Today, let's continue our "virtual tour" of Xinjiang! On this trip to Ili, the magical county town of Tekes captured my heart at first sight. It is also known as the "Bagua City,"

a rare city in the world that perfectly embodies the Taiji Bagua diagram. From a high vantage point, the entire city looks like a slowly unfolding Zhouyi Bagua diagram, with streets laid out ingeniously. The names and directions strictly correspond to the Bagua attributes, showcasing a wonderful fusion of traditional culture and modern urban planning. Even more astonishingly, Tekes is the only city in China without traffic lights, yet vehicles and pedestrians can orderly navigate the crisscrossing streets. This calmness and uniqueness add a special charm to the small city.

If you have the chance to visit Tekes, I recommend climbing the Bagua City Observation Tower to overlook the entire Bagua layout of the city; stroll through the streets to explore those charming street names; and visit the Tekes County Museum to deeply understand the history and culture of this city. Tasting local specialties is also a must—spicy chicken, roasted buns, and other delicacies will surely satisfy your appetite. If you have enough time, consider staying in a distinctive guesthouse to leisurely savor the unique charm of this Bagua town.

Post by MagnusS?rensen | Jun 21, 2025