Things to do in Luntai
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Top 10 attractions in Luntai
Museum of the Western Regions Frontier Command
Museum of the Western Regions Frontier Command is located in Luntai County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a history museum with a primary focus on the history and culture of the Western Regions and the Western Regions Protectorate of the Han Dynasty. Situated at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains and on the northern edge of the Tarim Basin, Luntai has served as a vital transportation hub connecting the Central Plains with various parts of the Western Regions since ancient times. Leveraging the region's profound historical and cultural resources, the museum introduces visitors to the historical background of the establishment of the Western Regions Protectorate and its significance to the development of the Xinjiang region through artifact displays, historical photographs, scene reconstructions, and multimedia exhibits. The museum's exhibitions revolve around the Han Dynasty central government's governance of the Western Regions, exchanges along the Silk Road, and the historical development of the Luntai area, with a focus on the establishment and evolution of the Western Regions Protectorate, military defense, ethnic interactions, and commercial and cultural exchanges. Through a wealth of historical materials and artifacts, visitors can gain a more intuitive understanding of the social landscape of the Western Regions over two thousand years ago, as well as the important role the Silk Road played in promoting economic and cultural exchange.Luntai · 1.5km from downtown
Lop Nur South Ancient City
The ruins of the ancient city of Lop Nur are located in the desert southwest of Lop Nur, consisting of the ancient cities of LK, LL and residential sites. The distribution range is about 64 square kilometers. Taking LK ancient city as the center, 3 kilometers northwest is LL ancient city, 8 kilometers to the residential house. The city wall of the city site is rammed earth = building. The residential site is mainly a "wood-bones mud-wall" building with red willow branches lined with wood-pillar frames and covered with grass and mud. The nature is severely damaged, and most of the sites are half buried in the desert. It was the second largest city in the Lop Nur area after Loulan during the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties. The ruins of the ancient city are bleak. But the feeling of entering the ancient city in the desert is completely different from the imaginary ancient city, and you will deeply feel the greatness and irresistibility of natural forces.Luntai · 24.1km from downtown
Duku Highway
Duku Highwayis the common name for the Dushanzi to Kuqa section of National Highway 217. It starts in the north at Dushanzi and ends in the south at Kuqa, the site of the ancient Qiuci kingdom. It spans approx. 561 km and runs through the Tianshan Mountains, cutting the travel distance between northern and southern Xinjiang, which originally required a detour of over 1,000 km, by nearly half. Half of the highway is at an altitude of over 2,000 m, and it crosses four mountain passes covered in snow year-round. One-fifth of the route lies in the alpine permafrost zone, and one-third consists of cliffs and precipices. It took ten years to build this road before it was fully opened to traffic. More than 100 soldiers who built the road rest forever in the Tianshan Mountains, and the Martyrs' Cemetery in Qiao'erma was built to commemorate them. It can be said that every kilometer was hard-won.China · Kuytun
Zhaosu Yuhu Scenic Area
Zhaosu Jade Lake is a magical lake hidden in the heart of the Tianshan glacier. The winding lake water stretches into the distance.Throughout the year, due to different light conditions, the water in the Jade Lake presents different colors, hence the nickname "Color-Changing Lake". The colorful and changing colors of the lake make every tourist who sees it intoxicated, and they all sigh at its magical colors.China · Zhaosu
Qiongkushitai Village
Joan Kushtai means "big platform" in Kazakh language. Qiongkushi Terrace has ravines and ravines, which is quite masculine in the grassland. There are countless ravines cut longitudinally on the platform, and the peaceful grassland is drawn like the waves raised in the sea. Visitors can see the blue sky and white clouds here. Below the white clouds are silver snow-capped mountains, dark green fir forests, light blue grasslands and colorful flowers. Several colors have distinct layers and harmonious hues, forming a natural grassland. Great view. If you put it another way, it can also be said: under the blue sky and white clouds is the snow-capped mountains, under the snow-capped mountains and fir forests is the Qiongkushi Terrace, and under the Qiongkush Terrace is the Kala Jun. Qiongkushitai Village on Qiongkushitai Grassland is a Kazakh herdsman's village. It is a small village on the half slope of Tianshan Mountain and the north entrance of Wusun Ancient Road. No one knew its existence before. name is known. Almost all the houses in Qiongkushitai Village are wooden buildings. Some houses are built from whole logs, while others are divided into two parts from the middle and built by various techniques such as digging, tenoning and arching. . The village is surrounded by mountains, and the houses are built according to the water. The drinking water and domestic water for people and animals in the village all come from the Kurdai River.China · Tekes County
Bosten Lake
Bosten Lake, also known as Bohu, was historically called the Western Sea. Located in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, it is China's largest inland freshwater lake and Xinjiang's premier lake. The surrounding area boasts stunning landscapes, including vast reed beds swaying in the wind, sunlit beaches reminiscent of coastal shores, and tranquil wetland fishing villages. Visitors can admire Xinjiang's rare wetland and seaside scenery, enjoy boat tours on the lake, and savor local delicacies in the fishing villages. It's a top destination for summer retreats, leisure, and vacation getaways in Xinjiang. Bosten Lake spans a vast area across Bohu County and Hoxud County, with several attractions developed along its shores, covering most areas accessible by the lakeside road. Most visitors explore the lake by visiting these attractions. If you prefer to enjoy the lake without entering the attractions, you can head to the lakeside villages directly east of Bohu town, though these areas offer limited entertainment and amenities, making them less recommended. The best season to visit Bosten Lake is summer, when it attracts mostly local Xinjiang residents. During this time, the lake's shimmering waters, lush wetlands, and scenic views of lotus flowers and migratory birds create a picturesque setting. Additionally,Bosten LakeIce and snow tourism has become increasingly popular in recent years, making winter a great time to enjoy ice activities and skiing. When visiting Bosten Lake, you can explore just one side or take a scenic tour around the entire lake. Currently, the entire southern shore of the lake area is planned asBosten LakeThe south shore tourist area operates on a single-ticket system, featuring the most scenic lakeside views in this region. With better facilities and services, it serves as the main destination for exploring Bosten Lake. Current attractions along the south shore from west to east include:Lotus Lake > Ahongkou > Water Pumping Station > Egret IslandIt takes about a day to visit all the attractions.LianhuahuLocated on the western side, this area doesn't feature vast lake scenery but rather 16 small lakes divided by reeds and lotus ponds. Visitors can admire numerous water lilies here, making it a prime flower photography destination every summer.LianhuahuThere is also a cruise service available for sightseeing on the large lake.AhongkouandLianhuahuThe scenery here is similar, featuring wetland landscapes with beautiful lotus flowers to admire, but you can also see the expansive lake in the distance.Egret IsletLocated on the eastern side, this lakeside desert transforms into a typical coastal beach scene due to the vast lake area, creating a uniquely striking contrast in the inland depths of Xinjiang. Visitors can enjoy swimming and water activities here during summer, experiencing the same relaxation and fun as coastal attractions. Come winter,Bosten LakeThe main location for ice and snow activities is also here. Additionally, there's another spot on the eastern side of the South Bank attraction.Haixin MountainIt is a hill extending into the lake, perfect for photography, and those interested can visit to take pictures. Besides the south shore tourist area, other lakeside attractions include the Dahekou Scenic Area on the east shore and the Jinshatan Scenic Area in Hoxud County on the north shore.Tian'ge Island (Yinsha Beach) AttractionDeng. Also known as Xihai Fishing Village, the Dahekou scenic area features lush reed marshes, charming lotus ponds, and is a prime spot for speedboating on the lake. This birdwatching paradise offers lakeside restaurants serving delicious freshwater fish and organizes barbecue activities by the shore, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway.China · Bohu
Tekes Bagua City
Tekes County in Xinjiang is famous for its Bagua layout. The relevant departments canceled the traffic lights on the road in 1996, and Bagua City became a city without traffic lights. It is said that Tekes Bagua City was originally arranged by Qiu Chuji, one of the Seven Sons of Taoism in the Southern Song Dynasty. At that time, Qiu Chuji, a real person from Changchun, went to the Western Regions at the invitation of Genghis Khan. When he passed the Tekes River Valley, he was moved by the mountains and rivers here. So this eight trigrams city was arranged. Bagua City is radially circular, and the street layout is like a maze, with roads interlinked and streets connected. At the same time, Bagua City has strong folk customs, profound historical culture and beautiful natural scenery.China · Tekes County
Hundred-Mile Gallery
Hundred-Mile Gallery is located in Nilka County, Ili, Xinjiang. It is a scenic stretch extending over a hundred miles along the Kashgar River valley, starting from the Qiao'erma junction on the Duku Highway in the east and extending westward along the provincial mountain road. This grassland was formerly known as Tangbula Grassland, which means "seal" in the Kazakh language. Hundreds of tributary valleys extend from both sides of the river valley into the mountains, with scenery in every valley: Schrenk's spruce forests, snow-capped mountains, meadows, and blue river channels create a picturesque scene, which is how the name "Gallery" came to be. The most comfortable way to explore the entire route is by self-drive, allowing you to stop at your leisure. The Xiaohuashan Viewing Platform is a great place to take in the panoramic view, with the Kashgar River below carving an S-shaped curve across the grassland, and the entire valley is bathed in a warm golden hue at sunrise and sunset. Fairy Lake is hidden high in a tributary valley, with water in the unique turquoise blue of glacial meltwater. It requires a hike or horseback ride along a gentle horse trail to reach. In the calm of the early morning, the lake surface reflects the perfect image of the snow-capped mountains. The primeval forest in Bulonggou hides mountain hot springs. Bee Town is a great place to stop and rest, where you can also taste local wildflower honey. In summer, wildflowers cover the meadows, and around September, the birch trees turn yellow. These are the two most vibrant times. After winter arrives, heavy snow seals the mountains, and the grassland enters a long period of silence. Most tourists enter from Yining by self-drive or car charter. At night, you can stay in a Kazakh yurt deep in the grassland, drink a bowl of milk tea, and eat a meal of hand-grabbed meat. The light pollution is low at night, and the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye.China · Nilka County
Tangbula Grassland
Tangbla Grassland is located in Nileke County. It is the collective name of the grassland landscape in the upper reaches of the Kashi River, named after the Tangbla Grand Canyon. Because there is a huge rock on the ridge on the east side of the valley, just like a jade seal, it is named Tangbra (meaning seal in Kazakh language). From Nileke County to the source of the Ka River, the lush mountain grasslands and valley grasslands on both sides of the Kashi River are what people usually refer to as the Tangbula grassland. This is a natural landscape area that integrates forests, grasslands, rapids, and mountains and rocks. The well-known film "Tianshan Honghua" was shot here. The grassland scenery in the scenic area is very beautiful, with the peculiar Arslang Stone Forest, the magnificent grassland sunset, and the ice peaks and snow ridges reflected in the quiet and deep alpine lakes. The warm and refreshing hot springs, the blue sky, and the green pastures here give people a beautiful enjoyment every moment.China · Nilka County
Kongque River
Kongque River originates from Bosten Lake, flows out from the western part of the lake, passes through the Iron Gate Pass canyon, travels east through Korla and Yuli County, and historically ended at Lop Nor. It is a rare river with almost no tributaries, nourishing the oasis of Korla and regarded by locals as their mother river. The origin of the river's name is quite interesting: legend has it that the famous Eastern Han general Ban Chao once watered his horses here, hence it is also known as the "Yinma River"; the name "Kongque" comes from a Uyghur transliteration, originally meaning "tanner," as it is said that tanners used to wash leather in the river in the past. The section flowing through the urban area of Korla has undergone years of renovation, and today it features open waters and tree-lined banks. Since 2000, a scenic tourist belt stretching about 10 km has been built along the river, with stone embankments connecting green spaces like Kongque Park and Lixiang Park, as well as several bridges with unique designs. Every April, the pear blossoms in Lixiang Park by the river are in full bloom, with the flowers reflecting in the clear water, living up to Korla's name as the "Pear City." Another aspect of this river's scenery awaits in winter: starting every fall and winter, flocks of swans fly to the Kongque River to overwinter. This phenomenon has continued for many years, and Korla is therefore known as the "City of Swans."China · Korla
Free things to do in Luntai
Museum of the Western Regions Frontier Command
Luntai · 1.5km from downtownLop Nur South Ancient City
Luntai · 24.1km from downtownDuku Highway
China · KuytunZhaosu Yuhu Scenic Area
China · ZhaosuQiongkushitai Village
China · Tekes CountyBosten Lake
China · BohuTekes Bagua City
China · Tekes CountyHundred-Mile Gallery
China · Nilka CountyTangbula Grassland
China · Nilka CountyKongque River
China · Korla
More ways to travel from Luntai
Private Tours in Luntai
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What travellers say about Luntai
三少四夕9 August 2026
5.0
The Protectorate General of the Western Regions is very well-built and imposing, befitting its character. The parking lot is very large and convenient, although it seems there are no charging stations. On the way from Korla to Kuqa, we passed through Luntai, and a visit to the Protectorate General of the Western Regions was a must. Luntai is so famous; I've heard its name countless times since elementary school, from poems and literature. For example, Cen Shen's "Seeing You Off at the East Gate of Luntai: Snow Covered the Tianshan Road When You Left," and Lu You's "Lying Alone in a Lonely Village, I Do Not Lament Myself, But Still Think of Defending Luntai for My Country," etc. The exhibits inside are abundant and very thoughtfully arranged. Before leaving, I bought a stamped souvenir book. When I went to the front desk to get the museum's official stamp, the receptionist even gave me a brochure, saying it could also be stamped and could be kept as a souvenir. The service was excellent.
Museum of the Western Regions Frontier Command
乐乐大乐乐dolores27 April 2020
4.0
Sea of Death｜Lop Nur
Today I will introduce the most mysterious area in Xinjiang and even in China: Lop Nur! There is the wildest Yadan landform here. You need to apply for an entry and exit permit to enter, and you are not allowed to take photos. I can't go into details... See you in the comments🤣
Maybe many people don't know that the ancient country of Loulan in history was located in the west of Lop Nur, at the hub of the Western Regions, and occupied an extremely important position on the ancient Silk Road. It was an important center for Sino-Western trade, and the first atomic bomb of New China was also successfully tested here!
Lop Nur South Ancient City
M54***5211 July 2026
4.0
Xinjiang Trip Day 9 ✨ Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery—Duku Highway—Urumqi
What incredible luck today! I woke up this morning to find out the Duku Highway was reopened! ✨ What would have been an 11-hour drive was reduced to just 8 hours! What amazing luck!
🌄 Surprise at the start: The Hundred-Mile Gallery is breathtakingly beautiful! Every snapshot is wallpaper-worthy scenery 🏞️
The Duku Highway truly deserves its title as Xinjiang's most beautiful highway 🏆 Today we witnessed:
✓ 20°C summer at the foot of the mountain vs. a sub-zero snowy world at the summit ❄️
✓ A changing panorama of scenery throughout the four seasons: grassland → spruce forest → snow-capped mountains → Danxia canyons
✓ A southerner screamed with excitement upon touching a real snow-capped mountain for the first time (I won't say who it was 😝)
🚗 Driving Tips:
1️⃣ Duku Highway Opening Hours: June 1st - October 15th
2️⃣ Restricted Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
3️⃣ Essential Items: Thick coat! Sunscreen! Sunglasses! (Don't ask how I know, I just got three shades tanned 😭)
💯 Today's highlights:
A snowball fight at the foot of the snow-capped mountains ☃️ Zero traffic jams + zero livestock = a silky smooth experience
Still savoring the experience on the way back to Urumqi, this was definitely the most worthwhile day of my Xinjiang trip! I highly recommend that everyone visiting Xinjiang add the Duku Highway to their must-see list~
#XinjiangTravel #DukuHighway #HundredMileGallery #TangbulaGrassland #UrumqiTourism
Duku Highway
apher25 August 2026
5.0
Jade Lake is truly beautiful on a clear day, and a road trip there is well worth it. Besides getting a close-up view of the lake, you can also drive into the Aheyazi Valley. If you have time, you can visit the Aheyazi River downstream on the way to the scenic area.
Zhaosu Yuhu Scenic Area
YoYo_9H7U5N1A1 September 2026
5.0
Qiongkushitai is nestled deep in the mountains, with rustic wooden villages and vast grasslands behind it, accompanied by spruce trees and streams. The winding mountain road is bumpy, but staying overnight to watch the sunset and starry sky offers a truly immersive mountain atmosphere, perfect for a slow-paced trip.
Qiongkushitai Village
Anonymous user12 October 2025
5.0
The West Sea lives up to its reputation, with an endless expanse of turquoise blue and emerald green nearby. Seagulls fly, waves crash against the riverbank, and how can you not be mesmerized by the tranquility? Let the love song of the West Sea ring out!
Bosten Lake
sky5lady18 March 2025
5.0
白天的特克斯八卦城略显平淡，但是夜晚的特克斯八卦城真美啊，围绕太极坛绕场一周，八条街灯火阑珊，各有特色。尤其用无人机的上帝视角，更是美的不可方物。
Tekes Bagua City
无为的无心草18 October 2025
5.0
Autumn also offers a unique experience for visitors to Meixian's Baili Gallery. While the thousand-acre lotus pond mentioned in the reference primarily showcases its summertime lotus spectacle, there are other things worth experiencing around the area in autumn:
Enjoying the Autumn Scenery
In autumn, the trees surrounding the Meixian Baili Gallery transform into a vibrant array of colors, with maple leaves turning red and ginkgo trees turning yellow. These colors complement the surrounding landscape, creating a beautiful natural canvas. Strolling or cycling along the gallery will allow you to experience the rich autumn atmosphere.
Tasting Autumn Fruits
Autumn is harvest season, and Meixian may have abundant fruits, such as kiwis, ripening. Participate in picking, savor the fresh, delicious fruits, and experience the joy of harvest.
Nearby Leisure Activities
Along the route to the Meixian Baili Gallery, you may find farmhouses and unique shops nearby. After exploring the area, you can sample local delicacies at the farmhouses and enjoy a leisurely and relaxing autumn experience.
In addition, although the lotus flowers in the thousand-acre lotus pond have passed their flowering period in autumn, the surrounding ecological landscape is still worth seeing. The wooden trails, the Wei River embankment and other scenery also have a unique charm in autumn. You can stroll along the trails, feel the autumn breeze on your face, and enjoy the scenery of the Wei River.
Hundred-Mile Gallery
Jerry_Z*^_^*1 October 2026
5.0
Tangbula, located in Nileke County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, is a collective name for the canyon and grassland landscape of the upper reaches of the Kashgar River. It gets its name from a rock formation on the eastern ridge that resembles a jade seal (the Kazakh word "Tangbula" means "seal"). It is known as the "Hundred-Mile Gallery." This natural scenic belt stretches for over a hundred miles along Provincial Highway S315, integrating snow-capped mountains, spruce trees, grasslands, streams, and alpine lakes. The route is crisscrossed by valleys, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Completely free, it is a pristine, off-the-beaten-path summer retreat and a perfect destination for self-driving tours in the Ili River Valley.
Tangbula Grassland
whlyh10 July 2025
5.0
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Kongque River
