Journey to the West – 50-Day Self-Drive Tour of Beautiful Xinjiang in May and June 2025, Part 9: Tianshan Tianchi – Jiangbulak – Hami – Shantou

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Continued from "Journey to the West – 50-Day Self-Drive Tour of Beautiful Xinjiang in May and June 2025, Part 8: Kunes – Turpan – Urumqi"

Xinjiang - Fukang - Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area - Tianchi Lake

Xinjiang - Fukang - Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area - Tianchi Lake - Holy Water Altar

Xinjiang - Fukang - Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area - Mayashan Scenic Area overlooking Tianchi Lake

Xinjiang - Fukang - Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area - Tianchi Lake

Xinjiang - Qitai - Jiangbulak Scenic Area

Xinjiang - Hami - Hami Grand Canyon Scenic Area

Tianshan Tianchi, also known as Tianshan Tianchi National Geopark, anciently called "Yaochi" (Jade Pool), is located within Fukang City, Changji Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a renowned natural scenic area. The lake surface of Tianchi is at an altitude of 1910 meters, with a maximum depth of 105 meters. The lake reflects the Bogda Peak, surrounded by spruce forests, creating a scenery like a fairyland. Tianshan Tianchi presents different beautiful views in different seasons: in spring, ice and snow melt and everything revives; in summer, green grass is like a carpet and flowers bloom in profusion; in autumn, the forests are dyed with layers of colors; in winter, it is covered in silver and white, resembling a fairyland. The Tianshan Tianchi scenic area includes natural landscapes such as alpine lakes, wetlands, meadows, forests, and canyons. With its beautiful lake and mountain scenery and rich cultural heritage, it attracts countless tourists.

Xinjiang - Fukang - Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area - Tourist Service Center

Xinjiang - Fukang - Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area - Tianchi Lake

Xinjiang - Fukang - Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area - Mayashan Cable Car

Xinjiang - Fukang - Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area - Mayashan Scenic Area

Xinjiang - Fukang - Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area - Mayashan Scenic Area overlooking Tianchi Lake

Xinjiang - Fukang - Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area - Mayashan Scenic Area

Xinjiang - Fukang - Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area - Tianchi Lake - Dinghai Shenzhen (Seasettling Needle)

Day 39, June 22: Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi (Fukang) – Jiangbulak Scenic Area (Qitai) (70+200 = 270 km). Stay at: Qitai County Shanshe Homestay.

Tianshan Tianchi is a classic scenic spot in Xinjiang, always crowded with tourists every day. Today we visited again and were fortunate to have a sunny day, which was wonderful. Everyone had happy smiles on their faces.

Arriving at the lakeside, the lake water was clear and turquoise, surrounded by mountains, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. The scenery was very charming. Along with the bustling crowd, we sometimes stopped to admire the view and sometimes paused to take photos. During the visit, we took the shuttle bus and cable car to explore the Mayashan Scenic Area. There, cliffs were steep and rocky peaks stood tall. Standing on the high mountain, we could see the entire Tianchi Lake to the north, the Bogda Peak to the east and the snowy mountains and clouds to the south seemed close at hand, while the fields around Urumqi to the west were also clearly visible.

Notes:

1. Now the parking lot of Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area has been moved more than 30 kilometers away. From the visitor center, you need to take the scenic area shuttle bus for over half an hour, then walk more than 800 meters uphill (or pay an additional 10 yuan for an electric cart) to reach the lakeside. During peak season or holidays, you may have to queue for the bus, so the round trip takes a lot of time. Consider this when planning your itinerary.

2. Mayashan has peculiar rocks and layered cliffs that are dazzling and enchanting. From here you can overlook the entire Tianchi Lake, making it well worth a visit. Note that just this scenic area, including shuttle bus and cable car, takes at least 2 hours to tour.

Xinjiang - Fukang - Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area - Tianchi Lake

Xinjiang - Fukang - Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area - Mayashan Scenic Area

Xinjiang - Fukang - Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area - Winding Mountain Road

Day 40, June 23: Jiangbulak (60 km). Stay: Same as above.

According to introduction, Jiangbulak is located in Qitai County, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture. It is a national forest park, a national 4A-level tourist attraction, and identified by the Chinese Academy of Sciences as one of the well-protected oasis cultures. The scenic area covers a total of 48 square kilometers and is an important scenic spot on the ancient northern Silk Road. It consists of attractions such as thousands of acres of dryland wheat fields, the Tianshan Strange Slope, the Han Dynasty Shule City, wooden boardwalks, and Black Lake. The scenic area has unique tourism resources, combining magnificent natural scenery, long-standing human landscapes, and colorful ethnic customs. It features distinctive characteristics and beautiful scenery, including world-class rare tourism resources and unique landscapes. It has become a leisure tourism resort in Xinjiang.

In fact, Jiangbulak Scenic Area is not very well-known at present. Our visit here was purely accidental. While planning the itinerary, we were looking for a place to rest and relax in this area and stumbled upon it. After reading the introduction, we decided to stay for two days. Looking back, this choice was indeed good. Not only was the scenery unexpectedly beautiful, but the homestay adjacent to the scenic area where we stayed for two nights was simple and quiet. From the doorstep of our room, we could view the scenic area. We also enjoyed delicious local chicken and palatable farmhouse dishes, which made for a perfect combination of sightseeing, relaxation, and rest. It left a good impression.

Xinjiang - Qitai - Jiangbulak Scenic Area

Notes:

1. When you see the stunning scenery of Jiangbulak, you will understand the true meaning of returning to nature. Every unique view here is worth watching and experiencing. There are not too many tourists, and the temperature is a comfortable 20+°C, bringing a better travel experience.

2. The scenic area is very large. After purchasing a self-driving ticket, you can drive into the area. The one-way route without backtracking is about 60 kilometers. There are many parking spots along the way, making it very convenient to stop whenever you want.

Xinjiang - Qitai - Jiangbulak Scenic Area

Xinjiang - Qitai - Jiangbulak Scenic Area - Tianshan Strange Slope

Xinjiang - Qitai - Jiangbulak Scenic Area

Day 41, June 24: Jiangbulak – Hami (480 km). Stay: Ji Hotel (Hami Yingbin Avenue).

In the morning, we reluctantly left our homestay in Jiangbulak and headed to Hami, the last stop of this self-drive tour within Xinjiang. We would stay two nights in Hami, then leave Xinjiang via Hami and pass through Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Hubei, Jiangxi and other provinces to return to Guangdong.

The temperature in Hami was also very high, reaching over 40°C. In the afternoon, after arriving in Hami, we visited the Hami Museum, Hami Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Center, and the Hami Royal Palace Scenic Area despite the heat.

Notes:

1. If interested, you can visit the Hami Museum, the adjacent Hami Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Center, and the Hami Royal Palace opposite in half a day.

2. The Hami Royal Palace was once a large-scale, magnificent and unique palace building in Xinjiang, truly known as the "Little Forbidden City of the Western Regions." The current Hami Royal Palace Scenic Area is a reconstruction of the former Hami Royal Palace. Here you can feel the grandeur and exquisiteness of the former palace, see the architectural style combining Han culture and Islamic culture, and learn about the history of Hami under the rule of the Hami Kings.

Xinjiang - Hami - Hami Museum

Xinjiang - Hami - Hami Royal Palace Scenic Area

Xinjiang - Hami - Hami Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center

Day 42, Wednesday, June 25: Hami – Grand Canyon – Hami (350 km). Stay: Same as above.

The Grand Canyon was originally the shortest ancient route on the Silk Road from Dunhuang to Hami and Turpan, with a total length of over 500 kilometers. The Hami Grand Canyon is just a short section of the vast canyon from the south gate of Wubao to the north gate of Ledun. History has left behind ancient castles, beacon towers, post stations, prehistoric human settlement sites, fossil mountains, and many rare geographical landforms.

For self-driving tourists in Hami, the most attractive attraction is the Hami Grand Canyon. Since it is claimed to be the only legally crossable no-man's land in China, it has become a sought-after destination for self-driving and trekking enthusiasts. Today we also joined in the fun, driving through the Hami Grand Canyon to experience a different no-man's land journey.

We entered the scenic area from the east gate recommended by many, drove all the way to the mid-way Hongliutan Visitor Service Center for lunch and rest, then began to enter the gravel road and washboard road. However, as the temperature at noon exceeded 40°C, considering that in such a hot environment, if the vehicle had a tire blowout or other breakdown, we elderly people would face great difficulties in handling it, and even some risks in serious cases, we decisively turned back after trying a short section of gravel road. Although we missed the more spectacular attractions further ahead, leaving a significant regret, safety is the most important when traveling away from home.

Notes:

1. If you want to experience the Grand Canyon no-man's land, you can navigate directly to "Hami Yardang Grand Canyon Scenic Area," which is the east gate. From this entrance, there is about 70+ kilometers of asphalt road, suitable for almost any vehicle. After passing the Hongliutan Visitor Service Center, the asphalt road ends and turns into gravel and washboard roads, which continue to the core area. After driving about 40-50 kilometers of rough road, you will reach the north gate exit. From there, after another 30 kilometers or so, you finally return to asphalt road. Continuing forward, you will reach the G30 Lianhuo Expressway. About 100 kilometers east returns to Hami, and 300 kilometers west goes to Turpan.

2. The mid-way Hongliutan Visitor Service Center is quite large, with facilities including dining and accommodation. However, there is no gas station, so make sure to fill up your vehicle before entering the scenic area.

Xinjiang - Hami - Hami Grand Canyon Scenic Area

Day 43, June 26: Hami – Dunhuang (410 km). Stay: Dunhuang Aisiting Hotel.

Day 44, June 27: Dunhuang – Yumen Pass – Dunhuang (250 km). Stay: Same as above.

Day 45, June 28: Dunhuang – Jiayuguan (400 km). Stay: Homeinns Business Hotel (Jiayuguan Expressway East Lake Scenic Area).

Day 46, June 29: Jiayuguan – Zhongwei (750 km). Stay: Zhongwei Guyu Moli Hotel (Gulou Xiangyang Walking Street).

Day 47, June 30: Zhongwei – Jingyuan – Baoji (310+200 = 510 km). Stay: Vienna International Hotel (Baoji High-Speed Rail Station).

Day 48, July 1: Baoji – Jingzhou (810 km). Stay: Vienna International Hotel (Jingzhou Xintiandi).

Day 49, July 2: Jingzhou – Ganzhou (760 km). Stay: Vienna International Hotel (Ganzhou CBD MIXC Central Park).

Day 50, July 3: Ganzhou – Shantou (470 km).

Gansu - Dunhuang - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area - Crescent Spring

Gansu - Dunhuang - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area

Gansu - Dunhuang - Baita Temple Scenic Area

Ningxia - Jingyuan - Liupan Mountain National Forest Park

Ningxia - Jingyuan - Scenery along the way

Days 43 to 50: Leaving Xinjiang from Hami, we began the journey back to Shantou, over 4,000 kilometers. Along the way, we also visited scenic spots such as Crescent Spring and Mingsha Mountain, Mogao Caves, Dunhuang Museum, Yumen Pass, and Yangguan Ruins in Dunhuang, Gansu; Jiayuguan Pass Scenic Area in Jiayuguan and the Hexi Corridor scenery; Zhongwei Drum Tower and Gaomiao Scenic Area in Zhongwei, Ningxia; Liupan Mountain National Forest Park in Jingyuan, etc. The harvest was full, adding color to the entire self-drive tour. We traveled through five provinces: Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Hubei, and Jiangxi, and finally returned to Shantou City, Guangdong Province, successfully concluding the 50-day "Beautiful Xinjiang" self-drive tour.

Gansu - Dunhuang - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area - Crescent Spring

Gansu - Dunhuang - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area - Mingsha Mountain

Gansu - Dunhuang - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area - Crescent Spring

Hubei - Jingzhou - Zhang Juzheng Former Residence

Ningxia - Zhongwei - Zhongwei Gaomiao

Hubei - Jingzhou - Jingzhou Ancient City Gate

Continued in "Journey to the West – 50-Day Self-Drive Tour of Beautiful Xinjiang in May and June 2025, Part 10: Conclusion"

Journey to the West – 50-Day Self-Drive Tour of Beautiful Xinjiang in May and June 2025, Part 9: Tianshan Tianchi – Jiangbulak – Hami – Shantou image 1

Journey to the West – 50-Day Self-Drive Tour of Beautiful Xinjiang in May and June 2025, Part 9: Tianshan Tianchi – Jiangbulak – Hami – Shantou image 2

Journey to the West – 50-Day Self-Drive Tour of Beautiful Xinjiang in May and June 2025, Part 9: Tianshan Tianchi – Jiangbulak – Hami – Shantou image 3

Journey to the West – 50-Day Self-Drive Tour of Beautiful Xinjiang in May and June 2025, Part 9: Tianshan Tianchi – Jiangbulak – Hami – Shantou image 4

Journey to the West – 50-Day Self-Drive Tour of Beautiful Xinjiang in May and June 2025, Part 9: Tianshan Tianchi – Jiangbulak – Hami – Shantou image 5

Journey to the West – 50-Day Self-Drive Tour of Beautiful Xinjiang in May and June 2025, Part 9: Tianshan Tianchi – Jiangbulak – Hami – Shantou image 6

Journey to the West – 50-Day Self-Drive Tour of Beautiful Xinjiang in May and June 2025, Part 9: Tianshan Tianchi – Jiangbulak – Hami – Shantou image 7

Journey to the West – 50-Day Self-Drive Tour of Beautiful Xinjiang in May and June 2025, Part 9: Tianshan Tianchi – Jiangbulak – Hami – Shantou image 8

Journey to the West – 50-Day Self-Drive Tour of Beautiful Xinjiang in May and June 2025, Part 9: Tianshan Tianchi – Jiangbulak – Hami – Shantou image 9

Journey to the West – 50-Day Self-Drive Tour of Beautiful Xinjiang in May and June 2025, Part 9: Tianshan Tianchi – Jiangbulak – Hami – Shantou image 10

Journey to the West – 50-Day Self-Drive Tour of Beautiful Xinjiang in May and June 2025, Part 9: Tianshan Tianchi – Jiangbulak – Hami – Shantou image 11

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Journey to the West – 50-Day Self-Drive Tour of Beautiful Xinjiang in May and June 2025, Part 9: Tianshan Tianchi – Jiangbulak – Hami – Shantou

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