ChinaTrip Logo
PreviousAffordable Michelin Restaurants in Shanghai: What to EatNextDiscovering the Hidden Wonders and Practical Tips of Tekes, Xinjiang

Travel Guide to Tekes Bagua City: Essential Tips for Driving and Exploring

2025-07-24T09:34:13.737-04:00

"Driver, why are there no traffic lights in the city?"
"Not needed at all, the roads are laid out like a bagua, no matter how you drive, it’s all smooth."

I was intrigued by this magical line and hit the gas from Yining to Teks, spending 3 days and 2 nights exploring all the hidden spots in the city, and I'm here to smooth out the bumps for you.


How to Get There

Self-Driving
Start from Yining, navigate to "Teks Bagua City," it's 130 km on paved roads with a speed limit of 80 km/h, taking about 2.5 hours.
Make sure to fill up at the Piri Qinghe Bridge area—there are only 2 small gas stations in town, and expect long queues in peak season.

Chartered Ride
You can call a Didi ride (a shared car) straight from Yining city for around 200 yuan, and the drivers know the area well, so you can relax while they drive.
If you land at Zhaosu Airport, it's even quicker, just 1.5 hours to get to the edge of the city.


4 Must-Do Activities

Launch Your Drone for a Bird's-Eye View of the Bagua

There are no traffic lights in the city, so aerial shots will reveal all eight neat entrances like "Qian, Kun, Zhen, Xun..."

There’s only 1 legal spot to launch:
A tiny 2 m² platform next to the Taiji Pond Police Station, make sure to bring your ID and drone model for a report a day in advance—it’s free, just fill out a form.
I took off at 19:00, capturing the daytime bagua patterns before the lights came on, and it's like a whole new world.

If you don’t want to report, just hop on the Ferris wheel instead; at 54 m high, you can look down on the entire bagua layout with its beautiful night lights, saving battery life.


Use the Streets as Your Background Wall

The street is less than 500 m long, with colorful wooden houses hanging hand drums, flower blankets, and wool felt.
Here are 3 recommended photo spots:

Don’t forget to grab a cup of Kazakh salty milk tea (ask for less salt, or you’ll be questioning life after the first sip).


Night Ride on the Ferris Wheel

This is Asia's biggest Taiji-themed Ferris wheel, and each rotation takes 18 minutes, expect to wait in line at peak times (8-9 PM).
My trick: I went up at 6:30 PM to catch the sunset, then queued again at 7:45 PM for the night view, and used just two tickets for two rides.


Learn a Little About the I Ching in Half an Hour

Entry to the Taiji Pond Museum is 20 yuan; the basement has a sand table replicating the entire layout of Bagua City, and you're free to snap photos.
The guide will let you touch a "lucky bagua plate" at the end—don’t push too hard, I've heard stories of people scraping the paint off it.


3 Nearby Grasslands to Visit

PlaceDistance from Bagua CityRecommended ActivitiesNotes
Karakun Grassland1 h driveBuy tickets to enter West Kalalang, explore patterned forests and Crocodile Bay, horseback ride to Karakun LakeYou can return to the city the same day
Qionkushitai2.5 hStarting point of the Wusun Ancient Road, stay in a wooden cabin, get up early to see the morning mistPoor road conditions, go with an SUV
Aktaisi1 hFree wild grasslands, blooming yellow and purple flowers from June to July, bring a picnic mat and relaxNo restrooms, so plan accordingly


Getting Around the City


What I Ate

RestaurantMust-OrderPrice
Ma Bai Kai LaiLamb chops and pulled dough, soup so fresh it’ll blow your mindPilaf 18 yuan, pulled dough 25 yuan
Zan Yi Kou Yogurt HouseYogurt with blackcurrant sauce, the milk skin is thicker than my debit card10 yuan/bowl
Lijie Night MarketGrilled buns 3 yuan, Barsi 2 yuan, Kvass 6 yuanAverage 30 yuan to feast

Last 3 Pointers

  1. Drone registration should be planned on a working day; the police station is closed on weekends.
  2. Always get permission when photographing people, especially kids—they are super friendly, just show them the replay.
  3. From 2 PM to 4 PM in summer, the sun is so harsh you’ll feel like evaporating, sunscreen + ice sleeves are must-haves, don’t call them girly.

If you have any questions, just message me directly, I reply faster than Wi-Fi!


Recommended in the Same City

A Guide to the Blue Hour and Culinary Delights in Hot Spring County
Explore the enchanting blue hour in Hot Spring County, featuring breathtaking views of Lotus Pool hot springs, essential tips, local food recommendations, and accommodation insights.
A Guide to the Blue Hour and Culinary Delights in Hot Spring County
Discovering the Breathtaking Trek of Mengketu Ancient Path: A Hidden Gem in Xinjiang
Venture into the Mengketu Ancient Path, a historic trail that leads you into the stunning natural secrets of the Tianshan Mountains. Experience a five-day hike through majestic snow-capped peaks, serene lakes, and lush forests, while immersing yourself in the unique landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Discovering the Breathtaking Trek of Mengketu Ancient Path: A Hidden Gem in Xinjiang
The Essential Guide to Exploring the Mengkte Ancient Trail
A comprehensive travel guide to the Mengkte Ancient Trail, featuring ticket information, road conditions, photography spots, and essential tips to ensure a worry-free journey!
The Essential Guide to Exploring the Mengkte Ancient Trail
Qiongkushitai Travel Guide: Why You Must Visit This Fairytale Destination
Qiongkushitai is a stunningly beautiful spot reminiscent of a fairytale, perfect for a summer road trip. The journey offers picturesque scenery featuring Kazakh homes, snow-capped mountains, and vast grasslands, making it an ideal destination to experience the wonders of nature.
Qiongkushitai Travel Guide: Why You Must Visit This Fairytale Destination
Discovering the Hidden Wonders and Practical Tips of Tekes, Xinjiang
This article explores two off-the-beaten-path destinations in Tekes, Xinjiang, featuring the stunning views of Crocodile Bay and Hukou Waterfall, along with tips to avoid the crowds.
Discovering the Hidden Wonders and Practical Tips of Tekes, Xinjiang
Why Warm Spring County in Xinjiang is the Better Choice Over Sailimu Lake
Next time, I’ll skip Sailimu Lake and head straight to Warm Spring County in Xinjiang. The county offers superior conditions for summer relaxation and wellness, with excellent tourism infrastructure, a wide variety of food options, and especially the free 24-hour public hot springs. In contrast, while Sailimu Lake has a free admission policy, its conditions are less flexible, making the scenery and cuisine of Warm Spring County truly unforgettable.
Why Warm Spring County in Xinjiang is the Better Choice Over Sailimu Lake
A Comprehensive Guide to Self-Driving in Xinjiang's Xiata and Must-See Attractions
Xiata, known as the grassland closest to the snow-capped mountains, features a diverse array of natural landscapes including cattle and sheep, forests, and river valleys, making it a photographer's paradise. This article thoroughly explores self-driving tips, popular photo spots, and travel advice to enhance your experience in Xiata.
A Comprehensive Guide to Self-Driving in Xinjiang's Xiata and Must-See Attractions
Capturing the Enchanting Sunrise at Mount Muzhert in Ili
During the summer in Ili, the sunrise over Mount Muzhert is a breathtaking spectacle, with golden rays illuminating the snow-capped peaks. This piece shares the best times for photography and useful shooting tips.
Capturing the Enchanting Sunrise at Mount Muzhert in Ili