Tekesi County Travel

Tekesi County, Ili, Xinjiang — home to the world's only Bagua City, with stunning Kalajun Grassland scenery and rich Kazakh culture. A 3-day 2-night in-depth tour includes Bagua City exploration, grassland scenery, folk custom experience, and a food journey.

2000+
Years of City History
1
World's Only Bagua City
80%
Kazakh Population Ratio
30+
Specialty Foods
Aerial panoramic view of Tekesi Bagua City showing the Bagua layout
Tekesi Bagua City - The World's Only Bagua-Shaped City
A county built according to the Bagua layout of the I Ching, the world's unique Bagua-shaped urban pattern

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

Explore the mysterious Bagua ancient city, gallop across Kalajun Grassland, experience Kazakh folk customs, taste Xinjiang cuisine, and feel the perfect integration of Tekesi's unique culture and natural scenery

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Bagua City, Kalajun Grassland, Kazakh Folk Village
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, nature and landscape photographers
Budget per Person
¥1000-¥1500
01
Bagua Exploration
Bagua City · Bagua Park · Tekesi Museum
Highlights

Arrive in Tekesi, check into the hotel and head to the Bagua City scenic area to explore the world's only Bagua-shaped city. Visit Bagua Park in the afternoon to learn about the history and architectural features of Bagua City. Visit the Tekesi Museum in the evening to gain an in-depth understanding of local history and culture.

Attractions
Bagua City
The world's only county built according to the Bagua layout of the I Ching. Its streets radiate outward in a circular pattern, earning it the reputation of "solidified I Ching, tangible Bagua."
Bagua Park
A theme park showcasing the history and architectural features of Bagua City, featuring a miniature model of Bagua City and detailed introductions.
Tekesi Museum
A comprehensive museum displaying the history, folk customs, and natural resources of Tekesi County, serving as an important window to understand local culture.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Tekesi Bagua City Hotel
  • Kalajun Grassland Resort
  • Kazakh Characteristic Yurt
Food Recommendations
  • Hand-Grabbed Meat
  • Milk Tea
  • Baked Samosa
Travel Tips
  • Bagua City is suitable for aerial photography
  • Respect local ethnic minority customs
  • Large temperature difference between morning and evening, keep warm
02
Grassland Pastoral
Kalajun Grassland · Kuokesu Grand Canyon
Highlights

Spend the whole day visiting Kalajun Grassland, admiring the graceful curves of the "Human Body Grassland," and exploring Kuokesu Grand Canyon. Experience grassland activities such as horseback riding and archery, and feel the nomadic life of the Kazakh people.

Attractions
Kalajun Grassland
A World Natural Heritage site, known as "the most beautiful human body grassland in the world." Flowers bloom in summer, snow covers everything in winter, offering different scenery in each season.
Kuokesu Grand Canyon
A magnificent canyon on Kalajun Grassland, famous for its steep cliffs and winding rivers, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • About 1.5 hours drive from Tekesi county to Kalajun Grassland
  • Shuttle buses available within the scenic area
  • Chartered car recommended
Ticket Info
  • Kalajun Grassland: 175 yuan (including shuttle bus)
  • Kuokesu Grand Canyon: Included in grassland ticket
Travel Tips
  • Strong UV rays on grassland, pay attention to sun protection
  • Negotiate price in advance when horseback riding
  • Protect the grassland environment, do not litter
03
Folk Custom Experience
Kazakh Folk Village · Tekesi Bazaar
Highlights

In the morning, head to the Kazakh Folk Village to experience traditional life such as milking cows and making naan bread, and enjoy Akyn singing performances. In the afternoon, visit Tekesi Bazaar to buy ethnic handicrafts and local specialties, concluding your pleasant Tekesi trip.

Attractions
Kazakh Folk Village
A village showcasing the traditional lifestyle of the Kazakh people, where you can experience yurt accommodation, ethnic handicraft making, and traditional food preparation.
Tekesi Bazaar
The largest market in Tekesi County, selling various ethnic handicrafts, dried fruits, and local specialties. It is a great place to experience local market culture.
Practical Info
Experience Activities
  • Kazakh family visit
  • Cow milking experience
  • Akyn singing performance
  • Ethnic costume try-on
Specialty Recommendations
  • Handmade Embroidery
  • Kazakh Felt Hat
  • Horse Sausage
  • Black Honey
Travel Tips
  • Respect ethnic minority customs
  • Bargaining is acceptable when buying specialties
  • Allow enough time to catch flights/trains

Must-Try Foods in Tekesi County

Hand-Grabbed Meat

A traditional Kazakh dish made with high-quality lamb boiled in plain water. The meat is tender and retains its original flavor, best enjoyed by eating it with your hands.

Milk Tea

A daily Kazakh beverage made by brewing brick tea with fresh milk. Salty and rich in flavor, it is an essential drink for entertaining guests.

Baked Samosa

A Tekesi specialty pastry with a crispy outer crust. The filling is usually lamb and onion, fragrant and delicious, making it a favorite local breakfast.

Horse Sausage

A traditional Kazakh meat product made from horse meat and horse intestines. With a unique flavor, it is a popular accompaniment to drinks.

Tekesi County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Grassland flowers in full bloom, cool climate
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Layers of colorful forests, vibrant colors
  • Jul-Aug: During traditional Kazakh festivals
Must-Try Foods
  • Hand-Grabbed Meat
  • Milk Tea
  • Baked Samosa
  • Horse Sausage
  • Naryn
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx 250 yuan
  • Accommodation: 200-400 yuan/night
  • Meals: 60-100 yuan/day
  • Transport: approx 200 yuan
  • Total: 1000-1500 yuan
FAQs
  • What is special about Tekesi Bagua City? → The world's only Bagua-shaped city layout
  • Best season to visit Kalajun Grassland? → Jun-Aug when flowers are in bloom
  • What taboos do Kazakh people have? → Do not step on the dining cloth, do not refuse tea offered by the host
  • How is transportation in Tekesi County? → Chartered car or self-driving recommended

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