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Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation
Explore the Geological Wonders of Northern Xinjiang:2026 Comprehensive Guide to In-Depth Experience in Koktokay
[Route Highlights:Dual Experience in Geology and Nature Classes]
Koktokay National Geopark, known as the “World Geological Museum,” is at its prime for exploring geological wonders in the summer of 2026. It features three core scenic zones:
Granite Landform Zone
Zhongshan Mountain, an iconic landmark, is a 351-meter-high granite peak resembling an upside-down giant bell. Cold-resistant tree species such as birch and spruce grow on its rock walls, forming a unique vertical vegetation belt. Geological experts recommend bringing a magnifying glass to observe the gneissic structure in the rock layers, which is direct evidence of crustal movement 800 million years ago.
Canyon Ecological Zone
The Irtysh River Grand Canyon is home to over 20 pictographic rock formations, including Camel Peak and Flying Peak. The “Giant Python Emerging from the Sea” landscape is particularly vivid in the morning mist. A 3-kilometer wooden boardwalk at the canyon bottom is suitable for family hiking, with geological interpretation signs along the way explaining faulting, folding, and other geological phenomena in a cartoon format.
Mining Heritage Zone
The No. 3 Mine features a 400-meter-diameter spiral excavation site, with 14 layers of mining traces from different eras visible on the pit walls. The Ayguz Mine Tunnel retains 1950s mining equipment, with mineral crystals such as aquamarine and tourmaline on the tunnel walls sparkling under the lights. The mine exhibition hall displays a “geological timeline” made of ores, visually showcasing the 4.6-billion-year evolution of the Earth.
Explore the Geological Wonders of Northern Xinjiang: 2026 Comprehensive Guide to In-Depth Experience in Koktokay[Four-Day Itinerary Plan (Summer 2026 Edition)]
Day 1:Geological Introduction
Morning:Take a shuttle bus (about 6 hours) from Urumqi Diwopu Airport directly to the scenic area, passing through the Gurbantunggut Desert where you can observe desert plants such as saxaul and tamarisk.
Afternoon:Visit the Geological Museum and learn about the formation of the Altai Mountains through a 4D cinema experience, with a focus on the simulated imagery of the 1931 Fuyun earthquake.
Dinner:Enjoy special meals from various ethnic groups, with a recommendation of hand-grabbed mutton with mar仁 sugar (nut dessert).
Day 2:Canyon Exploration
08:30 Take the shuttle bus into the Grand Canyon, with the first stop at the birch forest area where you can experience tree bark rubbing, pinecone painting, and other family activities.
11:00 Hike to the Zhongshan Mountain Viewing Platform, where a geological guide will explain the spherical weathering phenomenon of granite on-site.
14:00 After a simple meal in the mining area, visit the No. 3 Mine and participate in ore sorting experience (children can receive mineral specimen boxes).
18:00 Stop at the Jilande Hot Spring area on the way back to experience natural cold spring foot baths (water temperature 15°C).
[Route Highlights: Dual Experience in Geology and Nature Classes]Day 3:Ecological Research
09:00 Head to Koksueri Wetland, take an electric boat through the reed maze, and observe migratory birds such as black-headed gulls and grey cranes.
12:00 Experience milking cows and making cheese at a herdsman’s homestay by the wetland.
14:30 Visit the Karaxanger Earthquake Fault Zone and measure the width of the ground fissures with professional instruments (up to 4 kilometers at the widest point).
17:00 Return to the town area to participate in an intangible cultural heritage experience class for various ethnic groups, learning to play the dombra or embroidery skills.
Day 4:Cultural Heritage
09:00 Visit the Ilimu Lake Water Conservancy Project to understand the formation principle of this “Blue River Bay.”
11:00 Shop for souvenirs:Recommend meteorite slices from the Fuyun Meteorite Museum and tourmaline pendants from the mining area cultural and creative store.
14:00 Take the shuttle bus back, stopping at Chakurtu Town along the way to taste Xinjiang delicacies such as roast whole lamb.
[Cost Guide (Reference Prices for 2026)]
Koktokay National Geopark, known as the “World Geological Museum,” is at its prime for exploring geological wonders in the summer of 2026. It features three core scenic zones:Basic Fees
Scenic Area Combination Ticket:Adults 116 yuan (including shuttle bus), youth aged 6-18 58 yuan, children under 6 free
Self-Drive Fee:230 yuan per vehicle (limited to 5 seats, advance reservation required)
Shuttle Bus:Approximately 300 yuan per person round-trip from Urumqi (including insurance)
Experience Projects
Ore Sorting Experience:30 yuan per person (including specimen box)
Wetland Electric Boat:80 yuan per hour (limited to 6 people)
Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Class:50 yuan per class hour (materials fee extra)
Dining Reference
Average Consumption per Person in Town Restaurants:40-60 yuan
Granite Landform ZoneSimple Meal in Mining Area:20 yuan per serving (pilaf + milk tea)
Special Local Hot Pot:120 yuan per small pot (serves 2-3 people)
(Specific fees are subject to actual consultation and contract signing, and prices may change with market fluctuations)
[Registration Instructions]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, and Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing can provide detailed itinerary consultations. The agency offers various service combinations:
Standard Group
Includes 3 nights of comfortable hotel accommodation, full transportation, basic tickets, and guide services
Research Group
Adds geological expert accompaniment for explanations, use of experimental equipment, and issuance of research certificates
Customized Group
Zhongshan Mountain, an iconic landmark, is a 351-meter-high granite peak resembling an upside-down giant bell. Cold-resistant tree species such as birch and spruce grow on its rock walls, forming a unique vertical vegetation belt. Geological experts recommend bringing a magnifying glass to observe the gneissic structure in the rock layers, which is direct evidence of crustal movement 800 million years ago. The itinerary can be changed according to needs, such as adding special projects like photography guidance and stargazing
[Service Guarantees]
Transportation Guarantee:Use of new vehicles within 5 years, each equipped with a first aid kit and child seats
Dining Management:Partner restaurants have all passed food certification and provide meals
Emergency Plan:Established a green channel with Fuyun County People’s Hospital and set up 3 medical aid stations within the scenic area
[Travel Tips]
Equipment Suggestions:Bring windproof jackets, high-top hiking shoes, polarized sunglasses, and children need sunscreen and mosquito repellent
Photography Timing:The best time to photograph Zhongshan Mountain is before 10 a.m., and the earthquake fault zone is suitable for backlit photography in the evening
Cultural Etiquette:When visiting local herdsmen’s yurts, follow the prompts to enter, and accept milk tea by holding the bowl with your right hand to show respect
Special Reminders:The mine tunnel maintains a constant temperature of 8°C, so bring a thin down jacket; feeding is prohibited when birdwatching in the wetland
This summer, let the geological wonders of Koktokay and the cultures of various ethnic groups weave into an unforgettable growth memory. Through a scientifically planned itinerary, it can satisfy children’s curiosity about nature while allowing parents to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Northern Xinjiang in a relaxed atmosphere. For specific itinerary details and recent promotions, please consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation

