Jiangbulake Self-Driving Travel Guide

Weekend Adventure into the Real-Life Monet Garden｜Jiangbulake

Over the weekend, I went with friends to the Jiangbulake Scenic Area in Changji, Xinjiang. It was so stunning it left me speechless! It felt like stepping right into Monet’s painting world, and I can’t help but share this amazing travel experience with you all👇

🌄 Recommended Attractions:
✔ Tianshan Wheat Sea: Tens of thousands of acres of wheat fields roll with the mountains, golden waves of wheat flowing with the wind, creating a visually stunning scene. This place not only offers fantastic photo opportunities but also carries over 2,000 years of planting history—the Qitai Dryland Farming System is currently applying to be recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, which is very significant.

✔ Tianshan Gravity Hill: Stretching 290 meters, it’s known as the “world’s longest and most mysterious gravity hill.” Here you’ll find that bicycles can “climb uphill” without pedaling, and water flows “uphill”! It’s so magical you have to experience it yourself to believe it.

✔ Huahaizi Flower Sea: The best viewing period is from June to August, with more than 20 kinds of flowers blooming simultaneously, colorful and fragrant, like stepping into a fairy tale world. The honey produced here is also especially sweet and delicious—don’t miss it~

✔ Jiangbulake Grand Canyon: With an average altitude of 1,900 meters and stretching 15 kilometers, birch and maple trees grow intertwined, changing colors with the seasons and light. Walking along the wooden plank paths, stopping and strolling, you can leisurely admire nature’s masterpiece.

🚗 Transportation:
We chose to self-drive, departing from Urumqi via the Wukuai Expressway (G216), about a 3-4 hour drive with healing scenery along the way. You can also join a tour group; many travel agencies offer routes from Urumqi to Jiangbulake, which is convenient and worry-free. It’s recommended to book in advance during peak season.

🎫 Ticket Information:
Tickets are 43 RMB per person, shuttle bus 35 RMB per person, and self-driving vehicles with seven seats or fewer are charged 100 RMB per vehicle.

🏠 Accommodation Recommendations:

· Homestays inside the scenic area: Some are located in the wheat fields with viewing terraces where you can sip tea while watching the waves of wheat—so soothing! The rooms are cozy, with views right outside the window, and falling asleep to the scent of wheat is truly comfortable.
· Hotels in Qitai County: More options here, from high-end like Tianhe International Hotel (new facilities, rich breakfast) to budget-friendly like Guanshan Hotel (good service, convenient parking).

🍜 Food Recommendations:
The scenic area’s food street offers many local snacks! Must-try is Qitai mixed noodles, with chewy noodles and plenty of toppings—super satisfying with every bite; the yellow noodles with roasted meat are also amazing, cold yellow noodles paired with tender roasted lamb, a perfect match!

⚠️ Notes:

1. The scenic area has many curves; please drive according to the route and slow down.
2. Strictly no open flames; do not bring fire sources or flammable materials, and no outdoor cooking or barbecues. Also, do not pick flowers or trample the wheat fields—let’s protect this beautiful environment together.
3. June to August is the best time to visit with comfortable weather, but the mountain area has large temperature differences between morning and night, so it’s recommended to bring a warm jacket.

Jiangbulake is truly a mysterious garden favored by nature. I highly recommend everyone come and experience its vastness and delicacy in person!💕