The county town of Tekes is famous for its Bagua-shaped street layout. Aerial views show streets radiating outward from a central plaza. While it's widely rumored that the town has no traffic lights, vehicles still follow intersection signage; do not rely on hearsay.
Junkushitai, a pastoral village located in the southern mountainous region of Tekes County at an elevation of approximately 2,000 meters, features meadows, wooden cabins, and streams as its primary landscapes. The two locations are over 60 kilometers apart; the winding mountain roads require about two hours by car.
1. How to Explore a County Town
The central plaza is the intersection of eight streets, surrounded by museums and markets. A 40-minute walk around the plaza reveals its radial street layout. In the evenings, the plaza is bustling with locals strolling and children playing, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
The county offers a wide range of affordable lodging, making it an ideal base before and after heading into the mountains. Dining options focus on local home-style cuisine, with plenty of noodle dishes and barbecue available.
- County town: Main streets can be explored in a 40-minute walk.
- To Qiongkushitai: 65 km, mountain roads take 2 hours
- Altitude of Qiongkushitai: approximately 2000 meters; cool at night.
- Best season: 6 to 9, grass turns yellow in late 9.
2. How to access Qiongkushitai
Start from the county town and head into the mountains via Kalajun. The final stretch is a winding mountain road—proceed slowly when passing vehicles. The village offers homestays and yurts; rooms are in high demand during peak season, so book in advance.
The classic route from the village follows the stream upstream, leading to open meadows and distant snow-capped peaks in about two hours. Horseback riding is also available; rates are charged by hour or by route. Agree on the price and route before mounting up.
3. Which side is better to stay on?
Stay in the village to capture morning mist and herds; stay in the county town for comfort with elderly or children. Mountain roads between the two lack streetlights at night—avoid driving after dark.
If you're taking the Ili Ring Road, Tekes is typically visited between Zhaosu and Kalajun, with Qiongkushitai as a one-day excursion. Even on a tight schedule, exploring just the county town without heading into the mountains will still give you a feel for this small city's unique character.
4. How the Bagua Layout is Formed
The county town's streets radiate from the central square in eight directions, connected by an outer ring road to form a Bagua-like layout. Originally designed for planning and defense, this pattern now serves as a distinctive urban feature.
From ground level, the most immediate impression is that you can see eight streets at a glance from the square. To grasp the overall layout, visit the city's observation tower or compare an aerial photo with your surroundings; this offers a clearer understanding of the structure than walking the streets alone.
Qiongkushitai, a pastoral village on one side, preserves wooden houses and grasslands, serving as a model for Ili's mountainous grazing. Most homestays here are converted residences; sound insulation is average, so earplugs can help you sleep better.
The road from the county town to Qiongkushitai is mostly mountainous and becomes muddy after rain. Due to low ground clearance, sedans are not recommended; an SUV or chartered transport is advised. The final stretch before entering the village has no streetlights, so it's safer to arrive before dark.
See the overall route for Ili.Ili RouteFor the walking routes in Kalajun, seeKalaqun East and West Sections。
From the county town, you can head to either Kalajun or Qiongkushitai. Kalajun is a well-established tourist area, while Qiongkushitai offers a more authentic village experience. With only one day available, choose just one destination; trying to visit both will leave you with little time to truly explore either.
The village offers horseback riding priced by the hour. Confirm your route and duration before mounting, and agree on the price first. Hiking up the valley takes about two hours to reach an open meadow.
See the flowering season and route for Zhaosu.Zhosu AttractionsTo include both Tekes and Qiongkushitai in the same itinerary, you canSubmit Custom Itinerary Requestdescribed here.
The county town's bazaar is liveliest in the evening, with affordable fresh and dried fruits—perfect for snacks on the go.
Weak signal in mountainous areas—download offline maps in advance. Plan horseback riding and hiking according to your own fitness; do not push yourself just to stick to the itinerary. See the overall Yili route plan below.Ili RouteFor the Karajun hiking routes, seeKalaqun East and West Sections。
