Kuerdening Self-Driving Guide

Winding valleys, towering snow-capped mountains, dark green spruce forests intertwined with golden meadows—this north-south oriented broad valley hides the most pristine secrets of the Tianshan Mountains. Starting from Gongliu County, drive 88 kilometers southeast to enter the Kuerdening Scenic Area. This approximately 14-kilometer-long and 1-kilometer-wide mountain valley, known as "Henggou" in Kazakh, meaning "cross valley," runs north to south parallel to the snow mountains. Unlike typical valleys that descend along the mountain slope, Kuerdening’s unique landform creates a special climate that is warm in winter and cool in summer, making it a year-round summer resort in the Ili River Valley. --- 01 A Natural Treasure of World Heritage Kuerdening is not only a national AAAA-level scenic spot but also a World Natural Heritage site. In April 2000, it was approved by the State Council as the Western Tianshan Nature Reserve. The reserve covers a total area of 1,176 square kilometers, with an average altitude of about 1,500 meters. It boasts the most luxuriant forests in the Tianshan Mountains and a world-rare spruce forest resource with a high timber volume per unit. This area is the habitat and origin of the global snow ridge spruce and Central Asian wild fruit forests, aptly known as the "Green Valley of Tianshan, the hometown of snow ridge spruce." The biodiversity of Kuerdening is astonishing. Preliminary statistics show 1,594 species of vascular plants and 223 species of wild vertebrates, making it a "natural gene bank" of wild species in the Eurasian continent’s heartland. 02 A Three-Dimensional Landscape Painting The scenery of Kuerdening is richly layered, like a three-dimensional painting. It features the snow-capped peak of Kabangbai Peak, standing majestically at 4,257 meters, one of the famous peaks of Western Tianshan. To the left of Kabangbai Peak, the mountain ridges densely covered with snow ridge spruce naturally form a hidden reclining Buddha. The Buddha’s head rests on the sunrise, feet touch the sunset, with a balanced posture and serene expression—a masterpiece of nature. Forests, grasslands, snow mountains, streams, canyons, and waterfalls compose the magnificent scenery. It combines the grandeur of the north with the delicate charm of the south, allowing every visitor to find poetry in their heart. 03 Complete Tour Routes Shuttle Bus Route Take the shuttle bus from the scenic area visitor center to first reach the Heritage Center, where you can walk around the exhibition hall. Then, view Kabangbai Peak from a distance, walk across the iron bridge, and admire the Tianshan Reclining Buddha. Next, take the bus to the King of Spruce, then proceed to the Cloud Grassland, where there is a wooden plank walkway for descending. Finally, dine at the Green Valley Resort or fast food restaurant, then walk to the Heritage Center parking lot to board the bus back to the visitor center. Self-Driving Route Self-driving visitors can start from the visitor center, enter the Ten-Mile Gallery through the middle valley entrance of Kuerdening Scenic Area, pass the Honey Fragrance Station, and arrive at the Kabang Base Camp. Then head to the Qimengde Viewing Platform and Ayusai Viewing Platform, hike to visit the King of Spruce, view the Tianshan Reclining Buddha from afar, and finally reach the Cloud Grassland. 04 Must-See Core Attractions Qimengde Viewing Platform From the Qimengde Viewing Platform, you can take in the essence of the entire Kuerdening. It is recommended to arrive around 4 p.m. when the snow peaks shimmer with a pearly glow, and the dark green spruce and tender green meadows blend in layers of light and shadow. Occasionally, a herdsman riding a horse passes by, becoming the most lively brushstroke in this oil painting. This is an excellent spot to photograph the three-dimensional landscape of snow mountains, spruce forests, and meadows. Ayusai Viewing Platform Ayusai is famous for its steep mountain roads and spectacular views. It is the highest point on the self-driving route, offering a view of the ribbon-like winding mountain road. Standing on the platform, the snow mountains seem within arm’s reach, surrounded by towering spruces and green meadows. Many visitors operate drones here for photography. King of Spruce At the foot of the King of Spruce, all words of praise seem pale. This snow ridge spruce is over a thousand years old, more than 60 meters tall, and requires nine people to encircle it. The trunk is covered with moss and lichens, and the crown spreads like a giant umbrella between heaven and earth. It is recommended to visit early in the morning when the first rays of sunlight penetrate the crown gaps, casting golden spots on the gnarled branches, allowing you to truly feel the tranquility of time. Cloud Grassland Located above 2,800 meters in altitude, the cloud grassland is the ultimate romance Kuerdening offers travelers. The lush vegetation here makes altitude sickness almost unnoticeable. In mid-May, the grassland turns purple, with wild tulips swaying in the wind; in June, it is the kingdom of golden lotus and dandelions. The best way to enjoy it is to lie on the grassy slope with your eyes closed—listening to the lark’s clear song, the whisper of grass leaves, and the tinkling of distant snowmelt water, composing the earth’s most beautiful harmony. 05 Distinctive Scenery in Four Seasons Kuerdening’s scenery varies with each season, each with its own charm. In spring, wildflowers bloom profusely in the valley, especially the wild fruit forest in blossom, which is intoxicating. Raspberries stud the branches like red rubies, and wild apples in early October dye the entire hillside crimson. In summer, it is an excellent summer resort, lush and green, with babbling streams and fresh air like a natural oxygen bar. In autumn, Kuerdening turns into a colorful fairy tale world. The early autumn Ten-Mile Gallery looks like a palette spilled by God, with golden birch and dark green spruce faintly visible in the morning mist. In winter, although covered in snow, Kuerdening remains vibrant. Winter here is not just for sightseeing but for truly engaging in activities. Snowfields, valleys, spruce forests, outdoor activities, and off-road experiences make it an excellent choice for winter tourism. 06 Practical Travel Tips Tickets and Opening Hours The scenic area ticket costs about 65 HKD. Operating hours are divided into two periods: October 1 to April 30 from 10:00 to 19:00; May 1 to September 30 from 09:00 to 20:00. Transportation The distance from Gongliu County to the scenic area is 88 kilometers. Upon arrival, visitors can choose shuttle buses or self-driving tours. Note that only SUVs and off-road vehicles with seven seats or fewer are allowed; sedans are prohibited. Best Time to Visit It is recommended to allocate 4-5 hours to tour the scenic area. If time permits, consider staying in Kuerdening Town or nearby, where many unique homestays are available. Travel Tips · The temperature difference within the scenic area is large; even in summer, bring warm clothing. · Wear comfortable hiking shoes as some sections require walking. · Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce water surface glare and enhance the sky’s pure blue. · Protect the environment by taking your trash with you. --- When leaving Kuerdening, look back at the north-south oriented cross valley, where the silhouette of snow mountains and spruces fades into the sunset. But I know this land has already planted eternity in my heart. Transportation: 88 kilometers by car from Gongliu County. Features: Home to world-rare spruce forest resources, with intact primary forest types and vegetation representing the most typical ecosystem of the entire Tianshan forest. Whether you seek tranquility alone or are a nature-loving adventurer, Kuerdening will welcome you with the same posture—the most authentic face of the Tianshan Mountains. Kuerdening Scenic Area