Discovering the Hidden Wonders and Practical Tips of Tekes, Xinjiang

Discovering the Hidden Beauty and Practical Tips of Tekes, Xinjiang

First up, here’s a snapshot showing just how much fun there is to be had:

I’m the kind of person who loves to skip the tourist hotspots and seeks out the little nooks and crannies instead. This time, on my trip through the Ili Grand Loop, I used Tekes as a resting point and ended up discovering four delightful surprises in just two days: a free hiking trail at Crocodile Bay, a mini Hukou Waterfall, a local diner where meals are just 20 yuan each, and a perfect spot to launch my drone for panoramic views of Bagua City. Here’s all the good stuff I found after trudging through the mud—just follow my lead!

Why Choose Tekes for a “Reverse Layover”?

• Bagua City is a transport hub, so it’s a great place to stay overnight when visiting Karajun, Qiongkushitai, or Koksu.
• The official Koksu route has a 155 yuan entry fee and long lines for the shuttle, but right next to it, there’s a shepherd's trail that leads to the same lake—free and way less crowded!

Exploring Crocodile Bay

Following the local shepherd's directions, I parked under some pine trees and walked down a little dirt path that smelled of sheep dung, surrounded by fallen trees and wild mint. When I reached the valley, suddenly, I spotted that emerald green nestled within the reddish-brown rock layers. No one was collecting tickets, just a couple of horses grazing.

Photo spots:

1. Big stone by the water edge—perfect for reflection shots.
2. Climb up the low ridge on the opposite bank for an aerial view of the crocodile-shaped bend.
   Drone altitude restriction is 500 meters, remember to file a report beforehand—more detailed tips coming up.

Hukou Waterfall Route Introduction

Head towards Qiongkushitai from the county town, and along the 162 provincial road, you’ll find a branch of the Tekes River, known locally as the Koksu section. After rain, water levels rise drastically, creating several tiers of small waterfalls. The most noticeable section has water cascading over rocky debris under the bridge, it’s like a mini Hukou, roaring with excitement.

I happened to catch a light rain the night before, and the water sound shook the bridge. I had to strap my camera to the railing to take long exposures, creating a contrast between the earthy yellow waves and the green backdrop.

Food: Old Brand BBQ Spot

• Location: On the outskirts of Bagua City, in Tuanjie Alley—look for a red lantern under a metal shed.
• Must-Try: Skewered meat (2 yuan each), red willow lamb (6 yuan each), self-brewed kvass for 10 yuan a bucket.
• Timing: Most locals show up after 7 PM; quick table turnover and the grill never stops cooking.
• Average Cost: 20 yuan will fill you up; I managed to polish off 20 skewers plus a bowl of pilaf!

Stay: Tekes Anyu Homestay

• Room Types: Standard room for 240 yuan, a charming white house with blue roofs in the garden—great for photos!
• Amenities: Pressure-free mattresses, bathtubs, and a projector—very friendly for female guests.
• Bonus: The rooftop terrace offers direct views of the Bagua City nightscape, saving you a trip to the lookout at night.

Drone Flight Registration Tips

One-Day Reverse Itinerary (Copy this!)

This trip was a pure independent journey, costing less than 200 yuan per person (excluding gas money), avoiding the peak tourist crowds and almost having all the spots to myself. I’ve marked all the map points; just follow the order, and you can't go wrong.

Here are a couple more spontaneous shots from the scene: