Koktokay is located in Fuyun County, Altay Region, Xinjiang. Here is a Xinjiang travel guide for Koktokay:?
Geographical Location and Transportation:?
The Koktokay scenic area is located in the east of Fuyun County, Altay Region, northern Xinjiang, about 48-60 kilometers from the county town.?
Starting from Urumqi, you can drive north along National Highway G216, passing through Burqin County, and it takes about 7-8 hours to arrive.?
Main Attractions:?
Irtysh Grand Canyon: It is one of the landmark attractions in the Koktokay scenic area. The canyon boasts spectacular scenery with lifelike boulders and clear river water.?
Shenzhongshan: The unique shape of the mountain resembles a huge bronze bell and is another must-see attraction in the scenic area.?
Mine Pit No. 3: Known as the "Sacred Geological Pit", it is one of the largest known mine pits in the world and one of China’s most critical rare metal ore bases.?
Koktosu: Also known as Wild Duck Lake, it is a naturally formed marsh wetland with blue and clear lake water and abundant aquatic plants and animals.?
Kalaxianger Earthquake Fault Zone: It is one of the world’s famous earthquake fault zones and allows people to intuitively feel the power of nature.?
Travel Experience:?
The main way to explore the scenic area is by shuttle bus. The ride is long, but the scenery along the way is beautiful.?
There are some hiking routes, such as the plank road from the Shenzhongshan viewing platform to attractions like the Fossil Falls and Elephant Trunk Peak, which is about 3 kilometers one-way.?
The roads in the scenic area are long and some places are steep, so please pay attention to safety during hiking.?
Seasonal Characteristics:?
Spring: Welcomes the golden period of spring skiing and is a paradise for skiing enthusiasts.?
Autumn: The birch forest is golden, and the Irtysh River shimmers in the sunshine, creating a picturesque scene.?
Winter: Snow-covered, suitable for viewing winter snow and skiing?
Tickets and Fees:?
During the peak season (from May 1st to October 31st), the adult ticket price is 90 RMB per person, and during the off-peak season (from November 1st to April 30th of the next year), the adult ticket price is 70 RMB per person. The shuttle bus price is 50 RMB per person.?
Another statement is that the ticket (including round-trip shuttle bus) costs 116 RMB (valid throughout the year).?
Precautions:?
The roads in the scenic area are long and some places are steep, so please pay attention to safety during hiking.?
The tourist flow in the scenic area is relatively moderate, but it may be crowded during holidays. It is recommended to plan your trip in advance.?
You can choose to stay in Fuyun County Town or Koktokay Town, but the latter generally has poor accommodation conditions and is difficult to book.?
When planning a trip to Koktokay, it is recommended to choose scenic spots and routes that suit your personal interests and schedule to fully experience the natural beauty and cultural charm of this magical land.?