Guozigou
Guozigou, also known as Fruit Valley, is a scenic mountain pass and critical transportation corridor located in the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Renowned as the "First Bridge of Xinjiang," it serves as a vital link on the G30 Lianyungang-Khorgos Expressway and a gateway to Central Asia. The area combines breathtaking natural landscapes, historical significance, and modern engineering marvels, making it a must-visit destination in Northwest China.
Historical Overview
Guozigou has been a strategic pass on the Northern Silk Road since ancient times. During the Yuan and Qing dynasties, postal stations were established here to facilitate communication and trade. In the 18th century, Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty ordered the construction of two postal stations (Tou Tai and Er Tai) to transmit imperial decrees and border military reports after suppressing the Junggar rebellion. The iconic Guozigou Bridge, completed in 2011, marks a modern engineering milestone. It earned the "2013 Xinjiang Science and Technology Progress Award" and became a symbol of innovation in mountain bridge construction.
Structural Layout
The Guozigou Bridge is a double-tower, double-cable-plane steel truss girder cable-stayed bridge spanning 700 meters across the valley. The total route length is 4.4 kilometers, featuring a four-lane highway with a design speed of 80 km/h. Surrounding the bridge, the Guozigou-Sayram Lake Scenic Area adopts a "one-axis, three-ring, nine-zone" layout:
- Core Sections: Xiwangmu Guanhai Peak Scenic Area, Sayram Lake Water Recreation Zone.
- Supporting Areas: Kazakh Folk Culture Park, Kokesayi Hundred Flower Garden, General Gully Scenic Spot, and Mongolian Folk Culture Village.
Major Attractions
- Guozigou Bridge: A masterpiece of modern engineering, offering panoramic views of valleys, waterfalls, and alpine meadows.
- Xiwangmu Guanhai Peak: A vantage point for overlooking Sayram Lake and surrounding mountains.
- Sayram Lake: Known as the "Pearl of the Plateau," it features crystal-clear waters reflecting colorful underwater terrains.
- Kokesayi Hundred Flower Garden: A seasonal paradise blooming with wildflowers from late May to early June.
- Ethnic Culture Villages: Experience Kazakh and Mongolian traditions through yurt stays, folk performances, and cuisine.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Start at Guozigou Bridge → Xiwangmu Guanhai Peak → Sayram Lake → Return via the bridge.
Highlights: Bridge architecture, lake views, and valley scenery. - Cultural & Nature Route (4–5 hours):
Guozigou Bridge → Kokesayi Hundred Flower Garden → General Gully → Kazakh Folk Culture Park → Sayram Lake.
Highlights: Ethnic culture, floral landscapes, and historical sites. - Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Guozigou Bridge → Xiwangmu Guanhai Peak → Mongolian Folk Culture Village → Sayram Lake Cruise → Kokesayi Hundred Flower Garden → Return.
Highlights: All major attractions, including cultural villages and lake activities.
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book through official platforms (e.g., WeChat mini-programs) up to 7 days in advance.
- On-Site: Limited same-day tickets available; queues may be long.
- Prices:
- Self-driving package: ¥100 (valid for 24 hours).
- Standard ticket: ¥145 (on-site purchase).
- Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Transportation
- By Car: Accessible via the G30 Lianyungang-Khorgos Expressway; the bridge is 40 km northeast of Huocheng County.
- By Bus: Take the "Yiwu Passenger Tour" sightseeing bus from Yining City.
- By Taxi: Direct ride from Yining or Huocheng to Guozigou.
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Season: May–June (wildflowers blooming) and September–October (autumn foliage).
- Avoid Crowds: Arrive early (8:30 AM opening) or visit after 3 PM.
- Essentials:
- Wear sturdy shoes (15,000+ steps possible).
- Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks (limited dining options).
- Photography allowed; no drones or tripods.
- Respect local customs in ethnic villages.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
