Koktokay Self-guided Travel Guide:
I. Best Travel Time
Summer (June to August): The temperature is moderate, with an average temperature of around 15-25℃, suitable for outdoor activities and hiking. At this time, Koktokay is covered with green grass and wildflowers, making it the best season to experience the grassland scenery and shepherd’s life.
Autumn (September to November): The sky is clear and the air is crisp, with colorful scenery and golden birch forests. The scenery along the Irtysh River is picturesque, making it a heaven for photographers.
II. Transportation Guide
Airplane: First fly to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, and then transfer to a coach to Koktokay.
Train: Take the train to Altay Station, and then transfer to a coach or taxi to Koktokay.
Coach: Take the coach from Urumqi Nianzigou Bus Station to Fuyun County, and then take a special taxi from Fuyun County to Koktokay.
Self-driving: Starting from Urumqi, proceed along National Highway 216, passing through Wucaiwan, Karamay Wild Ungulate Nature Reserve, Qiakertu, and Fuyun County, and finally arrive at Koktokay Town.
III. Must-visit Attractions
Pit No. 3: One of the most representative mine pits in Koktokay, it is one of the largest granite mine pits in the world, with a depth of 200 meters and a width of about 400 meters. It once made great contributions to national construction and is now part of the Geological Museum, displaying rich mineral resources and the development history of mining. The fee is 80 yuan (ticket + shuttle bus).
Erqisi Grand Canyon: With a total length of about 20 kilometers, it is composed of birch forests, grasslands, rivers, and snow-capped mountains, and is praised as a "fairyland on earth". Here, you can take a rubber raft drift or hike along the plank road to feel the charm of nature. The fee is 90 yuan.
Kekesuli: Also known as Wild Duck Lake, it is a naturally formed marsh wetland with azure and clear lake water, abundant aquatic plants and animals, and large areas of reeds. Every spring and autumn, large numbers of wild ducks and other waterbirds inhabit and forage here. The fee is 28 yuan/person.
Shenzhong Mountain: A large granite block shaped like a clock, it is a popular photo-taking spot. Recommended visiting time is 30 minutes.
IV. Practical Tips
The temperature inside the mine is low. It is recommended to bring your own clothes or rent a cotton coat at the entrance (20 yuan/piece).
The tour guide will let everyone adapt to the temperature at the entrance before entering. Pit No. 3 can be toured in half an hour.
You cannot pick up stones at Pit No. 3, but you can purchase them.
The farmhouses at the entrance of the scenic area mainly serve Xinjiang-style cuisine, and there are also diverse dining options in Koktokay Town.
V. Accommodation Recommendations
After sightseeing, you can stay in Koktokay Town or Fuyun County. There are various options to choose from.
With the above guide, I believe you can better plan your self-guided tour of Koktokay and enjoy the unique charm of this beautiful and mysterious land.