2025 Barkol Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

Stepping into Hami is like embarking on a fantastic adventure. Here, you can witness both the uncanny workmanship of the Yardang landforms and the historical accumulation of ancient ruins; you can encounter the romantic starry sky of the Gobi Desert, and experience the unique scenery of grassland and forest. Strolling through it, every landscape is like a carefully crafted work of art by nature and history, making people intoxicated. Travel Guide Route planning • Day 1: Magic Lake - Yiwu Populus Euphratica Forest Scenic Area Depart from Hami city in the early morning and go to Magic Lake to enjoy the magical color-changing lake view. Have lunch in Yanchi Town at noon, and go to Yiwu Populus Euphratica Forest Scenic Area in the afternoon, and return to Yiwu County for accommodation in the evening. • Day 2: Gaojia Lake Wetland Scenic Area - Barkol Ancient City Scenic Area - Barkol Cultural Expo Park Depart from Yiwu County early in the morning to Gaojia Lake Wetland Scenic Area, then go to Barkol Food Street to taste the food, and visit Barkol Ancient City Scenic Area and Barkol Cultural Expo Park in the afternoon. Stay in Barkol County in the evening. • Day 3: Hami Pterosaur - Yardang Grand Seaway Scenic Area After breakfast at the Pulei Sea Hotel, drive to the scenic area. You can visit according to the recommended route and return to the city for accommodation in the evening. • Day 4: Zuo Gong Cultural Park - Hami City Cultural Expo Park - Hami King Scenic Area - Aletun Ancient Street Visit the attractions in turn to experience the history and culture, and stroll along Aletun Ancient Street in the evening to experience the local customs. Travel mode Self-driving is recommended. The scenic spots are scattered. It is more convenient to drive an SUV or a four-wheel drive off-road vehicle. In particular, driving in the Grand Seaway Scenic Area requires a high-chassis vehicle. Download offline maps in advance. Accommodation suggestions In Yiwu County, you can choose Jinhuyang Hotel; in Barkol County, Pulei Sea Hotel or ecological wooden houses in Gaojia Lake Wetland Scenic Area are recommended; in Hami City, you can choose Hami Hotel. Food recommendations Yiwu County has roast whole lamb, special mixed noodles, etc.; Barkol County has mutton stewed pancakes, Barkol braised meat, etc.; Hami City has Yiloulan, Dongjiang Dapan Chicken, etc. Kind tips There is a large temperature difference between day and night in Hami, pay attention to "onion-style dressing"; bring sunscreen and moisturizing products; prepare spare tires and other tools for self-driving; do not cross the uninhabited area of the Grand Seaway by bicycle; protect the Populus euphratica forest ecology.

Hey ladies! Want to explore four stunning poplar forests all in one trip? How about some drone footage of the Tengger Desert? Check out this in-depth 11-day travel guide for Yinchuan, Alashan, and Hami! 🚩Itinerary at a Glance: Days 1-2: Depart from Shanghai by train🚄, arrive in Yinchuan, and begin your Northwest adventure! Day 3: Depart from Yinchuan, visit the Western Film City🎬, cross the Tengger Desert, and enjoy Sanhu Lake. Stay overnight in Alxa Left Banner. Days 4-5: Explore Alashan, visiting the Ruoshui Poplar Forest, the Ejin Banner Populus Euphratica Forest (also known as the Strange Forest of Black City), and the Ejina Poplar Forest. Experience the millennial legend of the poplar trees🍂. Days 6-7: Travel from Ejina to Yiwu, explore the Yiwu Poplar Forest and the Rainbow Lake🌈, then head to Hami to experience the unique Western Region charm. Days 8-9: Depart from Hami, cross the mysterious Gobi Desert, arrive in Barkol, visit the Barkol grasslands and lakes🏞️, and finally return to Hami. Days 10-11: Take the train🚄, enjoy the scenery along the way, and end your pleasant Northwest trip, arriving in Shanghai. 🌟This itinerary includes drone footage of the Tengger Desert to capture your amazing moments! Explore four poplar forests in one trip and experience the beauty of nature and the richness of history. 🎒 What to Pack for Your Yinchuan-Alashan-Hami Trip: 👕 Clothing: The temperature in March is moderate, but there is a large difference between day and night temperatures. It is recommended to bring a light down jacket, long-sleeved shirts, and jeans. Also bring a sun hat and sunglasses. Comfortable sneakers or desert boots are recommended for walking in the desert. 🎫 Documents and Other Items: ID card, driver's license, and cash are essential. You can also bring a student ID or other documents that may offer discounts. In addition, it is recommended to bring common medicines, such as cold medicine and painkillers, for emergencies. 📸 Accessories and Electronic Devices: Mobile phones and chargers are standard. You can also bring a camera to record the beautiful scenery. Don't forget sunscreen and lip balm for sun protection and moisturizing. In desert areas, a sand mask and goggles are also very useful! ✨From the charm of Yinchuan to the desert of Alashan and the fruits of Hami, this Northwest trip will leave you with wonderful memories! Don't forget to like and save this post～✨

| Barkol, the backyard garden of Hami, Xinjiang. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with meandering valleys across vast grasslands, horses, cattle, and sheep graze freely everywhere. You can even see local herdsmen taming and racing horses. 📷【Main Attractions】 1⃣ Tianshan Temple (Ticket 💰20 yuan) It takes about 1 hour to drive from downtown Hami to Tianshan Temple. The Tianshan Temple, White Stone, and Mingsha Mountain scenic spots along the way all require tickets (we didn't enter), but stopping for photos along the way is enough. 2⃣ Barkol Grassland (Free 💰) Located in Barkol County, it is one of the largest grasslands in Xinjiang. By the end of September, there are few cattle and sheep on the grassland, but you can see the grassland, Gobi, and snow-capped mountains, creating a beautiful layered landscape. 3⃣ Barkol Ancient City (Free 💰) We first visited Barkol Food Street, where we tried hand-pulled lamb rice and baked buns (the taste was average). Afterward, we explored the Barkol Ancient City Cultural Park, which houses the Qing Dynasty Granary, the Barkol County Museum, Songfeng Academy, and other attractions. The attractions are centrally located, so it's worth a visit if you have enough time. (PS: If you're not interested in history, you can go directly to Barkol Lake.) 4⃣ Barkol Lake (Free 💰) One of the four largest salt lakes in China (Chaka Salt Lake, Qarhan Salt Lake, Yuncheng Salt Lake, and Barkol Lake), with an altitude of 1585 meters. It's a forgotten scenic spot, but it's incredibly atmospheric, super photogenic, and very healing. Highly recommended! PS: From the entrance of the scenic area, there is a long boardwalk stretching towards the lake, requiring a walk. The scenery along the way is stunning. According to our driver later, horseback riding at Barkol Lake is very affordable, and the milk lumps sold there are both authentic and cheap. However, we were too captivated by the beautiful scenery at the time and didn't go horseback riding or buy any snacks (we were also a bit resistant to the commercialization of the scenic area), which is a slight regret. 5⃣ Gaojia Lake Wetland Park (Free 💰) A natural ecological park and a well-known spot in Xinjiang for stargazing and sunrise viewing. With an average altitude of 1600m, it's a huge natural oxygen bar. We caught a beautiful sunset (it's a slight regret that we didn't stay here, as I feel the sunrise and starry sky must be incredibly beautiful too).

Hami exploration tour🛤️ In northern Xinjiang, there is a small county that will steal your heart - Barkol. Located at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, it is like a forgotten snow-covered "utopia." Barkol is almost deserted in winter, but it has a unique charm. Let's explore this mysterious and beautiful little county together! ❤️How to get to Barkol🚗 After arriving in Hami, Xinjiang, you can rent a car or take public transportation to Barkol. Follow National Highway 575 and pass through the Songshutang Toll Station to see the spectacular scenery of the Tianshan Mountains. Then, continue along National Highway 335 to reach your destination. Note that the mountain roads are winding, so drive carefully⚠️. ❤️Barkol travel tips 1. Attractions: Every corner here is a scenic spot, so you don't need to plan your itinerary. Just go with the flow. Be sure to check out Barkol Lake, Barkol Grassland (one of the three major grasslands in Xinjiang), Xihegou, and Guai Shi Mountain. The Hami Barkol Ice and Snow Amusement Park is also a must-visit, and the skiing activities are highly recommended. 2. Snow gear: Wear waterproof and non-slip shoes and jackets to ensure your safety and comfort. Ski goggles and photography equipment are recommended to make your ice and snow experience even better. 3. Notes: As the roads are snowy in winter, it is recommended to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle with snow tires. Also, avoid driving at night as the roads are difficult to navigate. 🍛Food recommendations In Barkol County, you can enjoy the slow-paced life. The food here is diverse, especially the lamb dishes. If you like beef and lamb, this is the place for you. However, please note that personal tastes vary, so choose food according to your preferences. Travel tips 1. Wear waterproof pants👖 when skiing⛷️ to avoid getting wet if you fall. Ski goggles are also essential to make your skiing experience even better. 2. In addition to skiing, you can enjoy the beautiful lake view and distant snow-capped mountains at Barkol Lake. The scenery here is perfect for taking photos. 3. The locals are very friendly, so you can interact with them and experience the unique charm of the area. ❤️Itinerary suggestions Day 1: Hami (visit attractions and try local food) Day 2: Barkol (visit natural attractions and ice and snow activities) Day 3: Enjoy the slow-paced life in Barkol County (try local food and take photos) ❤️Summary Barkol is a mysterious and beautiful little county with unique natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. Here, you can enjoy the fun of ice and snow and experience the warmth and friendliness of the locals. If you are looking for a quiet and beautiful place to spend your vacation, Barkol is a great choice! This is a detailed travel guide to Barkol, including recommended attractions and food. I hope it helps! Have a wonderful vacation in Barkol❤️

| A low-key and beautiful place that is often overlooked. Hami Barkol | A low-key and beautiful place that is often overlooked👉 👉Hami Barkol in Xinjiang is a low-key and beautiful tourist destination 👉It is also a tourist destination that is easily overlooked . ✅【Barkol Lake】The lake is slightly oval-shaped, surrounded by rolling mountains, lush grass, and beautiful water. The east lake is rippling with blue waves, while the west lake is silver-white. There are large marsh wetlands to the east of the lake, and vast pastures around the lake. Kazakh herders often hold grand "Aken singing and dancing parties" on the lakeside grassland. . ✅【Barkol Grassland】The second largest grassland in Xinjiang, it is home to eight scenic spots and historical sites, including "Tianshan Snow," "Hanhai Ao City," "Mirror Spring Moon," and "Yuetai Liusheng." However, unlike the endless grasslands of Inner Mongolia, where you can see the horizon where the grass meets the sky, Barkol is a basin. Looking far into the distance, the mountains are connected to the blue sky. . ✅【Barkol Ancient City】A major town on the northern new route of the Silk Road, it is also the first place where Central Plains culture landed in Xinjiang. This ancient city has a profound historical and cultural heritage. . ✅【Strange Stone Mountain】The "South Mountain Gate" at the top of the mountain is a must-see attraction, as well as the mysterious "Mushroom Stone," both of which are masterpieces of nature. . ✅【Mingsha Mountain】Listen to the sound of sand being trampled on the sand mountain, which sounds like singing, and enjoy a unique experience. . ✅【Barkol Ancient Houses】Yushu Lane Wang Family Courtyard is a representative of them, with strong local characteristics and historical value. . ✅【Kazakh Ethnic Style Park】The park is shaded by green trees, fragrant flowers, and green grass, with a quiet environment. Its unique architecture highlights the characteristics of pastoral culture, forming a unique landscape. . ✅【Silk Road Beacon】Yushu Lane Wang Family Courtyard is a representative of them, with strong local characteristics and historical value. . ⚠️In addition, the surrounding attractions of Barkol are also not to be missed, such as Tianshan Tianchi and Kanas Lake. Whether you like history and culture or natural scenery, you can find what you want in Barkol! . ✨March to May is really a good time to visit East Xinjiang, with comfortable weather and beautiful scenery! You can see the alpine pine forests and river valley grasslands in North Xinjiang, as well as the deserts, Yadan, and ancient cities in South Xinjiang!

|Low-key and beautiful but always ignored. Hami, a famous historical and cultural city, hides a treasure - Barkol Grassland. As the second largest grassland in Xinjiang, although it is not as famous as Nalati and Kurdning, it has its own unique charm and distinctive scenery. Located at the foot of the Eastern Tianshan Mountains, Barkol Grassland is located in a basin and is surrounded by continuous mountains. It only takes more than two hours’ drive from downtown Hami to reach this natural wonder. Here, you can not only feel the vastness and tranquility of the grassland, but also visit eight major scenic spots and historical sites. Whether you are a traveler seeking novelty or a photographer looking for inspiration, Barkol Grassland can bring you unexpected surprises. 🍟Local food: Lamb stewed pancakes, large plate 🐔 + belt noodles, cantaloupe 🍈 🎬Tips: ✔️There are many mosquitoes in the Balikun grassland, so prepare mosquito repellent ✔️Bring your own drinking water💦 ✔️Be careful with sun protection, as the ultraviolet rays on the grassland are strong ✔️No accommodation in the scenic area 🌈Highlights: 📌Barkol Lake--There is a large wetland in the east of the lake, and vast pastures around the lake🐂. Kazakh herdsmen often hold grand "Aken singing parties". 📍Address: No. 85, Hancheng North Street, Barkol Kazakh Autonomous County, Hami City, 25 kilometers away from Barkol County 🚗Model recommendation: 4WD SUV

Close contact with snow-capped mountains There are also ancient city walls This was once the first command center for Zuo Gong to recover Xinjiang. The most important thing is that there are few people and beautiful scenery . 📍Location: Barkol County, Xinjiang Transportation: Self-driving Rent a tank 300 in Hami . ✅[Barkol Grassland] The second largest grassland in Xinjiang, there are eight scenic spots and historical sites such as "Tianshan Songxue", "Hanhai Ao City", "Jingquan Suyue", "Yuetai Liusheng"; Barkol is a basin, looking far away, the continuous mountain peaks are connected to the blue sky ✅[Barkol Ancient City] Built in the Qing Dynasty, it is very magnificent. You can overlook the Barkol city from the city wall. The best repair is the Victory Gate, but the most light gate is more photographed, ✅[Qing Dynasty Granary] More than 200 years of history is also recommended, once one of the grain national warehouses ✅[Dizang Temple] It was built in the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty. It is a group of buildings combining Buddhism and Taoism. There are 11 ancient buildings. ✅[Kazakh National Customs Park] The park is shaded by green trees, fragrant flowers and grass, and the environment is elegant. Its architecture is unique, highlighting the characteristics of pastoral culture, forming a unique landscape ✅[Barkol Lake] The lake is slightly elliptical, surrounded by undulating mountains, rich in water and grass, the east lake is rippling, and the west lake is silvery white; there are large swamps and wetlands in the east of the lake, and the lake is surrounded by vast pastures, Kazakh herdsmen often hold grand "Aken Singing Meeting" on the lakeside grassland ✅[Gaojia Lake] It is said to be one of the most intact wetland ecosystems in the eastern Tianshan region. There are grasslands, snow-capped mountains and lakes with distinct layers. It is not a fairyland, but it is better than a fairyland ✅[Mingsha Mountain] 💰20 Listen to the sound of the sand being trampled on the sand mountain like singing, it is quite interesting ✅[Weird Stone Mountain] 💰10 The "Nanshan Gate" on the top of the mountain is a must-see attraction, and there is also the mysterious "Mushroom Stone", which are all the magic of nature

Hami has many attractions worth visiting, here are some recommendations: 1. Hami Royal Tombs: One of the largest and highest-level tomb complexes in Hami region, it is also an important cultural relic protection unit and tourist attraction in Xinjiang. It houses the tombs of successive Hami kings and their relatives, with rich historical and cultural value. Visitors can appreciate the exquisite architecture and carvings, and experience the luxury and majesty of the ancient royal family. 2. Hami Devil City: Belonging to the Yadan landform, it has formed various peculiar landforms through long-term wind erosion. Here you can see various strange rocks and landforms, as if you are in a mysterious world. Devil City also has many beautiful legends and stories, allowing visitors to experience a strong cultural atmosphere while enjoying the scenery. 3. Barkol Prairie: Located on the border between China and Mongolia, it is the gathering place of the Kazakhs and the second largest prairie in Xinjiang. Prairie, lakes, wetlands, snow scenes, and Kazakh yurts are intertwined here. From June to July every year, the prairie is covered with green waves, butterflies are flying, and birds are singing, making it the best season for photography; August is the most lively time on the prairie, with traditional Kazakh activities such as sheep snatching, Aken singing and dancing, and horse racing. 4. Yiwu Populus euphratica Forest Scenic Area: Yiwu Populus euphratica Forest is one of the three remaining Populus euphratica forests in the world, and it is also the most concentrated Populus euphratica forest in China. Populus euphratica is known as a "living fossil", and some experts praise Yiwu Populus euphratica Forest as the most complete and oldest original Populus euphratica forest in the world. 5. Yadan Grand Highway Scenic Area: This is an ancient road on the Silk Road, and it is also a road through the uninhabited area. Here you can see post stations, ancient castles, fossil mountains, mirages, etc., which can satisfy tourists' various imaginations of the Western Regions. In addition, the starry sky at night in the scenic area is very beautiful, making people intoxicated. 6. Hami Ancient City Ruins: An ancient city site reflecting the Silk Road culture, with a history of over 2,000 years. 7. Hongshan Park: A famous urban mountain scenic area, with beautiful scenery and beautiful scenery. Visitors can climb high to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and surrounding natural landscapes. Lakes and forests form a quiet and beautiful environment. 8. East Tianshan Natural Geological Expo Park: Located in Yizhou District, Hami City, Bingtuan Huangtian Farm, Yikeshu, visitors can learn about the geological structure and natural ecology of East Tianshan here. In addition, Hami has some other attractions, such as Hami People's Park, Hami Hongshan Park, Hami Yamarlik Mountain Forest Park, Hami Carp Mountain Park, Hami Botanical Garden, Hami Water Park, Hami Tianshan Park, Hami New City Park, Hami South Lake Park, Hami Children's Park, etc. These parks each have their own characteristics and are good places for citizens and tourists to relax and entertain. When visiting, it is recommended to understand the opening hours and ticket prices of each attraction in advance, and make reasonable arrangements according to your own interests and time. At the same time, pay attention to protecting the local environment and cultural relics, and respect local customs. Here is some information about clothing, food, accommodation, transportation and shopping in Hami: Clothing: Hami has a dry climate with a large temperature difference between day and night. In summer, it is hot during the day, and it is recommended to wear light and breathable clothing, such as cotton or linen short sleeves, shorts, and dresses. Also prepare sunscreen and a sun hat. The temperature may drop at night, so you can bring a thin coat. Winter is relatively cold, and you need to prepare thick cotton clothes, down jackets, sweaters, scarves, gloves and other warm clothes. Food: Hami has a rich and diverse cuisine. Featured dishes include Hami melon, hand-抓饭, grilled lamb skewers, grilled naan, large plate chicken, and mixed noodles. You can taste authentic Xinjiang flavors at local restaurants and snack stalls. Accommodation: Hami has a variety of accommodation options, including star-rated hotels, budget hotels, guesthouses and inns. There are many accommodation options near the city center and attractions. You can choose according to your budget and location needs when booking. Transportation: Urban transportation is convenient, and you can take buses or taxis. If you want to explore the attractions more freely, you can also choose to rent a car. For long-distance travel, Hami has a train station and bus station, which can reach other cities. Shopping: In Hami, you can buy unique souvenirs and specialties. Such as Hami dates, raisins, ethnic handicrafts, etc. You can go to local markets, commercial streets or specialty stores to choose.

I have lived in Hami for 30 years, but have never experienced the magnificence of the Yiwu Populus euphratica forest. This time, I finally took my family on this long-awaited journey during the National Day holiday. You don’t know how big China is unless you visit Xinjiang. The Yiwu Populus euphratica forest, with its unique charm, allows us to deeply appreciate the magic and greatness of nature. II. Itinerary 1. Day 1: - Morning: Drive over Tianshan Mountain and head to Barkol for sightseeing. Barkol has vast grasslands and magnificent snow-capped mountains, making people feel like they are in a fairy tale world. - Noon: Taste local delicacies in Barkol, such as Barkol mutton, Barkol steamed buns, etc. - Afternoon: Check in to Puleihai Hotel. After a short rest, you can take a walk around the hotel and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Barkol. - Evening: Taste various snacks at the night market near the hotel and experience the nightlife of Balikun. 2. Day 2: - Morning: After breakfast, set off to Yiwu Populus euphratica forest. On the way, you can pass by the Colorful Lake and take a short stroll to admire the changing colors of the lake under different light. - Noon: Have lunch in Yiwu County and taste Yiwu’s specialties, such as Yiwu mutton soup, Yiwu pilaf, etc. - Afternoon: Arrive at Yiwu Populus euphratica forest. Although it was already 16:30 in the afternoon when we arrived, this time was just right. After entering the scenic area, you can take a sightseeing bus for a tour to understand the general distribution of the Populus euphratica forest. - Evening: Catch the sunset at Mana Beach, this is the most beautiful time in the Populus euphratica forest. The afterglow of the setting sun shines on the golden poplar trees, like a beautiful painting. 3. Tips for self-driving tours 1. Route selection: - G335 National Highway (Yizhou District, Hami City) - Yiwu County. The route is very scenic and offers stunning views of the Tian Shan Mountains. - National Highway 331 (Dandong-Altay) - Yiwu Populus euphratica forest (the first stop when entering Xinjiang). If you are driving into Xinjiang from other places, this route is a good choice. - G30 (Lianhuo Expressway) - G575 (two counties in northern Shanxi - Hami) - Yiwu Populus euphratica Scenic Area. This route is quicker and suitable for tourists who are short on time. - G7 Beijing-Xinjiang Expressway (Beijing-Urumqi), Yiwu Populus euphratica forest is the first scenic spot when entering Xinjiang. If you are driving into Xinjiang from Beijing, you might as well stop here and experience the charm of the Populus euphratica forest. 2. Notes: - The climate in the Populus euphratica forest area is dry and the ultraviolet rays are strong. It is recommended to take sun protection and moisturizing measures. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, moisturizing spray, etc. - Wear comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes for walking in scenic areas. The Populus euphratica forest scenic area is large and requires a lot of walking, so it is very important to choose a pair of comfortable shoes. - Respect local customs and cultural traditions, and do not destroy the Populus euphratica forest and the scenic environment at will. Populus euphratica forest is a precious gift from nature and we should work together to protect it. - Please book your accommodation and transportation in advance to avoid delays. The National Day holiday is the peak tourist season, and accommodation and transportation are in short supply, so advance reservations are very necessary. IV. Conclusion Yiwu Populus euphratica forest is a charming place. It has been guarding for three thousand years, telling the tenacity and beauty of life. This trip during the National Day holiday allowed us to appreciate the magic and magnificence of nature right at our doorstep. If you are also in Hami or nearby areas, you may as well take a walk in the Yiwu Populus euphratica forest and feel the shock brought to you by this magical land.

The prairie wind blows gently, clouds float atop the peaks. Oh, Barkol, you are like a poem, vast land stirs my heart. I came seeking dreams, treading on green grass, dreams soar under the starry sky. On this land, I found the truest form of life. Setting foot on the land of Barkol, I felt as if I had entered a whole new world. There are no skyscrapers, no bustling traffic, only the vast prairie and the distant rolling mountains. Barkol, a place full of natural charm and unique style, brought me an unprecedented experience. Upon arriving in Barkol, I was captivated by the boundless prairie. Standing on the prairie, I felt as if I could sense the breath of the earth, each deep breath filled with the fresh scent of grass. I tried riding a horse across the prairie like the locals, and that sense of freedom and wildness made me forget all my worries. At that moment, I felt as if I had become one with the land, becoming a part of nature. Besides the prairie, the mountains of Barkol also left a deep impression on me. I chose a small path and decided to hike to the top. Although the process was somewhat difficult, when I stood at the summit, overlooking the prairie below and the distant snow-capped mountains, the sense of awe and accomplishment was beyond words. I felt as if I was breathing with the heavens and earth, sharing destiny with all things. In Barkol, I was also fortunate to experience a unique herdsman life. I stayed in a yurt, living and working with the herdsmen. I learned how to milk cows, make cheese, and tasted the herdsmen's homemade milk tea and hand-grabbed meat. That simplicity and warmth made me feel the warmth of home. Of course, the night sky of Barkol is also a unique scenery. At night, I lay on the prairie, gazing at the brilliant starry sky. The stars seemed within reach, the Milky Way spanning the sky, and at that moment, I felt as if I had merged into the embrace of the universe. I quietly listened to the nocturne of the prairie, feeling the mystery and greatness of nature. This trip to Barkol made me deeply appreciate the diversity and richness of life. Here, I found the truth and beauty of life, and gained a rare sense of peace and satisfaction. Barkol, this place full of natural charm and unique style, will become a beautiful scenery in my life's journey. When leaving Barkol, I looked back at this vast land. It appeared more vivid and lively under the afterglow of the sunset. I know that no matter how time flows, Barkol will always remain in my heart, becoming one of my precious memories. Here, I found myself and also found the true meaning of life.

Barkol Kazakh Autonomous County is under the jurisdiction of Hami City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is located in the northeastern part of Xinjiang, bordering Yiwu County to the east, Yizhou District to the south, Mulei Kazakh Autonomous County to the west, and Mongolia to the north. The administrative area covers an area of ​​36,901 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, it had a registered population of 105,441. It is composed of 13 ethnic groups including Han, Kazakh, Uyghur and Mongolian, of which Kazakhs account for 35%. One theory is that Barkol means "Tiger Lake" in Turkic, and it is named after Barkol Lake; another theory is that it is a homophone of Mongolian "Barkul", meaning "tiger front paw", and it was named after the dangerous terrain; One is said to be the ancient Yuezhi language. The border between China and Mongolia is 309 kilometers long, and there is a national first-class seasonal open port - Laoyemiao Port. Barkol has landscapes such as Barkol Mingsha Mountain, one of the four largest Mingsha Mountains in the country, Barkol Grassland, one of the three largest grasslands in Xinjiang, Xiheigou, and Strange Rock Mountain.

Hidden in the vast embrace of Xinjiang lies a little-known gem—Lake Barkol💧. Imagine, this is not just any ordinary lake; it's more like a secret café meticulously arranged by nature, inviting you for a rendezvous between your soul and the beautiful scenery. Here, there's no need to queue, no noise, just you, the water, and boundless tranquility. Reeds sway gently on the side, whispering pastoral greetings🌾, while the fiery red sunset, like a warm painter, gently sketches a tender smile on your cheeks🌞. 🕒Secret Business Hours: 8:30 to 18:00, free admission🎉 🚗Self-driving Guide: Drive towards Lake Barkol, where the scenery along the way is the best navigation🧭 🌟Unique Highlights: A swath of sky so intoxicatingly blue, a canvas of gold stretching to the horizon, and the mysteriously named mirabilite mines and salt fields, make up the most unique landscape here. A gentle breeze, like nature's tenderest embrace, tells you that the blue here is unique to Xinjiang, a treasure only found in this world💎. 📸You in the Lens: Dress in the outfit that resonates most with nature, deep blue, passionate orange, pure white, let the colors dance in front of the camera, merging with the vastness of Lake Barkol. 👉Attention, friends from the south! Xinjiang's dryness might make every cell in your body cry out for moisture💦. Remember to bring enough water, moisturizing products, and even eye drops, to keep yourself hydrated throughout the journey. For those driving, brew a pot of hot tea in a thermos🍵, as Xinjiang's weather is as changeable as a child's face; a hot drink warms your heart and your journey. 🚧Parking Tip: With beautiful scenery ahead, safety comes first! Find a suitable place to park, don't let a beautiful moment turn into a dangerous memory. 🍖Food Guide: Xinjiang's beef and mutton feast is the pride of the livestock industry🐮. Lamb skewers are a must, but don't forget, yogurt and seasonal fruits are your best companions, making your taste buds' journey even smoother🍊🍉. Waste sorting is everyone's responsibility. Please take your beautiful memories with you and leave the trash in the bins, so that our footprints remain only in our hearts, not on the ground🌍.

Guide | Suggestions for traveling to Xinjiang before and after the Spring Festival |||Note: The following itinerary is suitable for those who have a holiday within 7 days, low budget, 👩‍❤️‍👨expect a slow-release vacation (not a special forces hot walk), 🚗the mode of transportation in Xinjiang is car rental or chartered travel; Itinerary suggestion: ☑️D1: 🚄✈️Hami Station (Hami Airport)→Hami Hotel (rest and supply)→Hami Museum (Mukam Heritage Center)→Huiwang Mansion→Huiwang Tomb→Aletun Old Street (coffee, barbecue and other petty bourgeoisie experiences)→Hotel 🎇Highlights: First impression of Xinjiang, understanding the development history of Hami and Xinjiang ☑️D2: Hotel breakfast→Songshutang (the snow-covered grassland has animals such as cattle and horses, the pine tree layer of the northern foot of Dongtianshan is stacked, you may encounter the sunrise over the golden mountain; there is also a ski resort, if interested, you can participate in skiing activities)→Balikun County Hotel (lunch)→Fairy Temple (Dizang Temple)→Qing Dynasty Granary→Songfeng Academy→Balikun Museum→Balikun Ancient City→Food Street Dinner→Hotel 🎇Highlights: Gobi, canyon, strange mountains and rocks, pine forests, Gobi animals and plants, snow mountains, various attractions in Balikun Ancient City Scenic Area ☑️D3: Hotel breakfast→Balikun Lake (lunch)→Guai Shi Mountain Scenic Area (don't climb high if there is snow)→Jingxin Expressway→Qitai County Hotel (about 300 kilometers from the service area of Guai Shi Mountain Scenic Area, about 2.5 hours)→Qitai Hotel Dinner 🎇Highlights: Snow mountains, lakes, strange mountains and rocks and other desolate, magnificent, lofty geological features ☑️D4: Hotel breakfast→Jiangbulak Scenic Area (lunch in Banjie Gou Town about 3 kilometers from the tourist center of the scenic area, only here in winter, there are many farmhouses at the entrance of the scenic area in summer and autumn)→Hotel dinner 🎇Highlights: Gobi, snow mountains, forests, canyons and other natural landscapes ☑️D5: Hotel breakfast→Urumqi Hotel (about 200 kilometers from Qitai County, about 2.5 hours)→Hotel lunch→Hongshan Park or Shagou→International Grand Bazaar (compare prices for shopping needs)→Hotel dinner 🎇Highlights: Silk Road culture, products, special catering, etc. ☑️D6: Hotel breakfast→Tianshan Tianchi→Hotel dinner 🎇Highlights: Canyons, lakes, Gobi and other magnificent landscapes ☑️D7: Hotel natural wake up meal→Urumqi Station or Urumqi South Station (both have bullet trains)→Return to the warm home 👉Planning reasons: The first stop in Hami is relatively close, the time is short, and the cost is low, including time cost; The temperature is close to the Hexi Corridor in Gansu, while Urumqi and Altay are colder, and it is easier to adapt gradually; The living habits of Hami are close to the mainland, and it is easy to adapt quickly when entering Xinjiang for the first time; The itinerary route has relatively less snowfall to avoid safety accidents such as snow accumulation in popular tourist spots such as Sailimu Lake and Altay; The whole journey from Hami to Urumqi is about 800 kilometers, with an average of 150 kilometers per day for six days, which is easy to release; The beautiful scenery of the whole Xinjiang has similar lines;

Barkol Lake is a lesser-known attraction located in Hami, Xinjiang🏞. Few people🙍🏻‍♀, exquisite. If I were to describe it in words, I think Barkol Lake💧 is like a natural coffee shop☕. Sitting in it, sipping a cup of coffee☕, looking at the lake not far away, the waves are sparkling; the reeds🌾 by the side are swaying, quiet and friendly; the fiery sunset🌞 afterglow, reflected on the face, enjoying the warmth. 🕙Opening hours: 8:30-18:00 🎫Ticket price: Free 🚗Transportation strategy: Barkol Lake Scenic Area🏞 💫Highlights: Here is the endless blue💙, here is the vast golden💛, here are many unspeakable vegetation🌿, and there are also beaches composed of mirabilite mines and salt fields. In the gentle breeze, feel the pure natural blue, this is the blue that can't be found in the many beautiful scenery in Xinjiang, the blue of all beings! 📷Photography suggestions Dress: Clothes👚 can be brighter, such as the blue🔵, orange🟠, white⚪ in nature, the big scene will blend well Equipment: The camera📷 can choose medium and long focus, I use 5D3+50mm, assisted by mobile phone and drone. For those who are not afraid of weight, you can bring a longer focal length (85mm or above), shooting birds and people is also good👍. ⚠Suggestions People from the south or other regions really feel very dry when they come to Xinjiang! From the mouth to the eyeballs are dry, it is recommended to bring enough drinking water and moisturizer on the road, and even some eye drops with moisturizing effects; Whether you are a health-conscious person or not, it is also recommended to bring a thermos cup on the self-driving road, add some hot tea water before leaving the restaurant, the temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang is large, it is very comfortable to drink when you are thirsty or cold; When you encounter beautiful scenery and stop the car, pay attention to observe the road conditions and choose a safe place; There is a lot of beef and mutton🐮🐑 in Xinjiang, it is recommended that everyone eat more yogurt, fruit🥭🍎🍉, to help digestion; Protect the environment, take away the garbage, please everyone can love the earth together d🌍. There are often animals appearing on the road, please be careful to avoid.

Mingsha Mountain | Listen to the camel bells and find the nectar in the desert In the overlapping desert, there is a crescent-shaped spring water. As long as you climb the top of the desert, you can see the whole picture of the Crescent Moon Spring. . Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring are mythical places in my heart. The clear spring water surrounded by sand mountains is incredible, but it actually exists in this land of Dunhuang. Walking through a desert, you can approach the Crescent Moon Spring. There is a lush green plant growing on the Crescent Moon Spring. The wind caresses the water surface and the grass tip. It feels like a afternoon in a small park. Crescent Moon is an antique pavilion. This picture is like a mirage in the desert, but this mirage is real. Attraction tips

How to take a photo of a circle of friends in the public attractions? Mingsha Mountain Photo Guide Mingsha Mountain has very small and soft sand. Compared with the sand on the beach, it is very dry. There are also special shoes and roads for walking. Be careful and compare. Admire this magnificent sunset on the high hillside. The best thing to watch in Mingsha Mountain is sunset time. It will be almost sunset at around 8:00 pm, so it is more appropriate to reach the top of the dune around 7:00. There are two types of photos on the sand dunes. One is the photo with the sand dunes. The most suitable clothes are red skirts. The people who are photographed can turn circles, play sand, or even just sit and shoot good films. The other type is the silhouette of the sunset. For the silhouette, it doesn't matter what you wear. As long as you have a good weather, you can shoot. As for what action to take, you can refer to our shot, or Baidu. There are many good silhouettes on the Internet.

In Mingsha Mountain Scenic Area, there are several experiences: riding a camel, taking a "sand car", taking a helicopter and the most convenient sand-skiing. Because we did not ride a camel, we chose this, but riding a camel is subject to additional charges. It is generally recommended to wear a shoe cover when entering the scenic spot. You can rent it at the entrance, or you can bring it. The quality of the shoe cover in the scenic area is still good, basically it will not enter the sand. When riding a camel, someone will help with the photo. If you want to take a photo, you will need to pay extra. The ride on the camel is from the entrance to the Crescent Moon Spring, which takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour. Say a real feeling, if there is no special hobby, it is not recommended to ride, because the bumps are a bit painful.

Dunhuang Mingsha Mountain National Key Scenic Spot, located in the northwest of the motherland it is the magical and magnificent Gansu tourist attraction on the Silk Road. It is located in the southern suburb of Dunhuang City, Gansu Province, seven kilometers away, in the transition zone between the Badain Jaran Desert and the Taklimakan Desert, covering an area of about 200 square kilometers. There are two peculiarities in Mingsha Mountain: if a person descends from the top of the mountain, the sand under his feet will squeak; during the day, people will climb the footprints left by the sand hills, and the next day there will be no traces. Mingsha Mountain, the sand peaks and undulating, the mountain "like the dragon and dragonfly", the golden light is like a golden mountain. Mingsha Mountain was once known as Shajiao Mountain.

Just keep going. Because on your way flowers will bloom in succession ---------Tegor has always dreamed of a walk and leave, want to stay in the soul of the journey / hc / when travel becomes a wandering, a confession, a moment of insight, life is full. So, pick up the backpack and say go away; So, go to the northwest.

The Crescent Moon Spring is surrounded by Mingsha Mountain. It is about 150 meters long and about 50 meters wide. It is named after the water surface is like a crescent moon. The source of the Crescent Moon Spring is the Party River. It relies on the continuous filling of the river water. In the siege of the four sides of the yellow sand, the spring water is clear and beautiful, and the millennium is not awkward. It is amazing. It is a pity that since the 1990s, the party river and the Crescent Moon Spring have been cut off, and only the artificial method can be used to maintain the status quo of the spring water. Because the pavilion has been built on the edge of the Crescent Moon Spring, together with the rolling sand hills, the clear spring water, the splendid sunset, the scenery is not bad.

At the foot of the ice and snow world, when I went to Hal Bing, I didnt go to a little regret, but this time I made up for it. I remember the last time I went to the Temple of Heaven was still very small, the impression was already blurred, but here I saw a snow-covered Temple of Heaven. Every ice sculpture is crystal clear and beautiful. The door of the world of ice and snow. Ice sculpture is really beautiful. The darkness of Xinjiang, even in the winter, it will be dark after 7 o'clock in the evening. At about 4:30, the trip to Tianshan Tianchi ended, and it began to go to Urumqi. It took about an hour to reach the hotel where I lived.

In a singer-songing voice, I was fortunate enough to witness a marriage proposal, the girl was shy and excited, the atmosphere at the scene was so warm, and the girl around me was also. When the bonfire in the desert started, a group of people sang "Later" around the fire, and the girl who had been happy around her was red-eyed, the tears in the eyes of the night were shining, the most ridiculous place, the most Long-awaited watch, I hope that we can return to this place in a few years...

When it comes to the desert, when it comes to Xiangshawan, there will be such a picture in the minds of people: standing on the golden sand dunes and overlooking the rolling yellow sand, the sky is in the desert, the desert is uninhabited, only the camel team Head forward, the whole world is filled with desolate loneliness. As the figure of the camel team is getting smaller and smaller, the camel ringing is getting weaker... Mingsha Mountain, located in the northern foot of Mingsha Mountain, 7 km south of Dunhuang City, from the Mogao Cliffs in the east The top is connected to the Danghe Reservoir in the west. The whole mountain is made up of fine grainy yellow sand. When the wind is blowing, the sand mountain will make a loud noise. When the light wind blows, it is like a stringed silk bamboo. Tickets are 120 yuan.