Travel Notes of the Western Regions丨30 Days in Northern and Southern Xinjiang丨Northern Xinjiang丨Ili Region丨Zhaosu – Tianma Garden – Xiata – Zhaosu Yuhu (9)
2019.8.10
Saturday
▲Xia Te Ancient Trail/Photographer Li Wenbo
Zhaosu
Hidden Jade in the Ili River Valley
Secret version of Altay
▲Zhaosu County Map
No.
17
stand
– Zhaosu –
Zhaosu
It was once the Wusun Kingdom among the 36 kingdoms in the ancient Western Regions.
After many vicissitudes of life, many monuments have been left behind
The legendary Chateau Trail
The strange and spectacular Muzart Glacier
"Gedeng Stele" written by Emperor Qianlong
Prairie Stonemen, Prairie Mound Tombs and Petroglyphs
They are the three wonders of Zhaosu Grassland
Zhaosu is also the only county in Xinjiang without desert.
Zhaosu city is deserted
Plus it’s close to the border
We were once worried about security issues
The hotel owner said that the local people are simple and honest.
Public security is particularly good
The police station is well managed
After staying for a few days, everyone agreed
Zhaosu is the whole of Xinjiang
our favorite place
The temperature in Zhaosu is colder
Big temperature difference between morning and evening
even in summer
After the rain, it will drop to a few degrees
You must prepare a down jacket
▲Muzart Snow Peak/Photographed in Zhaosu County
Must visit attractions
There is Shengyou Temple next to the county seat.
Also known as Lama Temple
In 1894, Li Zhaofu and others in Beijing
It took 80 skilled craftsmen four years to
Spending one hundred thousand taels of silver to build the temple
Not far after leaving the city
Xiaohongna Grassland Stone Man Scenic Area
The stone figures were originally distributed in different places in Zhaosu.
Has stood on the grassland for thousands of years
Gedeng Monument
Located more than 60 kilometers west of Zhaosu County
On the Gedeng Mountain on the east bank of the Sumubai River
The full name is "The Mingge Mountain Monument for the Pingding of Junggarle"
The monument was built in the 24th year of Qianlong (1759)
It is to commemorate the 20th year of Qianlong (1755)
Defeated Dawaqi, leader of the Mongolian nobles of the Junggar tribe
great victory in this battle
Zhaosu is known as "the hometown of Tianma"
Tianma GardenYou can see all over the world
Expensive horses and performances
Lighthouse Educated Youth Center
The only educated youth center in Xinjiang
Formerly known as Lighthouse Ranch
On the way to Tianma Garden, you will pass by
Xiata Scenic Area also known as Xiata Ancient Trail
It is the most dangerous place on the ancient Silk Road
The ancient pass from north to south of Tianshan Mountain
It is also talked about by travel friends.
One of the most difficult hiking routes
Zhaosu Yuhu
A place hidden in the hinterland of Tianshan glaciers
magical blue lake
Zhaosu Rapeseed Flower Festival
From the end of June to around July 20 every year
It is a famous rapeseed flower resort in the country.
By the time we arrived it was completely gone.
But the sunflowers along the way are also beautiful
Tianma Garden
Chata
Zhaosu Yuhu
Gedeng Monument
Shengyou Temple
Xiaohongna grassland stone man
Zhaosu rapeseed flower
Lighthouse Educated Youth Center
Tianma Garden
Zhaosu is known as "the hometown of Tianma"
The full name of Tianma Garden is "Tianma Tourism and Cultural Park"
On the way you will see Zhaosu Racecourse
The predecessor of Zhaosu Racecourse is
The largest military horse farm in the country – Zhaosu Military Horse Farm
From Zhaosu to Tianma Garden
Take S237 for a total distance of 15 kilometers
Passing the Lighthouse Educated Youth Center on the way
The road conditions were good throughout the journey
There is no speed limit on the roads in Zhaosu
Local cars drive very fast
Before entering the Ili Valley
I haven't seen any signs of planting.
Zhaosu is surrounded by several rivers
Animal husbandry and planting are both developed
There are acres of wheat fields on both sides of the road.
It’s really a geomantic treasure.
Think about it, the Wusun Kingdom must have been very rich in the past.
Let the people live and work in peace and contentment
▲Taken in S237
There are many sunflower fields along the way
Taking pictures here can capture the blue sky and white clouds
The sea of flowers and snowy mountains are all captured in the mirror
The flower fields in the front section are fenced off by farmers who charge a fee
A ticket of 15 yuan allows you to go in to enjoy the flowers and take photos.
Not long after we continue walking forward
No one charges for flower fields further away from the road
Many people parked their cars and walked in to take photos.
After passing the flower field where no one charges fees
There will be no time spent on the road ahead.
The neatly arranged huge haystacks are used to feed the horses
Tianma Garden can drive into the scenic spot by yourself
You can also enter by electric car
same price
Tickets are 70 yuan/person
Children under 1.3 meters are free
There are only two performances per day
Be careful not to miss the time
Gate of Tianma Garden Scenic Area
show time
Enter the scenic spot and drive 5 kilometers along the road
Park your car in the parking lot
Although the sun is very big
But the temperature is lower
A light knitted jacket and long trousers are required
Walk to the second floor of the stadium to watch the show
There are not many people, you can sit wherever you want
PARKING LOT
stadium
The stands are far away from the performance venue
Fortunately, I brought a telescope to see the guide.
First time watching an equestrian show
At the foot of the snow-capped mountains again
It has a different taste
All the horses participating in the show are world-famous horses
The host will introduce them one by one
▲Taken in Tianma Garden
after the performance
There are many props on the grassland
Free photos for everyone
You can also go horse riding for a fee
Picture 4 is the legendary sweaty horse
It is said that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty wanted to rob it
Only a few wars in the Western Regions were launched
Charges
Free photo props
Free photo props
Bloody BMW
Chata
Xiata is a very ancient place name
Taken from Mongolian "Shatu Aman"
It means "ladder door"
The Xiata Trail is also known as the Schatt Trail and the Schatt Canyon.
It is the most dangerous place on the ancient Silk Road
A famous ancient pass with high risk
North from Schatt Ranch
South to Pochengzi south of Tianshan Mountain
Length is only 100 kilometers
It is the only shortcut across the north and south of Tianshan Mountains
Reorganize the north and south roads of Tianshan Mountains
shortened by nearly 2000 kilometers
In ancient times, this was the Wusun Kingdom (Ili)
Heading to Wensu State (Aksubaicheng County)
the only way
▲Taken in Xiata Scenic Area
After leaving Tianma Garden Scenic Area
Continue along the S237 road to Schatta
Birch trees are planted along the roadside
There seems to be no speed limit in Zhaosu.
Pass by Xiata Silk Road Ancient Monument
Behind is the Tex River
There is also a wetland park next to it
Passed some villages on the way
No meals or accommodation
All the way to Karasu Town
There are only two farmhouse signboards on the roadside.
There is a Sinopec gas station before entering the town.
Only No. 92 oil
There is no restaurant until Chahan Wusu Township
Mainly concentrated in Water Mill Food Court
This township is larger than the previous town.
In addition to restaurants and accommodation
There is also a PetroChina gas station
It was Eid al-Adha when we arrived
This is the Muslim Spring Festival
The restaurant is crowded and lively
S237 highway
Karasu Town
Silk Road Monument
Chahan Wusu Township
Water Mill Food Court
By the time we reached the 75th Regiment
There are many hotels and farmhouses on both sides of the road
The gate of the 75th Regiment
It is the decoration of various colorful cartoons
This is the most loving corps we have ever seen
Approaching Xiata Scenic Area
The road sign indicates that Muzart is ahead.
Zhonghuai Post is also in this direction.
Turn right to the ancient city of Xiata
Turn left to Xiata Scenic Area
Shat Kirgiz Township
Right at the entrance to Xiata Scenic Area
2 minutes by car
Just go to the ticket office
Chateau that can be booked online
Hotels and farmhouses are all located here
I was very confused when I was doing the strategy guide.
Chateau, Chateau, Chateau Grand Canyon, Chateau Trail...
stupidly can not tell
Only when I arrived did I realize that they actually refer to Xiata Scenic Area.
Seventy-fifth Regiment
The gate of the 75th Regiment
The road sign indicates that Muzart is ahead.
Shat Kirgiz Township
Xiata Scenic Area Visitor Service Center
There is a large free parking lot
It's safe to park here
If you want to stay in a scenic spot
You have to get toiletries
It’s very hot and sunny in the scenic area during the day
Need sunscreen, sunglasses, sunshade
It's cold in the morning and evening
Need a thin to medium thickness down jacket
Or a thick fleece jacket is also acceptable
There are shops and restaurants in the scenic area
You can pay with WeChat or Alipay
Telecom calls and network signals are very good
Other carriers can make calls without network
It's best to bring a few hundred dollars in cash as a backup
▲Taken at the Xiata Scenic Area Tourist Service Center
Because of the Eid al-Adha festival
It's the busiest week of the year
There is a hot spring hotel at the shuttle bus terminal.
Standard room 880 is fully booked
Next to it is the Ancient Road Inn and Log Cabin Inn.
Standard room 370
Tickets are sold at the front desk of the hotel and cabins
Make a reservation with the staff
There are also herdsmen’s yurts in the scenic area.
It seems to be 260 yuan a night
The staff will help you contact the herders
Introduce their room yourself
Ticket + shuttle bus 80 yuan
Shuttle bus one-way time 1 hour
Children's tickets are half price, and shuttle buses are full price.
Xiata Scenic Area opens at 9:05
There are fewer people in the morning and the air is good
The best light for photographing snow-capped mountains
It’s best to enter the scenic spot early in the morning
The last bus leaving the scenic spot every day is at 20:00
The terminus of the shuttle bus is the hot spring hotel
Cabins and yurts are nearby
You can take a battery car here
Take photos at the first suspension bridge
It takes about an hour and a half to go there and back.
You can reach the scenic spot gate in time at 16:00 at the latest
Or from hot spring hotel
Hike to the first suspension bridge
Then it will take 3 hours to go back and forth.
You have to arrive at the scenic spot at 14:00 at the latest
Of course you can also ride a horse
Heading towards the snowy mountains
I heard it takes 6 or 7 hours to go back and forth.
Hot spring hotel price list
Gudao Station Contact Information
Hot spring hotel
Ancient Road Station Cabin Inn
The shuttle bus will stop for a few minutes along the way.
The first attraction is Milk River
There is a stone in the river that looks like a turtle
It’s from the legendary Journey to the West
That old turtle in the Tongtian River
I didn't see where
The second attraction is the double peacock
In fact, it was just two small landslides
Thanks to people's rich imagination
You have to transfer to a bus at Shuangpeacock to continue walking.
milk river
milk river
double peacock
near double peacock
Arrive at the terminal hot spring hotel in 1 hour
Follow the wooden plank road on the left
After walking for a few minutes, I saw a row of small wooden houses.
and a place with several yurts
Just arrived at the ancient trail station cabin.
▲The restaurant next to the cabin/photographed in Xiata Scenic Area
There are only about 20 rooms in the cabin.
Make a reservation when you arrive at the entrance of the scenic spot
There are only two small beds in the wooden house
But it’s newly renovated so it’s very clean.
Although the quilt is very thin
But it's not cold at all at night
Cabin without bathroom
There is a public restroom just a few steps back.
Very close and very clean
There is a canteen in the cabin
The price is relatively reasonable
You can use WeChat Alipay
The honey you buy here is also good.
The boss wearing glasses is the inn manager
If you have any questions about the scenic spot, just ask him.
The restaurant next door is a little expensive
Tomato scrambled eggs 48 taste very average
Beef Casserole is Expensive and Unpalatable
A bowl of rice costs 2 yuan, which is pitifully small.
But the mutton skewers are delicious for 8 pieces per skewer.
cabin
inside the house
Roast mutton stall in restaurant
Kebab
It takes about ten minutes to walk from the cabin.
We arrived at the caravan pick-up area.
The caravan usually waits for customers here at 10 o'clock
It takes 1 hour to ride to and from the first suspension bridge on horseback
I heard that I went to the foot of the snow mountain
Round trip takes 6-7 hours
But there is no specific guide
You can also return to the hot spring hotel
Take a battery car to the first suspension bridge
.
I hiked to the first suspension bridge
The whole journey was very slow and took 4 hours round trip.
If you go quickly, you can go there and back in 2-3 hours.
Just bring a bottle of water and a piece of bread
Chateau at noon
The temperature rises and the sun scorches
Be sure to prepare sunscreen and water
Wear a sun hat and sunglasses
Caravan pick-up area
Scenery along the way
Caravan pick-up area
Scenery along the way
Follow the wooden plank road
Beautiful scenery along the way
▲Taken in Xiata Scenic Area
The Shatta River is fast flowing
Stirring up layers of milky white waves
It is said that after the ice and snow in the upper reaches melted,
Caused by carrying limestone along the way
The Chatta River finally joins the Tekes River
40 minutes walk to the flat part of the river valley
The true appearance of Snow Lotus Peak is revealed
🔽 Please turn your phone horizontally to watch
The scenery along the way is almost the same.
They are all valleys sandwiched by rivers
Heading towards the snowy peaks
It took me 1.5 hours to walk to the suspension bridge while taking photos.
If you hurry, you can get there in 1 hour
The battery car terminal is here
Most tourists end here
There is a house on the left side of the suspension bridge
Supermarkets and free public toilets
Supermarkets only accept cash
first suspension bridge
Battery car terminal
Battery car terminal
supermarket
Walk onto the suspension bridge and stand on the bridge
You can see the Shatta River gathering sand
Are you showing love to Snow Lotus Peak?
On the opposite side of the bridge is still the wooden plank road
Don't know where it leads
Went deep into the grass and took photos
Shatta is really beautiful
Go up to the observation deck next to the supermarket
You can take pictures of the entire Snow Lotus Peak
Scenery photos of most Xiata scenic spots
All taken here
🔽 Please turn your phone horizontally to watch
The road ahead is under repair
I heard that you can continue to move forward by riding a horse
There is a suspension bridge ahead
You can go all the way to the foot of the snow-capped mountains
I guess the scenery is still the same.
21:30 is the sunset time in Xiata
Everyone, find an open place
Watch the sunset over Jinshan Mountain
There are small vendors selling jewelry at the exit of the scenic spot.
These stones are the same as those we picked up in Burqin
However, it looks more transparent and moist after polishing.
The price is ten times more expensive than Burqin
But the quality is also better
▲Taken at the exit of Xiata Scenic Area
Zhaosu Yuhu
Zhaosu Yuhu is located in Zhaosu County
Aheyazi Valley in Kashagar Township
It is formed by melted water from Tianshan Mountains
Area 50,000 square meters
The reason why Yuhu changes color is
Seasonal changes cause upstream river water
Due to changes in mineral composition
The ice opens from April to November and the lake is closed by ice and snow every year.
in different weather
See Yuhu from a different angle
Special water quality, sky color, and mountain color
Refract each other to produce different colors
Hence the nickname "Color Changing Lake"
It’s easier to go from Xiata to Yuhu
1 hour drive
Very few people have been here
There are no specific strategies or routes
Baidu AutoNavi does not have this destination
Just search for Yuhu Villa
Along the way, follow the "Aheyazi International Hunting Ground"
It is more convenient to follow the signposts
Will still pass through Chahanwusu Township
Can solve a light meal
As we approached Yuhu Villa, the road was being built.
No traffic allowed on the road
Follow the locals and find them using
The stone walkway is opened under the roadbed
Cars can also come down
Just go slow or you'll hit the chassis
The road conditions are good in the front section
Passed several villages on the way
The road conditions on the back section of Senmutas Road deteriorated.
Driving under the roadbed
Arriving at Yuhu Villa
Park at the bottom of the hill (free)
Walk another ten meters or so and you will reach the top of the lake.
Here you can overlook Yuhu Lake
Of course it would be better to have a drone
▲Taken at Yuhu Villa
The scenery in front of me shocked me
It felt like I couldn't breathe for a moment
Although it seems from the photos
The water of Yuhu Lake is very similar to Kanas Lake
But the actual Yuhu is in front of you
It's a dreamy blue
Inlaid like gems in Ahe Yazi Valley
The lake is sparkling
Floating clouds in the sky
Too beautiful to describe in words
Later I realized we were lucky
Because of the season and weather
What I saw was the most beautiful scene of Yuhu Lake in the year.
This is also the largest winter pasture in the Ili Valley.
Next to Yuhu is the herdsmen’s passage
▲Herders Passage/Photographed in Yuhu
After coming out of Yuhu Villa, follow the
X258, Senmutas Road
Go straight ahead (not the way you came) 90KM
You can return to Zhaosu in 2 hours
I'll see you on the way back
There is a blue river on the right side of the road
If you look closely, the river water is divided into several layers of blue.
This is the Aheyazi River
largest tributary of the tex river
There is a shortcut to go down
Many people play in the water and wash cars here
▲Taken at the Aheyazi River
The road conditions on the return journey were good.
You will also meet herders grazing horses on horseback
living conditions here
Not that modern though
People are content
.The colorful houses along the way make people feel happy
Zhaosu people are full of love for life
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