staying Inside the Scenic Area is the Right Way to Experience Chaxi
Day-trippers leave in the afternoon, leaving Chaxi's most beautiful sunsets and sunrises for those who stay overnight.
Kazakh Yurts (The First Choice for Experienced Travelers): 100-200 RMB per person, about 400 RMB for 4-6 people sharing a yurt, including breakfast. No private bathroom, and it can get cold at night, but the view from the door is of the grassland and snow-capped mountains, and at night, the Milky Way is visible. Suitable for those who want to experience nomadic life and don't mind simple conditions.
Log Cabins (Comfort): 200-400 RMB/night, private bathroom, clean and comfortable, great for taking photos. Book at least 15 days in advance during peak season, as rooms are limited within the scenic area.
Camping (Hardcore): Qiaxi allows tent camping. Lying on the grassland overlooking the snow-capped mountains is the most cost-effective and liberating way to experience the scenery. Nighttime temperatures are low, so make sure your sleeping bag is temperature-rated.
V. What to Eat? Eat mixed noodles on the way down the mountain and hand-pulled mutton on the way up.
Gongliu County (Must-Eat Before Entering the Mountains): Mixed noodles with stir-fried mutton (25 RMB), hand-pulled rice (22 RMB), baked buns (5 RMB each) – excellent value for money. Eat well before heading into the mountains.
Scenic Area Pastoral Inns (Grassland Flavor): Kazakh herders' yurts offer stewed hand-pulled mutton, red willow roasted meat, salty milk tea, and baursak. Hand-pulled mutton is boiled with only salt, so it has absolutely no gamey taste. Dipped in onions, it's incredibly tender. Note: Prices in the scenic area are relatively high; choose your first restaurant carefully. Bring your own snacks and water.
Bonus: Near Gongliu, there's a restaurant called Jieyou Fish Restaurant that serves reservoir fish. Their signature braised fish and fish soup are highly praised. The whitefish are significantly cheaper than at Sayram Lake; it's worth a special trip after descending the mountain.
VI. Two-day, one-night, leisurely Qiaxi route
Day 1: Yining → Gongliu → Qiaxi Core Area
Depart from Yining at 8 am. Have a bowl of stir-fried pork noodles in Gongliu County and buy water and snacks. Arrive at the Qiaxi Visitor Center at noon and exchange your tickets to enter the mountain. First, go to Swallow Bridge to photograph the stream suspension bridge, then head straight to the Qiaxi Landscape Viewing Platform. In the afternoon, take panoramic photos with the sunlight. Stay overnight in the scenic area. At sunset, go to the viewing platform or the grassland to watch the sunrise over the mountains, and in the evening, watch the Milky Way.
Day 2: Morning Mist → Qiata Loop → Return Trip
Wake up at 7 am. On a clear day, the Qiaxi River Valley will be shrouded in morning mist. The Huajuan Viewpoint is the best spot for capturing the ethereal morning scenery. After breakfast, if driving conditions permit, take the Qiata Loop through the Tarim Grassland, passing by cattle, sheep, and streams, stopping frequently. Have a simple lunch in the Tarim area, then return to Yining in the afternoon.
VII. Orange's Tips
1. Go from late September to early October for the most vibrant autumn colors and fewer crowds. After October 15th, it's the off-season, and facilities are reduced, so don't make a wasted trip.
2. If driving, be sure to reserve a parking space in advance. There's a daily limit of 1500 vehicles; during peak season, you're unlikely to get a spot on the spot.
3. Fill up your tank in Gongliu County, as there are no gas stations in the mountainous areas.
4. Prioritize SUVs or vehicles with high ground clearance. The Qiata Loop is a gravel and dirt road; sedans and novice drivers should avoid it.
5. Download offline maps in advance, as signal strength is extremely poor in the scenic area.
6. Bring a windproof jacket or light down jacket. The temperature difference between day and night can reach 25°C. Short sleeves are sufficient during the day, but a down jacket is necessary in the mornings and evenings.
7. Apply sunscreen extensively. The UV radiation is extremely strong. Sunglasses, a hat, and SPF 50+ sunscreen are essential.
8. Negotiate the price and duration of horseback riding in advance to avoid disputes after the descent.
9. Do not step on the private pastures of herders. Take all your trash with you. The pristine environment of Qiaxi depends on the self-discipline of every visitor.
Qiaxi is not Nalati. It lacks Nalati's fame, the vastness of Kalajun, and even a decent commercial street. But it boasts a breathtaking panorama stretching from the river valley grasslands to the snow-capped spruce mountains, a Kazakh yurt where you can stay for 100 yuan a night, a bowl of stir-fried pork noodles for 25 yuan, and the morning mist and golden sunrise you'll see when you open the door of a wooden cabin.
Qiaxi is not Nalati. It lacks Nalati's fame, the vastness of Kalajun, and even a decent commercial street. Tickets are 30 yuan, 10 yuan by car, and it's a 2.5-hour drive from Yining. While traffic is still congested on the Duku Highway, you'll find yourself on the gravel loop of Qiaxi, where every bend reveals a new vista, with only cattle and sheep in sight.
From late September to early October, while the autumn colors are at their peak and the scenic area is still open, spend a night in Qiaxi.
A seasoned traveler always on the road. Follow me to discover these hidden gem grasslands that are "cheap, less crowded, beautiful, and you'll only truly appreciate them once you stay."
Don't get stuck in traffic on the Duku Highway until dark! The most stunning "three-dimensional oil painting" in Yili, tickets are 30 yuan, and it's breathtakingly beautiful at the end of September.
Hello everyone,
Having traveled in Xinjiang for over a decade, every autumn my inbox is flooded with the same question: "The Duku Highway is about to close, are there any places in Yili that are less crowded, beautiful, and don't require queuing?"
My answer has remained unchanged for years—Qiaxi.
"The Jiangnan region beyond the Great Wall is in Yili, and the most beautiful place in Yili is Qiaxi." This saying has been circulating in self-driving circles for many years, but far fewer people have actually been there than those who have visited Nalati and Kalajun. The "show" of Qiaxi is the breathtaking sight of snow-capped mountains, spruce trees, streams, and grasslands unfolding before your eyes simultaneously. With over 90% forest coverage, it resembles a three-dimensional oil painting hand-painted by nature itself.
Most importantly—the entrance fee is only 30 yuan per person, and 10 yuan per vehicle for self-driving tours, with no time limit and direct access to the core area. From late September to early October, the grasslands gradually turn golden, the spruce forests remain verdant, herders drive their cattle and sheep to new pastures, and the number of tourists is only half that of the summer season. Before the Duku Highway closes and Qiaxi becomes overcrowded, go for a trip!
First, let's clarify this "window of opportunity": Autumn in Qiaxi is very short.
Qiaxi's peak season is from June to August, when the grass is green and the flowers are in full bloom, but this is also when it's most crowded. The best time to photograph Qiaxi is from mid-September to early October.
The grasslands transform from emerald green to a gentle golden hue, the birch forests begin to change color, and the snow-capped mountains stand out vividly in the clear autumn air. Most importantly, day-trippers decrease significantly, and the scenic area returns to tranquility. If you stay overnight, Qiaxi at sunset and in the early morning is practically yours to enjoy alone.
However, please note: the regular opening period is from April 15th to October 15th. After that, it enters the off-season, and some areas and facilities will be reduced. Late September to early October is the last and best time to experience Qiaxi in autumn.
II. Driving is the only correct way to experience it.
The core way to enjoy Qiaxi is by driving. Without a self-driving permit, you can only take shuttle buses to fixed points, missing all the most scenic sections.
Route: Yining City → Gongliu County → Qiaxi, approximately 170 kilometers, 2.5 hours. It's closer from Kuldning, only 35 kilometers and 45 minutes away, making it ideal for a combined trip.
Key Reminders:
· Daily limit of 1500 vehicles. During peak season, be sure to reserve parking spaces online in advance to avoid being unable to enter upon arrival.
· Fill up your gas tank in Gongliu County before entering the mountains, as there are no gas stations in the area.
· The main road is paved, but the Qiata loop and sections leading into the pastures are gravel and dirt roads. SUVs or vehicles with high ground clearance are preferred; sedans should be cautious in rainy weather.
· Signal strength in the scenic area is extremely poor; download offline maps beforehand.
III. Core Attractions: Qiaxi Landscape is the star attraction, but it's more than just that.
Qiaxi Landscape Viewing Platform (Absolutely the King of the Hill)
The iconic photo spot of the entire scenic area. You can drive directly to the parking lot or walk up the mountain via the wooden boardwalk from Swallow Bridge. Best viewed in the morning with good sunlight, and the atmosphere is breathtaking at sunset. Standing on the viewing platform, the valley grasslands, ancient spruce trees, and distant snow-capped peaks unfold in layers, offering desktop-quality visuals straight from the camera. The famous aerial photography of "rising from the ground" was filmed here.
Swallow Bridge
A popular wooden suspension bridge spanning the Qiaxi River, where swallows often nest on both sides of the stream. When a light mist hangs over the forest, the atmosphere is incredibly serene, making it ideal for portrait photography.
Shimen Waterfall
Snowmelt from the mountains rushes down from the dense forest, its spray refreshingly cool. Even during the transition from summer to autumn, the water volume remains considerable, and stepping into the waterfall instantly lowers the temperature by several degrees.
Qiata Loop (The Soul of Off-Road)
A 15-33 kilometer off-road route connecting Qiaxi and the Tarim Grassland. With gravel, bends, and fording sections, off-road vehicles traverse forest valleys, past scattered cattle and sheep, and open meadows, offering a tranquil and uncrowded experience. Sedans and novice drivers should avoid entering, but if you own an SUV or four-wheel drive, this loop road represents the most "wild" and quintessential part of Qiaxi.
Tarim Grassland
With the same entrance ticket as Qiaxi, it's less crowded and quieter, featuring vast wildflower fields and open meadows, perfect for picnics and camping.
IV. Staying inside the scenic area is the right way to experience Qiaxi
Day-trippers leave in the afternoon, leaving Qiaxi's most beautiful sunsets and sunrises for those who stay overnight.
Kazakh Yurts (Ideal for Experience-Focused): 100-200 RMB/person, about 400 RMB for 4-6 people, including breakfast. No private bathroom, cold at night, but the view from the door is of the grassland and snow-capped mountains, and at night you can see the Milky Way. Suitable for those who want to experience nomadic life and don't mind simple conditions.
Log Cabins (Comfort-Focused): 200-400 RMB/night, private bathroom, clean and comfortable, great for taking photos. During peak season, be sure to book at least 15 days in advance, as rooms inside the scenic area are limited. Camping (For Hardcore Campers): Qiaxi allows tent camping. Lying on the grassland overlooking the snow-capped mountains is the most cost-effective and liberating way to experience the area. Nighttime temperatures are low, so make sure your sleeping bag is temperature-rated.
V. What to Eat? Eat mixed noodles on the way down the mountain and hand-pulled mutton on the way up.
Gongliu County (Must-Eat Before Entering the Mountains): Stir-fried mutton noodles (25 yuan), hand-pulled rice (22 yuan), and baked buns (5 yuan each) offer excellent value. Eat your fill before heading into the mountains.
Scenic Area Pastoral Inns (Grassland Flavors): Kazakh herders' yurts offer stewed hand-pulled mutton, red willow roasted meat, salty milk tea, and baursak (a type of mutton soup). The hand-pulled mutton is only boiled with salt, so it has no gamey taste. Dipped in onions, it's incredibly tender. Note: Prices in the scenic area are relatively high. Choose the first place near the entrance carefully. You may want to bring your own food and water.
Bonus tip: Near Gongliu, there's a restaurant called Jieyou Fish Restaurant that serves reservoir fish. Their signature braised fish and fish soup are highly praised. The whitefish are significantly cheaper than at Sayram Lake, making it worth a special trip after descending the mountain.
VI. Two-day, one-night, leisurely Qiaxi route
Day 1: Yining → Gongliu → Qiaxi Core Area
Depart from Yining at 8 am. Have a bowl of stir-fried pork noodles in Gongliu County and buy water and snacks. Arrive at the Qiaxi Visitor Center at noon to exchange tickets and enter the mountain. First, go to Swallow Bridge to photograph the stream suspension bridge, then head straight to the Qiaxi Landscape Viewing Platform. In the afternoon, take panoramic photos with the sunlight. Stay overnight in the scenic area. At sunset, go to the viewing platform or the grassland to watch the sunrise over the mountains, and in the evening, watch the Milky Way.
Day 2: Morning Mist → Qiata Loop → Return Trip
Wake up at 7 am. On clear days, there will be morning mist in the Qiaxi Valley. The Landscape Viewing Platform is the best spot to photograph the fairyland morning scenery. After breakfast, if driving conditions permit, take the Qiata Loop through the Tarim Grassland, where you'll see cattle, sheep, and streams, and can stop whenever you want. Have a simple lunch in the Tarim area, then return to Yining in the afternoon.
VII. Orange's Tips
1. Go from late September to early October for the most vibrant autumn colors and fewer crowds. After October 15th, it's the off-season, and facilities are reduced, so don't make a wasted trip.
2. If driving, be sure to reserve a parking space in advance. There's a daily limit of 1500 vehicles, and during peak season, you're unlikely to get a spot on the spot.
3. Fill up your tank in Gongliu County, as there are no gas stations in the mountainous areas.
4. SUVs or vehicles with high ground clearance are preferred. The Qiata Loop is a gravel and dirt road; sedans and novice drivers shouldn't attempt it.
5. Download offline maps in advance, as signal strength is extremely poor in the scenic areas.
6. Bring a windproof jacket or a light down jacket. The temperature difference between day and night can reach 25°C; short sleeves during the day and a down jacket in the morning and evening are not an exaggeration. 7. Apply sunscreen heavily; the UV rays are extremely strong. Sunglasses, a hat, and SPF50+ sunscreen are all essential.
8. Negotiate the price and duration of horseback riding in advance to avoid disputes after the descent.
9. Do not step on the private pastures of herders. Take all your trash with you. The pristine environment of Qiaxi depends on the self-discipline of every visitor.
Qiaxi is not Narat. It lacks Narat's fame, the vastness of Kalajun, and even a decent commercial street. But it boasts a breathtaking panorama stretching from the river valley grasslands to the snow-capped spruce mountains, a Kazakh yurt where you can stay for 100 yuan a night, a bowl of stir-fried pork noodles for 25 yuan, and the morning mist and golden sunrise you'll see when you open the door of a wooden cabin.
Entrance fee is 30 yuan, 10 yuan if you drive, and it's a 2.5-hour drive from Yining. While the traffic on the Duku Highway is still congested, on the gravel loop of Qiaxi, every bend reveals a new landscape, with only cattle and sheep in sight.
From late September to early October, while the autumn colors are at their peak and the scenic areas are still open, why not spend a night in Qiaxi?
A seasoned traveler who's always on the road. Follow me to discover these hidden gem grasslands—cheap tickets, less crowded, beautiful scenery, you'll only truly appreciate them once you stay.
12°
