[2025 Tekes Attraction] Travel Guide for Falcon Terrace (Updated Jul)

My first visit to the Karakun Grassland felt like stepping into a living, breathing painting. The vibrant green pastures, the undulating contours of distant mountains, and the pristine blue sky created a scene of pure serenity. But my trip here had a special purpose—visiting a Kazakh family. The hospitable family welcomed us into their yurt and immediately treated us to a lively performance of traditional songs and dances. The upbeat rhythms and natural flow of their singing and dancing were incredibly infectious, radiating a genuine joy that had me clapping along and laughing out loud. Next, they served homemade yogurt curds, a local specialty with a firm texture and a unique salty-sour flavor. I also got to try my hand at a special activity—milking a cow! At first, I was nervous, but with the patient guidance of the Kazakh uncle, I managed to successfully milk the cow, which gave me an immense sense of accomplishment. Later, I rode a horse and took a leisurely tour around the grassland. The gentle breeze and the endless expanse of green were dotted with herds of cows and sheep, grazing or basking in the sun. At one point, I couldn’t help but think: these animals seem to live better lives than us, enjoying a perpetual vacation. This grassland visit was filled with unique tastes, sounds, and experiences, but what lingered most was the simple, carefree, and unhurried feeling that stayed with me long after I left.

Don’t join tour groups in Xinjiang—no, not even high-end small groups. I’ll say it three times because it’s crucial! Xinjiang is vast. Tours typically start at 7-8 AM and end at midnight or even 1 AM, with most time spent on the road. You’ll arrive at scenic spots under scorching noon sun, only to find the visitor center far from the actual attractions—requiring a 3-hour round trip by shuttle or horseback. Just as you reach that Instagram-worthy spot, you’re rushed back to the next destination. Barely 30 minutes at each spot? No exaggeration! Here’s a 3️⃣-day DIY itinerary for maximum efficiency, avoiding pitfalls while staying budget-friendly: 📍 **Day 1: Chasing the Blue of Sayram Lake** • **Morning:** ◦ ✈️ Take an early flight to **Yining** (window seat for Tianshan snow peaks!). ◦ 🚗 Pick up your pre-booked SUV at the airport (recommend Tank 300, ~¥400/day with full insurance). ◦ 🛒 Stock up on supplies: naan, water, fruit (prices double inside scenic areas). • **Afternoon:** ◦ Drive 1.5h to **Sayram Lake East Gate**. ◦ **Must-dos:** ✅ Loop the lake counterclockwise (avoid crowds). ✅ Key stops: ▪ **Dianjiang Platform** (panoramic views). ▪ **Kele Yongzhu** (swans + S-curve boardwalk). ▪ **Pine Tree Head** (20-min hike for a bird’s-eye view of Guozigou Bridge). • **Stay:** ◦ **Dianjiang Platform RV Camp** (~¥1,200/night; lakeside views justify the cost). ◦ 🌌 Stargaze at 2 AM (Milky Way visible to the naked eye). **Pro tip:** Skip the day pass—buy the **24-hour ticket** (¥190/person) to catch sunrise the next morning. ------ 📍 **Day 2: Grasslands Beneath Glaciers** • **Dawn:** ◦ 🌅 Photograph Sayram’s sunrise by 7 AM (freezing but breathtaking). ◦ 🚗 Hit the **Yining-Zhaosu Highway** by 9 AM (small vehicles only—thrilling cliffs!). • **Afternoon:** ◦ Arrive at **Xia’er Ancient Road** by 1 PM. ◦ **Must-dos:** ✅ Shuttle to **Hot Spring Hotel** → switch to electric cart for **General’s Bridge**. ✅ Hike to **Kara House No. 4** (2h round trip; wildflowers + snow-capped peaks). ❌ Skip the glacier—too time-consuming and rugged. • **Stay:** ◦ **Jiangsu International Hotel** in Zhaosu (¥300/night; clean with elevators). ◦ 🍖 Dinner at **Nuhe Lamb Rib Soup** (tender meat, ¥50/person). **Key:** Yining-Zhaosu Highway bans vehicles over 7 seats! Check opening dates (June-Sept). ------ 📍 **Day 3: Karajun’s Visual Feast** • **Morning:** ◦ 🚗 Drive 1.5h from Zhaosu to **Karajun Grassland** (arrive by 9 AM to skip lines). ◦ **Must-dos:** ✅ Head straight to **Flower Terrace** → **Eagle Terrace** (shuttle accessible). ✅ Horseback ride to **Kuerdai Forest Canyon** (¥80/hour; guided for safety). • **Afternoon:** ◦ Drive 1h to **Tekes Bagua City**. ◦ **Must-dos:** ✅ Ride the Ferris wheel at sunset (after 8:30 PM for city lights). ✅ Explore **Li Street** (vibrant murals for ethnic-themed photos). • **Stay:** ◦ **Wanbang International Hotel** (¥350/night; free parking). **Secret spot:** From Flower Terrace, walk 500m right to dodge tour groups! ⚠️ **Critical Tips for 3-Day Marathon** 1. **Car Rental Traps:** ◦ Buy **tire insurance**—gravel roads near Qiongkushitai are puncture-prone. ◦ Film fuel gauge and car condition at return (prevents deposit disputes). 2. **Weather Plan B:** ◦ Rainy Day 3? Swap to **Kurdening** (magical in drizzle). ◦ Overcast at Sayram? Skip the loop, head straight to Xia’er. 3. **Packing Light:** ◦ 20-inch suitcase + backpack (no elevators at Qiongkushitai lodges). ◦ Essentials: windbreaker, sunscreen, motion sickness pills, neck pillow.

I highly recommend self-driving when visiting this area, as it allows you to stop along the way and capture stunning scenery. The cost for one person to self-drive is 160 yuan, with the restriction that only vehicles with up to seven seats are allowed to enter. The self-driving route is a one-way loop (marked as the red route), starting from the Self-driving Visitor Center and ending at the Bulake Service Center. When we visited, there was only a brief period of sunshine, and most of the day was cloudy, so the photos we took didn’t turn out as well as expected. For those who enjoy a leisurely pace, plan to spend a full day here. In May, only a few areas have blooming yellow flowers, so if you’re a flower enthusiast, it’s better to visit later in the season to avoid disappointment.

🚀 Quick Guide to Start! Want to make the most out of a brief stop at the Kalajun grassland? Two essential attractions will make your half-day trip exciting and worthwhile! 🌳 📍 **Kalajun Grassland: An Invitation from Nature** Kalajun, the shining pearl within Tekes County, lies between the Western Tianshan and the Ili River Valley. In summer, it's like a palette meticulously arranged by God. Imagine being embraced by emerald meadows and dark green spruce forests, with distant snow-capped mountains. A 5A scenic area experience awaits your immersion. 🌲 🚗 🧭 **Setting Off to Kalajun: Easy Navigation, Worry-Free Arrival** Set your destination to either 【Kalajun Scenic Area Bulak Ticket Station】 or 【Kalajun Tourist Service Center Scenic Area (Main Entrance)】, depending on whether you're visiting the canyon. Remember, booking tickets online is crucial (Grassland ¥135/Canyon ¥150/Combo Ticket ¥265), including shuttle service, for a convenient trip. 🗺️ 🚌 🎟️ **Essential Tour: Two Major Stops, Double the Amazement** Hop on and off the shuttle bus, but don't miss: 1️⃣ 🌺 **Flower Terrace (Five-Flower Meadow)** A short uphill walk, 15 minutes to a floral fairyland. Take the left plank road to avoid the crowd, with snow mountains, jungles, canyons, and grasslands all in one view, a full hour's feast for the eyes. 2️⃣ 🦅 **Falcon Terrace** Venture deep into the Kuerden Forest Grand Canyon, an easy hike through three levels of terraces, overlooking the village of Qiongkushitai. Horseback adventure is an option, with the escort of a guide, a 1-hour round trip, enjoying the tranquility and distance. 🍜 🍴 **Energy Refueling Station** Fast food in the scenic area makes for a quick fix with instant noodles and grilled sausages. For a full meal, Tekes County town is the place to go. 🍝 🏨 🛏️ **Preferred Overnight Stay** The county town is only 30 kilometers from the scenic area, with preferred accommodation options, complete facilities, and better rest. 🏞️ ⚠️ 📝 **Pre-trip Tips** Buy tickets early to avoid disappointment. The weather is changeable, so rain gear and warm clothing are essential, as are comfortable hiking shoes. Pay attention to the direction of the return shuttle bus to avoid getting on the wrong one. 🧥👟 🌟 ✨ **Kalajun, a Half-Day Tour of Fantasy** Here, every moment is a surprise bestowed by nature. No matter how long you stay, the Kalajun grassland has the power to turn your journey into a voyage of discovery about beauty! 🎉🌲