[2025 Astana Attraction] Travel Guide for Nur Astana Mosque (Updated May)

Ark-like architecture, glittering golden buildings, star chains on the grasslands... Astana, a city that perfectly blends nomadic customs with cyberpunk style, awaits your exploration with its unique charm! Things to Know Before You Go - Visa: Chinese passport holders can enjoy 14 days of visa-free travel. Even with a blank passport, you can easily embark on a Central Asian journey. - Transportation: Direct flights from Urumqi are the most convenient. Round-trip tickets with China Southern Airlines cost around CNY 2,000, including taxes. Booking in advance may get you better deals. - Currency: The local currency is the Tenge (₸). The exchange rate is approximately CNY 1 ≈ ₸64. Remember not to exchange currency at the airport; rates in the city are better. - Must-have app: Yandex Go is a great app for getting around. It's half the price of regular taxis, making your travel more affordable. - Hidden perk: Visit City Hall for a chance to get a free limited-edition city badge. It's super cool and makes a unique travel souvenir. Top 5 Must-See Attractions 1. Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center - Unique experience: Inside this giant, post-apocalyptic-style tent, you'll find an indoor beach, as if you've stepped into another world. - Thrilling activity: The transparent slide is a must-try. It offers stunning views of the city from above (only CNY 80 per ride). - Night view: The light show at 20:00 transforms the building into an alien base, a truly magical sight. 2. Bayterek Tower - Wishing spot: At the top of the tower, you can make a wish by touching the golden handprint of the president. The top-level glass bridge is thrilling and might make your knees weak. - Photo op: Capture the golden sphere and the Islamic Center together at sunset for a breathtaking shot. 3. Nur-Astana Mosque - Architectural marvel: As the world's third-largest mosque, its 24K gold dome shines brightly in the sun, exuding luxury. - Note: Women are required to wear a robe, provided free of charge. The blue ones are best for photos. Remember to respect local dress codes. 4. National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Cultural feast: The museum houses precious artifacts such as golden warrior armor and the Hunnic crown. For just CNY 30, you can explore the chronicle of nomadic civilization. - Special treat: On the fourth floor, you can try on a traditional Kazakh bridal headdress (CNY 50, including photography) for a unique cultural experience. 5. Expo 2017 Astana - Journey to the future: The Nur Alem sphere and the space-themed pavilion are full of futuristic technology. Night tickets are only CNY 60 and include a spectacular laser show. - Hidden gem: The abandoned Nazarbayev University is a great spot for cyberpunk-style photos. Food Adventures - Navat: Enjoy a state banquet-level horse meat plov with sour cream for only CNY 40. - Astana Continental: Dine at the highest revolving restaurant in Central Asia. Enjoy caviar pancakes for CNY 200 while taking in the city views. - Zheltoksan: This Soviet-style canteen offers smoked horse sausage with kvass for just CNY 15, taking you back in time. - Street food: Find a stall selling Baursak (fried dough balls). Dip them in honey for a taste of heaven (CNY 5). Shopping List - Nomadic silver jewelry: Bargain at the Green Bazaar for exquisite silver jewelry (around CNY 200), perfect as souvenirs or gifts. - Shanyrak totem tapestry: A unique item found at the National Museum shop, featuring distinctive totem patterns. - Soviet retro cameras: The old town flea market is a great place to find vintage cameras for around CNY 150, perfect for capturing travel memories. - Astana-exclusive chocolate: Buy astronaut-themed chocolates at the airport. The unique packaging and delicious taste make them a great gift. Getting Around - Airport → City center: Take bus No. 10 for only CNY 3, a much cheaper option than a taxi (CNY 50). - Crossing the river: Take the cable car across the Ishim River for CNY 15 and enjoy a different perspective of the city. - Driving advisory: Traffic is heavy during rush hour, so plan your driving route carefully. - Hidden route: Take a vintage trolleybus and capture photos of Soviet-era architecture along the way. Unique Experiences for Hardcore Travelers - Stargazing yurt stay: Stay in a yurt at a grassland camp 30 km from the city center, gaze at the stars, and experience nomadic life. - Ishim River night tour: Walk on the ice along the illuminated path (winter only) for a unique romantic experience. - Horseback riding through the new city: Find a horse riding group at Ak Orda Presidential Palace and explore the new city on horseback. - Dombra singing lessons: Take a CNY 100 trial class at the music academy and learn to play the traditional Dombra. - Nuclear bunker tour: Explore a mysterious nuclear bunker with a local guide and uncover a hidden side of the city. Important Notes - Dress code: Shorts are not allowed in mosques. Long skirts can be rented at the entrance. Please respect religious dress codes. - Payment methods: Cash is more widely accepted. 90% of small shops don't accept credit cards, so be sure to have cash on hand. - Winter warmth: Winter temperatures can drop to -30°C, so dress warmly and use hand warmers. - Scam alert: Be wary of people selling pigeon feed in the square. Once you accept the feed, you may be asked to pay CNY 50. 3-Day Itinerary - Day 1: Khan Shatyr → Bayterek Tower → Islamic Center night view - Day 2: National Museum → Expo 2017 → Ishim River cruise - Day 3: Green Bazaar shopping → Horseback riding on the grasslands → Soviet-style dinner In this city, where nomadic culture blends seamlessly with futuristic technology, you can enjoy a delicious lamb hot pot for CNY 50 or chase the aurora on horseback for CNY 100. Take this guide and embark on an unforgettable Central Asian adventure in Astana!

Hey everyone 👋, today I'm thrilled to recommend a hidden gem in Russia – Astrakhan 🎉! In just two days, you can immerse yourself in the unique charm of this city. Come join me on this fantastic journey, let's go 🚀! 🌟 Day 1: 👉 Morning: Our first stop is the Nur-Sultan Mosque 🕌. As soon as you step into the area, you'll be greeted by a rich exotic atmosphere. The unique architectural style and exquisite decorations will instantly transport you to a mystical Middle Eastern country, perfect for taking stunning photos 📷! After visiting the mosque, we'll head straight to the City Museum. There, the history of Astrakhan from ancient times to the present is clearly displayed. Various precious artifacts and detailed historical materials, like keys 🔑, unlock the door to understanding this city. After a tour, you'll feel your knowledge base growing. 🍔 Lunch: After a morning of exploring, our stomachs are rumbling. It's time for the local specialty, Urban pie 👏! One bite and you'll experience the crispy crust and juicy filling of the meat pie. Paired with unique sauces, the rich flavors collide and blend on your taste buds. This authentic Russian delicacy will truly make you feel incredibly happy 😍 and instantly energized. 🌳 Afternoon: With our bellies full, let's take a stroll through the old town 🚶‍♀️. The stone-paved roads and ancient buildings along the streets tell stories of the past. You might also stumble upon some handicraft shops along the way. Go treasure hunting, and you might find some lovely souvenirs. As we walk, we'll arrive at Karabulak Park. The natural scenery here is simply breathtaking, with lush green grass, swaying trees 🌳, and a crystal-clear lake. Find a bench, sit down, close your eyes, feel the breeze on your face, and listen to the cheerful singing of birds. All your fatigue will vanish, as if time has stopped. 🎶 Evening: As night falls, the city's nightlife is just beginning 🎇! Go to a theatrical performance or concert, immerse yourself in the ocean of art, and let the beautiful music cleanse your soul. After the show, how can you miss a late-night snack? Enjoy some traditional local snacks while reminiscing about the day's highlights, bringing a perfect end to the first day's journey. 🌟 Day 2: 🚣‍♀️ Morning: Early in the morning on the second day, we'll head to Lake Ilmen. Wow 😍, the scenery at the lakeside is simply breathtaking! The azure lake water shimmers under the sunlight, and flocks of water birds soar and play freely on the lake. They sometimes touch the lake surface gently, and sometimes flap their wings and fly high, forming a beautiful ecological picture with the surrounding green mountains and clear waters, like a fairyland. At this moment, you just want to sit quietly by the lake, immerse yourself in the embrace of nature, and feel the harmony between humans and nature. 🏰 Lunch: Leaving the lake with a heart full of joy, we'll head to explore the ancient Kurtat Fortress 🏰. This ancient fortress carries a heavy history. The mottled walls and ancient gates exude an air of time. Step inside the fortress and delve into the historical stories behind it through the displayed artifacts and detailed introductions. Imagine the wars, love stories, and daily life that once took place here, as if traveling through time and having a dialogue with the ancients. 👣 Afternoon: Next, we'll stroll through the ancient streets and alleys 👣. Every brick and every building here is imbued with a profound cultural heritage. The traditional houses and ancient shops along the streets retain their original appearance. Reaching out and touching the walls, you seem to feel the temperature of history. Along the way, you can also see some local elderly people sitting at their doorsteps, basking in the sun and chatting. Go say hello and listen to their old stories, which is a unique experience. 🌃 Evening: As night falls again, don't rush back to the hotel. Go explore the city's night view 🌃! The dazzling lights illuminate the entire city, with skyscrapers and ancient buildings complementing each other. The streets are bustling with traffic and pedestrians, showcasing the city's unique charm of blending modernity and tradition. Take some beautiful night photos in the streets and alleys, bringing a perfect end to this unforgettable two-day Astrakhan trip. Hey everyone, wasn't this two-day Astrakhan trip amazing 👍? Are you tempted? Share your travel plans 🗺️, maybe we'll meet on our next journey!

Astana was established in 1997, and everything is still under construction and development, so the whole city is very new! Very clean! And feels very safe!! Although located in Central Asia, this place is more like a combination of Asia and Europe! It references European and Middle Eastern architectural styles, European urban planning, Singapore's legal system, and China's economic development direction... This city is very small and simple!!! You could say you can visit all the must-see places in one day! All the attractions are on one axis. The Blue Mosque, Khan Shatyr, Nur Astana Mosque, Bayterek Tower, National Museum, Hazrat Sultan Mosque, Presidential Palace & Opera House, Expo & Triumphal Arch, this place is really romantic.