The travel guide for visiting Koktokay by yourself is as follows:
I. Best Travel Time
Summer: The temperature is relatively high, with an average temperature of around 15-25℃, suitable for outdoor activities and hiking. At this time, the grass is lush and wildflowers are blooming, making it the best time to experience the grassland scenery.
Autumn: Colorful, with golden birch forests, and picturesque scenery along the Irtysh River, it is a paradise for photographers.
II. Transportation Guide
Airplane: Fly to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport first, and then transfer to a car to Koktokay.
Train: Take a train to Altay Station, and then transfer to a coach or taxi to Koktokay.
Coach: Take a coach from Urumqi’s Nianzigou Bus Station to Fuyun County, and then take a special taxi from Fuyun County to Koktokay.
Self-driving: Depart from Urumqi and head along National Highway 216, passing through五彩湾 (Wucaiwan), Karamay Hoofed Wildlife Reserve, Chakurtu, and Fuyun County, and finally arrive at Koktokay Town.
III. Recommended Scenic Spots
Mine Pit No.3: One of the most representative mine pits in Koktokay and also one of the largest granite mine pits in the world, with a depth of 200 meters and a width of about 400 meters. It has made great contributions to national construction and is now part of the Geological Museum.
Koktokay Town: The town has a long history and was once the living and working place for Soviet experts and skilled workers, full of exotic flavors. You can taste authentic Xinjiang cuisine and purchase unique handicrafts.
Koksuli: Also known as Wild Duck Lake, it is a naturally formed marsh wetland with azure and clear lake water, rich aquatic plants and animals. There are vast reeds in the lake, and a large number of wild ducks and other waterbirds inhabit and forage here every spring and autumn.
Irtysh River & Grand Canyon: The Irtysh River is a unique river in Koktokay, flowing westward unusually. Along the river are more than ten scenic spots such as birch forests, Shuimogou, God’s Bell Mountain, and hot springs, which are so beautiful that people are reluctant to leave.
God’s Bell Mountain: The terminal station of the shuttle bus, a large granite shaped like a bell, it is a popular spot for online celebrities to check-in.
Birch Forest: A shuttle bus stop, with vast birch forests, rivers, and snow-capped mountains adding radiance and beauty to each other, it is a great place for taking photos.
IV. Other Precautions
Tickets: In peak season, the adult ticket price is 90 yuan/person, and in off-season (November 1st to April 30th of the next year), the adult ticket price is 70 yuan/person. The price for the shuttle bus is 50 yuan/person.
Sightseeing Bus: The scenic area is vast, and the sightseeing bus is the best choice for visiting.
Accommodation: Many homestays are located in Yard No.3, which was rebuilt from old industrial buildings, while hotels are widespread in Koktokay Town.
Above is the detailed travel guide for visiting Koktokay by yourself. I hope it will be helpful for your trip.