Things to do in Shuanghe

It's a very nice place, with good water quality, good environment, and very good service. I will come again next time. It's very happy to take a hot spring bath with friends. I didn't expect that I could enjoy the tropical plant scenery in the south in the winter in the north.

Sayram Lake, known as "the last tear of the Atlantic," truly lives up to its name with its breathtaking scenery. The lake's pure, azure waters make for stunningly beautiful scenes, and every snapshot taken while driving around the lake is a masterpiece. The blue sky, white clouds, and snow-capped mountains create a truly healing atmosphere. However, the scenic area also has its share of shortcomings: haphazard parking outside the ticket hall, long queues at the ticket windows for student tickets, a lack of signage making it difficult to find the entrance on foot, and even chaotic management at the ticket checkpoints. It is recommended to allow ample time for your self-driving trip and visit on a clear day. For a more immersive experience, consider staying overnight within the scenic area, but be prepared for potentially inadequate facilities and services.

Narat Scenic Area, nestled deep in the Tianshan Mountains of Yili, Xinjiang, is a national 5A-level scenic area and a world-renowned alpine valley grassland. Its name in Mongolian means "the place where the sun first shines." The entire scenic area is mainly divided into three sections: the Sky Grassland, the River Valley Grassland, and the Panlong Valley. Snow-capped mountains, spruce trees, streams, and rolling meadows blend perfectly, creating a rich tapestry of landscapes where every snapshot is a magnificent scene. The Sky Grassland is expansive; from the Tianjietai (Heavenly Platform), one can see snow-capped peaks stretching to the horizon, scattered yurts, and grazing cattle and sheep. The River Valley Grassland is gentle and lush; from Tawusani, one can enjoy panoramic views of four different mountain ranges. The Panlong Valley trail winds through a deep forest, its ever-changing light and shadow creating a poetic atmosphere. The area is home to the Kazakh people, who have preserved their authentic nomadic customs, offering a variety of experiences including horseback riding, family visits, and camping. Wildflowers bloom everywhere from June to August, making it a great place to escape the summer heat; in autumn, the forests turn golden, creating another breathtaking scene. The scenic area is vast, so it's recommended to allow at least one day, pack warm clothes, and slowly savor the unique vastness and romance of the Tianshan grasslands. It's a must-see stop when visiting Yili.

Strange Stone Valley is filled with wind-eroded granite formations, each with its own unique shape, resembling a natural stone sculpture wonderland. Lacking extensive greenery for shade, the strong sunlight makes it a convenient spot for sightseeing; remember to bring sun and wind protection.

This is a place you must visit when you go to Bole. By visiting the museum, you can learn that in addition to the famous Sayram Lake, Bole also has a long history dating back to the Stone Age and is a multi-ethnic settlement.

It was definitely the right choice to come! The scenic area is better than I expected. There are plenty of shuttle buses, and the area is so pristine – the air is fresh, there's lots of green grass, cattle and sheep graze freely, and the views are expansive. I didn't get enough of it!

Heading towards the vast wilderness of northern Xinjiang, the first magnificent stretch of the Duku Highway begins at the Dushanzi Grand Canyon. This hidden realm, stretching along the edge of the Junggar Basin, is a monumental fissure etched into the earth by the winds and snows of the Tianshan Mountains and the waters of the Kuitun River over millions of years, concealing the unique desolation and grandeur of Northwest China. Upon first glimpse of the canyon, one is struck by its utterly primal awe. On the flat, boundless Gobi Desert, the earth abruptly breaks apart, a deep ravine plunging into the sky and stretching for tens of kilometers without end. A vertical drop of two hundred meters creates a breathtaking spectacle of cliffs; layers upon layers of sandstone and conglomerate walls are steep and rugged, covered with folds eroded by flowing water and wind, their intricate patterns resembling the earth's unfolding veins, or the countless strokes of time, rough yet powerfully imbued. Layers of gray-black, yellowish-brown, and reddish-brown rock stacked upon each other on the cliff face are silent imprints of millions of years of geological changes. The nine-tiered, terraced landscape, eroded by wind and snow throughout the seasons and carved by rivers, imbues every inch of rock with the weight of time. Gone are the gentle embraces of verdant mountains and clear waters; here lies the rugged grandeur of the northern wilderness—desolate, magnificent, and majestic, a breathtaking natural beauty in its own right. Standing on the viewing platform, the vast Gobi Desert stretches to the horizon, with the river meandering through the valley, its shallow flow gently smoothing the cracks in the earth. A long, howling wind sweeps across the rugged cliffs, dispelling all the anxieties of the journey. Beneath the blue sky and white clouds, the rugged canyon and the clear sky reflect each other; the vastness of heaven and earth makes one feel insignificant, and all worries are dissolved by the immensity of the mountains and rivers. Dushanzi Grand Canyon is an epic masterpiece of nature, a testament to the grandeur of northern Xinjiang. Unadorned and unrefined, it stands against the backdrop of millions of years of history, its spirit defined by the vast wilderness and towering mountains. This initial journey to the canyon allowed me to understand the majestic vastness of Northwest China and encounter the most healing freedom and openness.

Kuldning Scenic Area, located in Gongliu County, Ili Prefecture, Xinjiang, is known as the "Oriental Switzerland," where snow-capped mountains, spruce forests, and grasslands intertwine to create a picturesque landscape. Recommended attractions include the Qimengde Viewpoint, where a wooden boardwalk offers panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains and spruce forests; the Ayousai Viewpoint provides views of the snow-capped peak of Kabanbay Peak; and the Ten-Mile Gallery features winding streams with dappled sunlight, creating a natural gallery effect. Summers are cool and pleasant, ideal for self-driving or camping. Tent campsites and wooden cabins are readily available within the scenic area, while wild fruit forests and ancient spruce trees add to the rustic charm, making it a secluded and less-traveled gem on the Ili route.

The grasslands of Xiata in August are very beautiful with snow-capped mountains and cattle and sheep. To visit the scenic area, you need to take a bus to the hot spring hotel and then transfer to an electric car to the transfer bridge and the general platform. After that, if you want to go to the flower platform, you need to hike about five kilometers to get a closer look at the snow-capped mountains. It is worth it.

We came to Zhaosu Wetland specifically to see the "Heavenly Horses Bathing in the River" performance. It was a cloudy day when we arrived, so we hadn't had high expectations. After driving in, we headed to the viewing platform, found a good spot, and waited for over 20 minutes before finally witnessing the spectacular sight of the Heavenly Horses Bathing in the River. Although the performance was short, seeing it in person was still quite breathtaking and very impressive. Afterwards, we drove around the Rainbow Bridge for a long loop. The roads were nearly empty, the scenery was beautiful, and it was a very pleasant drive.