The G331, known as the "King of Northern China's Highways," ends here, marking the next top destination in Xinjiang! From May to June, it’s a peaceful and quiet time with fewer crowds!
Snow-capped mountains, forests, rivers, wooden houses, and flocks of sheep
This place fulfills all our imaginations of the distant lands.
Recently, when it comes to the hottest places, Aletai is undoubtedly at the top.
The TV drama "My Aletai" aired and was filmed in Aletai, Xinjiang, which immediately became a huge hit.
Images from "My Aletai"
The sky above is deep blue and clear,
Below is an expansive grassland, a vast sea of green,
On the right, the forest stretches,
On the left, the mountains undulate,
By the side, rivers flow gently, never ceasing,
Ahead, at the end of the valley,
Behind is the other end of the valley...
Images from "My Aletai"
Netizens can’t stop saying:
"Aletai, the white moonlight in my heart."
"Aletai fulfills all my fantasies of poetry and distant places."
"Watching this, I immediately booked a ticket to Aletai."
"Aletai, it’s the wild dream, the wind of the mountains and fields."
Images from "My Aletai"
In the drama, lush forests,
Herds of cows and sheep,
Horses galloping freely,
Endless green grasslands,
The desire to visit Aletai reaches its peak.
Images from "My Aletai"
But the land outside the drama is even more healing and beautiful.
Aletai, Not Just Aletai
It’s everyone’s Eden, worth visiting again and again.
Aletai is a region located in the northern part of Xinjiang, bordering Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia.
It includes one city and six counties: Aletai City,
the "fairy-tale border town" of Burqin County,
the "century-old port" of Jimunai County,
the "gem town" of Fuyun County,
the "Gobi sea" of Fuhai County,
and "one of the top 100 small cities for deep breaths" in Habahe County.
It has a 1197 km-long border line,
with its unique geography creating
Aletai’s distinctive landscape.
Here, snow-capped mountains and grasslands connect,
lakes and forests accompany each other,
with herds of sheep,
scattered Tuva and Kazakh people,
...
This place almost offers all the scenery and romance imaginable.
Spring and summer in Aletai are a grand migration of life
Aletai is also one of Xinjiang's four major grazing regions.
Every year from May to June,
the grass is green, and the lakes are already blue,
which is the time for cattle and sheep to move to their summer pastures.
Along the way, the sounds of cattle and sheep mooing,
the galloping of horses, and the shouts of herders
fill the air, and dust rises everywhere—
an absolutely breathtaking scene.
The variety show "Strange Encounter in the Corner of the World" also filmed in Aletai.
Autumn and winter in Aletai are a feast of colors
As autumn arrives,
Aletai becomes incredibly beautiful,
with grand colors converging here,
from lakes to mountains, forests are dyed in layers, in a myriad of colors.
It’s considered by many to be “China’s most beautiful autumn!”
Winter in Aletai is long and solitary,
entering winter by late October,
and by December, it turns into a world of white snow and ice.
The King of Northern Highways, G331’s endpoint
G331
"King of Northern Highways in China"
Total length: 9333 km
It spans across China’s four time zones,
starting in Dandong, Liaoning,
and ending in Aletai, Xinjiang.
During the journey, it passes through all the northern provinces of China,
all bordering countries, and all border ports,
crossing forests, grasslands, and deserts of northern China.
Together with G219 and G228,
it forms the majestic “China Loop.”
China Loop Dream Trip
A must-visit route for countless people in their lifetime.
(Currently recruiting for the 2024 China Loop Dream Trip!)
Aletai's Highlights Outside the Drama
-
Koktokay
Koktokay is not a sea; it’s a town born from mining,
home to the world’s largest mining pit.
It is Xinjiang’s first "World Geopark" and
one of Northern Xinjiang's most stunning hidden scenic spots. -
No. 3 Mine Pit
Located in Koktokay town,
this pit was once a hidden yet significant presence,
helping repay 47% of China’s debt to the Soviet Union
and supplying rare metals for China’s "Two Bombs, One Satellite" project. -
Kanas
Known as the "beautiful, rich, and mysterious place" in Mongolian,
referred to as "a paradise on Earth."
Kanas' spring comes late, but in June, the mountains bloom with flowers. -
Jadenyu
Located outside the main entrance of Kanas Scenic Area,
surrounded by spruce and larch forests,
it’s the gateway to Kanas,
often used as a starting point for hiking into the area. -
Hemu Village
Nestled deep within the Altai Mountains,
Hemu is a mysterious village,
referred to as "the place closest to heaven." -
Baikhabar
If Kanas is a colorful paradise,
Baikhabar is an untouched fairy tale world.
It’s a peaceful and poetic land of smoke, cattle, and sheep. -
Colorful Beach
Located by the Erqis River in Burqin,
it’s one of the most representative Yadan landforms in Northern Xinjiang.
At sunset, the hills are bathed in golden light,
making it a captivating sight. -
Ulungu Lake
Ulungu Lake, located in Fuhai District, Aletai,
is Xinjiang’s second-largest freshwater lake,
known as a "sea" in the desert. -
Hemu Road
A winding mountain road leading to Hemu,
offering surprises with every turn. -
Jimunai National Gate
One of Xinjiang’s oldest national gates,
with a history of over a hundred years of trade.
Aletai’s Special Flavors
Aletai offers unique local dishes such as:
-
Burqin Grilled Dogfish:
A type of fish with a tender, elastic texture, grilled over charcoal for a fresh, delicious taste. -
Aletai Lamb:
Known for its tenderness, slow-cooked in water with salt, creating a fragrant, sweet taste with a subtle milk flavor. -
Lamb Hotpot:
Traditional copper pots filled with lamb, beef, and special dipping sauces—perfectly satisfying! -
Kazakh Salty Milk Tea:
Made with brick tea, salt, and fresh milk, resulting in a creamy, thick tea with a delightful fragrance.
Best time to visit:
Late May to August for summer greenery and flowers,
Mid-September to October for the vibrant autumn colors.