Mulei Kazak Autonomous County Travel

Mulei County, Xinjiang — home of Singing Sand Mountain and the Poplar Forest, integrating desert wonders, ecological beauty, and Kazak culture. A 3-day 2-night in-depth tour includes nature exploration, cultural experiences, and food tasting.

300+
Square Kilometers of Desert
1000+
Years of Poplar Tree Age
60%
Kazak Population Ratio
20+
Specialty Foods
Golden sand dune landscape of Mulei Singing Sand Mountain
Singing Sand Mountain - Desert Wonder
A rare desert landscape in northern Xinjiang, with rolling sand dunes that sing in the wind, forming a unique natural wonder

Mulei County 3-Day 2-Night In-Depth Tour

Explore the desert wonders of Singing Sand Mountain, admire the thousand-year poplar trees, experience Kazak nomadic culture, taste local specialties, and enjoy a perfect journey blending nature and humanity

Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Main Destinations
Singing Sand Mountain, Poplar Forest, Kazak Folk Village
Suitable For
Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts
Budget per Person
¥850-¥1200
01
Desert Exploration
Singing Sand Mountain · Sea of Sand Wonders
Highlights

Arrive in Mulei, check into hotel, then head to the Singing Sand Mountain scenic area to experience sand sliding, desert off-roading, and other activities. Enjoy the desert sunset in the evening, feeling the magnificence of the vast desert.

Attractions
Singing Sand Mountain
A rare desert landscape in northern Xinjiang, with sand dunes reaching hundreds of meters high. The wind makes the sand sing, creating a unique natural phenomenon. Various desert recreational activities are available.
Desert Off-Road Base
Offers desert off-road vehicle experiences, allowing you to feel the thrill of speeding across the desert under the guidance of professional instructors.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Mulei County Town Hotel
  • Desert Edge Homestay
  • Kazak Yurt
Food Recommendations
  • Hand-Grabbed Meat
  • Roasted Whole Lamb
  • Baursak
Travel Tips
  • Large temperature difference in the desert, bring enough clothes
  • Pay attention to sun and sand protection
  • Off-road activities should be undertaken according to ability
02
Poplar Secret Realm
Thousand-Year Poplar · Hymn of Life
Highlights

Spend the whole day touring the primeval poplar forest, admiring the resilient vitality of the thousand-year poplars. In the afternoon, hike along the poplar forest trails and capture the golden beauty of the poplars.

Attractions
Mulei Poplar Forest
A well-preserved primeval poplar forest, with tree ages ranging from several hundred to over a thousand years. Golden yellow in autumn, it is hailed as a hymn of life sung by the "Hero Trees of the Desert".
Poplar Viewing Platform
The best viewpoint overlooking the poplar forest, offering a panoramic view of the vast poplar grove and witnessing the wonder of "living a thousand years, standing a thousand years after death, and enduring a thousand years after falling".
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Need to hire a car or join a local tour group
  • Walking required within the forest area
  • It is recommended to bring plenty of drinking water
Ticket Info
  • Poplar Forest Scenic Area: 50 yuan
  • Eco-friendly shuttle: 30 yuan
Travel Tips
  • Best viewing period: September-October
  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes
  • Protect the environment, do not litter
03
Folk Experience
Kazak Village · Cultural Discovery
Highlights

In the morning, visit the Kazak Folk Village to experience nomadic life such as milking and horse riding. In the afternoon, enjoy a Kazak song and dance performance and shop for local handicrafts, concluding your pleasant trip to Mulei.

Attractions
Kazak Folk Village
A characteristic village showcasing traditional Kazak culture, where you can experience yurt living, taste ethnic cuisine, and participate in traditional handicraft making.
Kazak Handicraft Workshop
On-site demonstrations of traditional Kazak handicrafts such as embroidery and leather processing, where you can purchase specialty souvenirs.
Practical Info
Tour Route
  • Folk Village Visit
  • Traditional Craft Experience
  • Song & Dance Performance Appreciation
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Kazak Embroidery
  • Handmade Horsewhip
  • Kurut (Dried Cheese Curds)
  • Air-Dried Meat
Tickets & Transport
  • Folk Village: 40 yuan
  • County town to Folk Village: 40-minute drive

Must-Try Foods in Mulei Kazak Autonomous County

Hand-Grabbed Meat

A traditional Kazak delicacy, using high-quality lamb boiled and eaten by hand — tender meat with original flavor.

Baursak

A traditional Kazak pastry, deep-fried until crispy on the outside and soft inside, often enjoyed with milk tea.

Kumis (Fermented Mare's Milk)

A traditional Kazak drink made from fermented mare's milk, with a pleasantly sour and sweet taste and unique flavor.

Naryn

A traditional Kazak noodle dish, handmade wide noodles served with lamb and onions — delicious and satisfying.

Mulei Kazak Autonomous County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Best viewing period for golden poplars
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Experience desert activities
  • Spring (Apr-May): Grasslands turn green
Must-Try Foods
  • Hand-Grabbed Meat
  • Baursak
  • Kumis
  • Naryn
  • Milk Tea
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 130 yuan
  • Accommodation: 150-300 yuan/night
  • Meals: 50-90 yuan/day
  • Transport: approx. 180 yuan
  • Total: 850-1200 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Best time to visit Singing Sand Mountain? → Evening for pleasant temperatures
  • Must-eat foods in Mulei County? → Hand-Grabbed Meat, Baursak
  • Best season to see the poplar forest? → Late September to mid-October
  • Performance times at Kazak Folk Village? → Daily at 11:00 and 16:00

Explore Districts & Counties of Changji Prefecture