Things To Do
in Tekes
Tekes is a small county town in Xinjiang, China, set along the Tekes River with surrounding grasslands and low-lying mountains. The area blends Kazakh, Uyghur, and Han influences, offering warm hospitality and nomadic heritage. Visitors come for wide-open skies, pastoral scenery, and a slower pace away from larger cities.
The region is a gateway to nearby grasslands, traditional culture, and outdoor exploration year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Land at Ürümqi or Altay airport then drive through rolling hills to Tekes County. Meet a local guide who shares regional history on the journey into the valleys. Arrive at a cozy guesthouse and settle into your traditional yurt-style room.
Enjoy a hearty Xinjiang lunch featuring hand-pulled noodles and fresh salad. Walk through the nearby village of Kelawuz and chat with Kazakh herders about their nomadic lifestyle. Explore rustic stone houses, admire wood-carved doors and learn about local animal husbandry.
Dine on roasted lamb skewers cooked over an open flame. Experience an intimate folk music performance around a campfire under a blanket of stars. Retire early to rest for the adventures ahead.
Start the day with a nourishing breakfast of flatbread, yogurt and local honey. Set off on horseback along the emerald Tekes River, guided by experienced riders. Traverse wildflower meadows and spot grazing horses in the distant hills.
Stop for a picnic lunch of dried fruits, cheese and tea at a riverside glade. Continue trekking up gentle slopes to enjoy panoramic views of the valley below. Capture photos of cascading streams and grazing yaks against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
Return to camp for a warm bowl of lamb stew infused with root vegetables and spices. Share stories with fellow travelers around the fire as the sun dips behind the mountains. Drift to sleep in your yurt listening to the river’s soothing murmur.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Tea or coffee at cafe | $1-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🏨Overnight at mid-range hotel | $25-60 |
| 🧣Local handicraft souvenir | $5-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery and wide-open spaces
- Rich cultural mix with hospitable people and nomadic heritage
- Accessible grassland experiences and manageable day trips
- Delicious, hearty Xinjiang/Mongolian-inspired cuisine
- Quiet, low-key destinations ideal for relaxation
- Limited public transportation within rural areas
- Smaller selection of international dining and nightlife
- Some services may be cash-only; language barriers can arise
- Weather can change quickly; plan for variable conditions
- "Sälemetsiz" - Hello
- "Qalay siz?" - How are you?
- "Rakhmet" - Thank you
- "Keshirasiz" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Birge kiyin" - Please / Could you repeat?
Places to Visit in Tekes
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide river bend with valley backdrops; ideal for sunrise silhouettes and long-exposure river shots.
Open plains framed by distant mountains—great for expansive landscape photography and horizon lines.
Streetscape views from elevated roofs or courtyards that capture daily life and traditional architecture.
A higher vantage point offering dramatic skies and the fading light over the valley.
Food in Tekes
Tekes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Charred skewers of marinated lamb, seasoned with cumin and pepper; a staple at street stalls and taverns.
Must-Try!
Hand-pulled noodles in a flavorful broth with vegetables and meat; a comforting Xinjiang favorite.
Fragrant rice cooked with carrots, onions, and tender meat; often served as a communal dish at gatherings.
Soft, round flatbread baked in a clay oven; perfect for scooping up sauces and kebabs.
Salted yogurt drink (ayran) and, in some areas, fermented mare’s milk (airag); refreshing with meals.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily market where you can sample fresh dairy, lamb products, breads, and seasonal fruits; great for street bites and people-watching.
Outdoor stalls offering kebabs, fried dough, hand-pulled noodles, and sweet pastries—perfect for a quick, flavorful bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm welcome is common; greet elders first and use a handshake with smiles. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in homes or villages; some moments are sensitive or sacred.
Respect personal space and traditions during meals, ceremonies, and local gatherings; remove shoes when entering certain homes or spaces if asked.
Safety
Tipping in Tekes
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; round up bills or leave a small tip for good service in cafes and guided experiences.
Cash (RMB) is widely accepted; mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are common in towns and markets; some rural stalls may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with fresh greenery; occasional rain can make trails slick. Pack a light rain jacket and sturdy shoes.
Warm to hot days, long daylight hours; carry water, sunscreen, and a hat. Ideal for outdoor activities and markets.
Cool, crisp air and colorful foliage; comfortable for hikes and photography. Evening temperatures drop quickly.
Cold and dry with possible snow; some roads may be icy. Pack layered clothing, insulated boots, and a reliable light source.
Tekes at Night
Hiking in Tekes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic loop along the river with gentle ascents, ideal for a half-day hike and photography.
An elevated path offering sweeping valley views and seasonal wildflowers.
A longer route suitable for experienced hikers; stunning panoramas of distant peaks when conditions permit.
Airports
How to reach Tekes by plane.
Regional airport serving Ili Prefecture; usable for domestic flights and connections to larger hubs.
Major Xinjiang gateway, about several hours by road from Tekes; used for long-haul connections and onward travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority in the Tekes area, with strong pastoral traditions and bilingual communication in Kazakh and Chinese.
Smaller communities present in the region, contributing to the cultural and culinary variety.
Present primarily through administrative and tourism-related activities; interactions are common in markets and transport hubs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Traditional riding and equestrian displays familiar in Kazakh culture; often experienced during festivals or with local hosts.
Occasional demonstrations or cultural programs showcasing traditional skills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tekes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries offer vegetable-rich polo, noodle dishes, salads, and breads; ask for no meat stock and request dairy-free options where needed.