Wucai Beach, Xinjiang: A hidden gem with golden sunsets, half desert, half fairytale

📍Address: Wucai Beach is located 24 km northwest of Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on the north bank of the Irtysh River. 🚗Transportation: Drive from Burqin County along Provincial Highway 227 for about 25 minutes. A round-trip chartered car from Burqin costs about CNY 30 per person, but if there are few people, it may cost CNY 100 per car. Drivers usually wait outside the scenic area until sunset. There is no public transportation to the scenic area, so driving or chartering a car is recommended. 👍️Must-see attractions: [One] Sunset from the viewing platform: This is the soul of Wucai Beach. At sunset, the glow of the sun dyes the Yadan landform into a red, orange, purple, and gold oil painting, reflected in the Irtysh River. The best photo spot is the highest viewing platform in the middle of the scenic area. [Two] Wooden walkway: Walk along the wooden walkway through the colorful hills and feel the texture and color changes of the rocks up close. The poplar forest on the other side of the river is golden in fall, making it a great photo background. [Three] Windmills on the south bank: The south bank of Wucai Beach is lined with wind turbines. The white windmills contrast sharply with the desert and oasis, like a scene from a sci-fi movie. [Four] Art square and poplar forest: The art square at the entrance of the scenic area has ethnic handicrafts and snacks, while the poplar forest on the other side of the river is like a fairytale world in fall. You can enjoy the view from afar. 🎟️Tickets: CNY 50 per adult. Open from April 20 to October 20. Tickets are sold from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Visitors can stay until sunset after ticket sales end. 💗Other tips: The best time to visit Wucai Beach is from June to September. Arrive 1 hour before sunset. The best spots and viewing platforms are often crowded. The light is soft and the colors are most saturated at sunset, like a spilled palette.