Xinjiang Wucaitan is a tourist destination full of mysterious colors and magnificent natural scenery. Here is a detailed travel guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Wucaitan.?
1. Location and Transportation?
Wucaitan is located on Provincial Highway 227 in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is 645 kilometers away from Urumqi and takes about 10 hours by self-driving; 24 kilometers away from Burqin and takes about 30 minutes by self-driving; 145 kilometers away from Kanas Scenic Area and takes about 3 hours by self-driving.?
Tourists can choose to travel to Burqin County by plane, coach, or self-driving, and then drive to Wucaitan.?
2. Tickets and Opening Hours?
Peak Season (April 1st – October 31st): Ticket price is 45 yuan per person. Half-price tickets apply to students, people with Grade 4 disabilities, and seniors aged 65-70. Free tickets are available for children under 1.2 meters, people with Grade 1-3 disabilities, and seniors over 70 years old.?
Off-peak Season (November 1st – March 31st of the next year): Ticket price is 22 yuan per person?
Opening Hours: 9:00-21:00 Beijing Time (adjusted according to sunset time, ticket sales stop half an hour before closing)?
3. Scenic Area Features and Highlights?
Wucaitan is famous for its unique Yadan landform and colorful hues. The rock formations contain different minerals, which appear in various colors such as red, green, purple, yellow, and white under sunlight.?
The Irtysh River winds through the scenic area, forming a spectacular view of ‘one river separating two banks, with two different worlds’. The south bank is a lush oasis, while the north bank is a colorful and barren Yadan landform.?
There are wooden boardwalks within the scenic area, and tourists need to walk along them without climbing over railings. Additionally, there are multiple viewing decks within the scenic area, such as Shoushan Deck, Ziguang Deck, Danxia Deck, and Guanri Deck, which are the best locations to view the beauty of Wucaitan.?
4. Travel Suggestions?
Best Travel Time: Evening is the best time to visit Wucaitan. The colorful beach under the setting sun is very spectacular. It is recommended to plan your time in advance to capture the beautiful sunset.?
Clothing and Equipment: Xinjiang has strong ultraviolet rays, so it is recommended to take sun protection measures, such as applying sunscreen, wearing hats, sunglasses, etc. Additionally, there is a large temperature difference between day and night at Wucaitan, so it is recommended to bring warm clothing.?
Photography Tips: Utilize the multiple viewing platforms within the scenic area to flexibly find shooting locations. It is recommended to take photos at the Ziguang Platform and the Irtysh River Platform, where you can capture the purple rock formations, the continuous riverbank, and the beautiful sunset.?
Precautions: Please abide by the regulations of the scenic area, do not touch the rock formations or climb over railings. Additionally, drone flights are prohibited in the Wucaitan scenic area, please note for tourists.?
5. Itinerary Planning?
Tourists can take Wucaitan as part of their Xinjiang tour, combining in-depth travel to attractions such as Kanas Lake and Hemu Village. For example, you can plan an itinerary of Urumqi-Wucaitan-Kanas Lake-Hemu Village, fully experiencing the natural scenery and ethnic culture of Northern Xinjiang.?
Hope this travel guide can help you plan an unforgettable trip to Wucaitan!?