After leaving the Hami oasis we had to cross the Tianshan to the north. First, we reached Balikun, which already is a quite beautiful grassland that sits a little bit higher than Hami and is therefore cooler and much greener. We definitely left the desert landscape behind us.
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tContinuing the road further, we eventually reached Jiangbulake. It’s a Scenic Zone where you have to pay an entrance fee. It was roughly 50 RMB per person. With a motorbike you are allowed to drive in, if you come by car you will need to get a driver or take a bus to get in.
Jiangbulake is quite large, it’s a national park that sits at the northern end of Tianshan mountians. It’s incredibly green and also quite moist through most of the year.
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJiangbulake
\t\t\t\tJiangbulake is famous for its stunning scenery, and you’ll come across quite a bit of domestic tourism. But beyond the visitors, the area comes alive in summer with ethnic Kazakh nomads who settle here with their herds.
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAs you head deeper into Jiangbulake, you’ll notice more and more yurts scattered across the landscape. Some serve as small hotels, while others are simply homes for the nomads.
If you’re looking for a truly local experience, just approach one of the nomadic families—they’re incredibly welcoming and often happy to host travelers. A stay typically costs around 100 RMB per person per night, and most families keep a separate guest yurt. You’ll experience their warm hospitality and get a glimpse of daily life: milking cows and horses, preparing lamb, and living close to nature.
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There’s no electricity in the traditional sense, but many families run a generator for a few hours in the evening so you can charge your devices.
\n\nIf you don’t want to stay in a Yurt, there are also quite some standard hotels:
\n\nWe ended up staying with the most wonderful family, and our hearts are still full. A huge thank you to Jomart and his wife for opening their home to us, and to their two amazing children, Enzhu and Mustapa, who made us feel like part of the family from the moment we arrived.
\nThis stay wasn’t just a place to sleep, it became one of the most meaningful experiences of all our travels across China.
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