In Xinjiang, see mountains, see water, see heaven and earth
Before departure, I searched through Xiaohongshu's Xinjiang strategy, and there were more than 200 "must clock in" photos on my mobile phone: the blue of Sailimu Lake, the green of Narati, and the danger of Duku Highway... But when I really stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of Urumqi Diwobu Airport, looking at the morning light on the snow tops of Tianshan Mountains in the distance, I suddenly understood - the charm of Xinjiang was never on the "clock in list", but at the moment when the wind swept across the grasslands, the temperature of the prayer flags wiping their fingertips, and In the surprise that every cloud looks different. This journey, I didn't deliberately rush the itinerary, I wasn't kidnapped by the anxiety of "having to take a tourist photo", and some just followed the rhythm of the tour leader and turned the day into a poem. Now I'm flipping through the 1000 + photos in my phone, and I suddenly want to write something - not a guide, not a list, but a "private conversation" between me and Xinjiang.
I have always been concerned about Exploration and unexpected encounters 😄
In the morning, the sun gently shone on the streets and alleys of Urumqi, awakening this vibrant city. We started this day's journey with full anticipation. The first stop is the Military Reclamation Museum, which is full of yearning for because it is a place to tell the history and glory of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Walking into the museum is like walking into a time tunnel. Those ancient farming tools and faded military uniforms silently tell the hardships and glories of the past. They are witnesses of history, allowing us to see the great spirit of the military reclamation people who started from scratch on this land." This is the model of the nest dug up by the old military reclamation people with Kantarman. " The guide's voice suddenly softened, "When they first arrived, it was all desert, water was more expensive than gold, and it was a miracle that a tree could live for three years."
Go to Anjihai Grand Canyon. When the spectacular scene came into view, everyone was deeply shocked. The red rocks were layered on top of each other, and the canyon was bottomless, like a huge scar cut open by someone with a giant axe. Standing at the edge of the canyon, the wind howled past, with a primitive and mysterious atmosphere. The canyon is inaccessible, and only a few photography enthusiasts are there quietly to capture this shocking moment. However, there are also some small episodes during the tour. The terrain here is relatively primitive and the weather is fickle. In case of bad weather, the Anjihai Grand Canyon may be temporarily closed. Fortunately, we have an alternative - Dushanzi Grand Canyon, and the tickets are still borne by the Ranger, which is really a thoughtful move 😉
We walked into a small restaurant that looked very inconspicuous, but it was full of surprises. When the naan was served, it was still emitting bursts of heat, the outer skin was crispy and the inner flesh was soft, and the aroma of wheat came to the nose. The mutton skewers were even more tempting, fat and thin, and grilled to the point that it was sizzling and oily. After sprinkling with cumin and chili noodles, the fragrance could simply float out several streets. Take a bite, the freshness of the mutton and the aroma of the seasoning blend in the mouth, the taste is really absolute 😍
The blue of Sailimu Lake and the rhyme of Six Star Street 🧡
Along the way, everyone was very excited because we were about to witness the legendary blue lake. When Sailimu Lake gradually appeared in front of me, I was completely overwhelmed by its beauty. The blue lake water was like a huge sapphire inlaid on the earth, shining charmingly under the sunlight. The lake water was crystal clear, and you could see the stones and small fish swimming at the bottom of the lake, like a transparent crystal.
Starting from Jinghe, the car drove northwest, getting wider and wider. Suddenly someone shouted, "Look to the right!" Everyone turned their heads in unison - Sailimu Lake just bumped into their eyes.
Not "a patch of blue" as imagined, but layered: the near shore is a light emerald color, with waves of broken silver; the middle is cobalt blue, like a washed gem; the farthest part blends into the sky, leaving only a vague white edge. The wind lifted my hair, I stood by the lake, and suddenly remembered the sentence in "The Kite Runner": "For you, thousands of times." - At this moment, I want to stay for this lake thousands of times.
Put on a life jacket and step on the sailboat, which slowly moves on the lake. The breeze blows, bringing the moist smell of the lake water, and the snow-capped mountains in the distance glitter in the sun. The time spent around the lake was no less than 180 minutes, which gave me enough time to fully appreciate every aspect of Sailimu Lake. I strolled around the lake, feeling the breeze caress, as if time had stopped. The lake lapped against the shore, making a crisp sound, like playing a beautiful movement.
After leaving Sailimu Lake, we headed to Yining. After checking in, I couldn't wait to explore Liuxing Street. Liuxing Street is full of exotic customs, and the streets are lined with colorful buildings, like castles in fairy tales. There are all kinds of specialty shops on the street, and the door is full of Lin Lan's goods. I walked into a handicraft store, which was filled with exquisite handicrafts, including colorful Uighur flower hats, whose exquisite patterns and bright colors make people love it. There are also exquisite handmade carpets, which feel very good to the touch, as if you can feel the ingenuity of the craftsmen. I also tasted the local specialty ice cream, the taste is rich and creamy, and the unique taste spreads on the tip of the tongue, which is memorable 😉
Variations of flowers and grasslands 🎶
According to the itinerary, we are going to Tianshan Flower Sea, but the leader said in the morning," This year, the flowering period is early, most of the flowers are gone, and we may see'residual flowers'. " I was a little disappointed, but when I got to the place, I was cured - although most of the daisies and lavender had died, there were still a few clusters of gesang flowers stubbornly blooming, pink and white, swaying in the wind. The sunflowers on the edge of the ridge were blooming just right, and the golden flower disc followed the sun. Occasionally, bees "buzzed" into it and stumbled away. Set off towards Tex. On the way, I first visited the Tianshan Flower Sea. Although I already knew that the flowering period of the flower sea was coming to an end, and the teams assembled on August 6 and later would cancel the visit to Tianshan Flower Sea to increase the time of Karajun, I still wanted to see it for myself. In the Tianshan Flower Sea, most of the flowers have begun to wither, but there are still some tenacious flowers swaying in the wind, telling the once prosperous. There was a faint fragrance of flowers in the air, and some bees were busy among the flowers, they seemed to be saying their final goodbyes to these dying flowers.
Then we headed to the Eastern Karajun Steppe. The grassland here is nothing short of a sea of green, and the cattle and sheep scattered all over the grassland like pearls. The Kalajun afternoon tea experience specially arranged by the rover was also very interesting. We sat on the grassland, spread out beautiful picnic mats, and placed various delicious snacks and drinks. While drinking fragrant tea, we enjoyed the surrounding scenery. The wind on the grassland was very strong, blowing my hair with the wind, and I felt like I was flying in a free world. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath of the grassland air, which filled my lungs with fresh breath, making me feel extremely comfortable.
Joys and surprises of hiking 😎
Depart for the Shatta Trail. The scenery of the Shatta Trail is really beautiful, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush forests. We will have to hike back and forth. The whole journey is about 16 kilometers. Although the journey is flat, it is not easy.During the hike, I saw a lot of beautiful scenery. The clear stream was flowing, and the wild flowers by the stream were colorful, as if laying a layer of colorful brocade on the ground. There was also a chance to see wild animals, a little squirrel was jumping around in the tree, which was very cute. The companions were also full of energy, and everyone encouraged each other to enjoy the scenery while chatting and laughing. We shared our travel experiences with each other, and laughter echoed in the valley.
Blue Tears at the Foot of Snow Mountain
Jade Lake is hidden at the foot of the snow-capped mountains. The lake is as calm as a mirror, copying the snow-capped mountains, spruce and blue sky. The most amazing thing is the color of the lake - near the shore is a transparent light blue, the middle gradually becomes sapphire blue, and the deepest part is a deep indigo, like someone sprinkled broken blue glass into the water.
I took off my shoes and stepped into the water, which was so cold that I couldn't bear to come up. There is a wild peony flower field by the lake, and the pink and white petals fall on the water surface and float away with the ripples.
A fantastic journey into the spruce forest 🌲
After breakfast, we head to the Kudenin Scenic Area. The scenery here is like a natural picture scroll, and the Kudenin Scenic Area tour time is no less than 120 minutes. The horseback ride specially arranged by the Ranger into the spruce forest (about 1 hour) is a great experience. I mounted my horse and walked slowly into the spruce forest. The light in the spruce forest was dim, and the tall spruce trees stood in front of me like giants. The sun shone through the gaps in the leaves, forming golden rays. The sound of horse hooves echoed in the silent forest, and it felt like we had entered a fairy tale world. After riding, we continued to play in the Kourdening scenic area, breathing in the fresh air and feeling the tranquility and peace of nature. The air here seemed to be sweet, and every breath could purify one's mind. Then we went to the hotel in Nalati Town. The hotel in Nalati Town is very distinctive, surrounded by a beautiful grassland scenery. In the distance are the rolling mountains, and the grass on the mountains has become a little yellow, but it has a different flavor.
The ultimate beauty of the grassland and the test of cold ❄️
Departure towards the Nalati sky grassland. The scenery of the sky grassland in Nalati is very beautiful, and the small flowers are blooming all over the mountains and plains, as if laying a colorful carpet on the ground. There are also many Kazakh herders on the grassland, and their tents are dotted on the grassland, forming a harmonious picture. The white tents, herds of cattle and sheep, and the blue sky and white clouds set off each other, which is very beautiful.
The view of Bayinbrook Scenic Area is equally amazing, with nine bends and eighteen bends like a dragon winding through the grassland. However, be aware that the sunset at nine bends and eighteen bends is extremely shocking, but it is very cold after sunset (0-10 degrees), so be sure to bring a thick coat, hat, gloves, etc. Moreover, there are many mosquitoes on the wetlands and grasslands, so we should also pay attention to mosquito prevention measures.
After we arrived at Bayinbrook Scenic Area, we first went to see Jiuqu Eighteen Bends. It was evening, and the afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on the grassland. Jiuqu Eighteen Bends looked even more beautiful in the golden sun. I took out my camera and wanted to freeze frame this beautiful moment forever. But the weather suddenly changed, the wind became stronger and stronger, and the temperature dropped sharply. I had to put on a thick coat quickly, but I was still shivering from the cold. But this also made me feel more deeply the majesty of nature.
Return and recall of single library highways 💖
Take the Duku Highway through the Jorma Martyrs Cemetery and cross the Hashilegen Daban. The Duku Highway is really a miraculous road that connects the north and south borders, and the scenery along the way is beautiful. The Jorma Martyrs Cemetery is solemn, where the martyrs who died to build the Duku Highway are buried. Standing here, my heart is full of respect. They exchanged their lives for this beautiful road, allowing countless people to enjoy the beauty of Xinjiang.
When crossing Hashilegendaban, I saw a spectacular view of the snow-capped mountains. The snow on the snow-capped mountains shines silver in the sun, making people sigh at the wonders of nature.
With the end of the trip, we slowly returned to Urumqi. This trip to Xinjiang gave me a full harvest, not only enjoying the beautiful scenery, but also experiencing different ethnic cultures and tasting various special cuisines. I think this is the meaning of travel, to explore the unknown world, feel different customs and customs, and let my soul be baptized and sublimated.
Xinjiang, unforgettable memories
8 days is very short, so short that I haven't seen enough sunrise at Sailimu Lake, ridden enough spruce forests at Kourdenin, or heard enough accordion sounds at Six Star Street;
8 days is very long, so long that I remember the wind, the clouds, and the people along the way - the Uyghur grandfather who gave me the flower hat, the Kazakh herdsman who handed me the milk wine, and the one who taught me to sing folk songs Restaurant owner...
Xinjiang taught me: the best scenery is not in the camera, in the heartbeat; the most unforgettable trip is not in the guide, in the encounter.
The trip to Xinjiang ended like this, but those beautiful memories will forever stay in my heart. Every place and every moment is like a bright star, illuminating my memory sky.
Next time I come, I want to be slower, slower - after all, the story of Xinjiang has just begun.
