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Kurdening is located in the mountainous eastern part of Gongliu County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, about 90 kilometers from the county seat. Locals call it "Kurdening," which means "horizontal valley." It is the core area of the Tianshan Spruce Nature Reserve, with grasslands, forests, streams, and wildflowers. The best time to see the flower sea is from late May to mid-June each year.
Late May——Early June
Main flowers: Tianshan red poppy (wild poppy), globeflower, cranesbill
Distribution areas: Jiawu'er Grassland and Ayoute Valley within the scenic area
Description: Patches of red, yellow, and purple flowers on the grassy slopes, with snow-capped peaks and spruce forests in the background.
Mid-June——Late June
Main flowers: Grassland iris, edelweiss, aster, rosebay willowherb
Distribution areas: Along both sides of the river valley and next to the hiking trails
Description: A wider mix of colors, mainly white, blue, and pink – good for close-up shots.
After July
Some wildflowers remain at higher elevations, but not as dense as in May–June. Suitable for visitors who prefer fewer crowds and a quieter experience.
How to get there
By air: Fly to Yining Airport, then hire a private car or take a bus to Gongliu County.
By train: Take a train to Yining Station or Xinyuan Station, then transfer to a bus to Gongliu.
By car: Depart from Urumqi, take the Lianyungang–Khorgas Expressway and then S220 Provincial Road. The whole drive takes about 8–9 hours.
Routes inside the scenic area
Standard route: Main gate → Shili Gallery (Ten‑Li Gallery)→Fengxiang Post→Qimengde Viewing Platform. Takes about 1.5 hours on horseback or on foot.
In‑depth route: From Qimengde, continue further into Ayoute Valley to see the deeper flower sea. This takes a full day.
Hiking route: The cross‑route from Kurdening to Qiaxi Grassland. You'll need a guide, and it takes two days.
Tickets and opening hours
Estimated ticket price: 80 yuan per person. Shuttle bus inside the park costs an extra 60 yuan.
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 8:00 pm during peak season.
Suggested visit length: It may take 2-3 hours, at most about a day.
Accommodation options
Inside the scenic area: There are designated camping accommodation areas, costing 1,500–2,000 yuan per night.
Gongliu county town: Budget hotels are available in the surrounding towns.
Food
Yurts inside the scenic area serve pilaf, noodles, and grilled lamb skewers. For hiking, it's a good idea to bring your own snacks and water.
Mountain areas have a large temperature difference between day and night. Daytime temperatures are around 25°C, dropping to 5–10°C at night. Bring a windproof jacket or a light down jacket.
Sun protection: UV rays are very strong. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Road conditions: Inside the scenic area, the paths are dirt roads and livestock trails. Wear non-slip sneakers or hiking shoes.
Cell service: Most areas have no mobile signal. Download offline maps ahead of time.
Environmental protection: Do not pick the flowers. Take your trash with you.
Safety: Do not walk into restricted or unopened areas alone. There are snakes and marmots in the flower meadows.
Who it's for
Photography enthusiasts
Independent travelers who enjoy grassland flower seas
Families with children (kids should be at least 6 years old and able to walk on mountain trails)
Q: When is the best time for flowers to bloom?
A: Between May and the end of June. The blooming period varies by about a week each year. Before you go, you can check recent photos taken by visitors online.
Q: Is the flower sea crowded?
A: Weekends and the Dragon Boat Festival are more crowded. Weekdays are quieter. It's best to go from Tuesday to Thursday.
Q: How do I get there without a car?
A: There are buses from Yining Bus Station to Gongliu County, which takes about 3 hours. Once in Gongliu, you can hire a car to the scenic area. A one-way trip costs about 200 yuan.
Q: Can I bring my pet?
A: Yes, but pets must be on a leash and cannot be taken inside the yurts.
The flower sea in Kurdening only lasts about a month each year. Miss it, and you'll have to wait until next year. The blooming period in 2025 was from late May to mid-June. That's already passed. If you're planning to go in 2026, we recommend booking yurts or a hotel in the county town in advance. Need help arranging a vehicle or customizing a route? Just contact our travel agency directly.
Next, we'll recommend some itineraries that will bring you a more pleasant travel experience.
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