whatdo

Things To Do
in Toli

Day Trips

Tours

Attractions

Prices

Toli is a small town located in Xinjiang, China. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, including lush green valleys and snow-capped mountains. The town has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from both Chinese and Central Asian traditions.

Toli is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts looking to explore its stunning natural beauty.

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Real Mongolian Adventure! The best highlights of Mongolia

  • "Ni hao" - Hello
  • "Xie xie" - Thank you
  • "Zao an" - Good morning
  • "Zai jian" - Goodbye
  • "Shen me" - What?

Prices

  • 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
  • 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
  • ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
  • 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
  • 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
  • 🏋️‍♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Toli's Nature
morning
:

Start your day with a hike in the nearby Toli mountains. Enjoy the fresh air and stunning views of the natural landscape.

afternoon
:

Visit a local farmer's market to experience the vibrant culture and taste fresh produce. Engage with locals and learn about their traditions.

evening
:

Relax at a scenic viewpoint with a beautiful sunset. Wrap up your day with a traditional meal at a local restaurant.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Visit the Toli Ethnic Culture Museum to understand the diverse ethnic groups of the region. Engage with interactive exhibits and displays.

afternoon
:

Join a local cooking class to learn traditional recipes. This hands-on experience will let you taste the flavors of Toli afterward.

evening
:

Take a stroll through the historic part of the city. Enjoy the architecture and grab dinner at a popular local spot.

Toli Day Trips

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage including traditional festivals and monuments.
  • Beautiful natural landscapes and scenic spots in the surrounding areas.
  • Growing economy with potential opportunities for investment and business.
  • Diverse culinary scene featuring local cuisine and flavors.
  • Limited international exposure and less recognition compared to larger cities.
  • Infrastructure may not be as developed as in more populous urban areas.
  • Air quality concerns due to industrial activities in some regions.
  • Potential language barriers for non-Chinese speakers.

Best Activities in Toli

Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!

Hiking in Toli National Forest Park

Explore the lush landscapes and diverse flora and fauna while enjoying a range of hiking trails in Toli National Forest Park.

Camping at Kanas Lake

Experience the natural beauty of Toli by camping at Kanas Lake, offering stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere for outdoor enthusiasts.

Exploring Hemu Village

Immerse yourself in the unique culture and picturesque scenery of Hemu Village, known for its wooden cabins and stunning mountain vistas.

Places to Visit in Toli

Visit one of these nice places.

Toli Great Wall

Offers stunning views and great photo opportunities of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Toli National Forest Park

Provides picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and scenic spots for photography enthusiasts.

Food in Toli

Toli, China boasts a rich and diverse culinary tradition, influenced by a combination of Mongolian, Russian, and Chinese cuisines. The cuisine in Toli is characterized by hearty meat-based dishes, flavorful dairy products, and a variety of traditional breads and pastries.

Toli Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Baiyang fish

A popular local freshwater fish, typically prepared in a spicy and fragrant stew with a variety of herbs and spices. Best enjoyed at local restaurants and food stalls near the Baiyang River.

Must-Try!

Mutton kebabs

Skewers of tender marinated mutton, grilled to perfection and often served with flatbread and a zesty dipping sauce. Look for them at street vendors and night markets throughout Toli.

Milk tea

A beloved beverage in Toli, milk tea is a creamy and sweet concoction made from strong black tea and rich milk. Locals often gather at tea houses to socialize and savor this comforting drink.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Toli Night Market

This bustling market comes to life after sunset, offering a wide array of street food delicacies such as grilled skewers, dumplings, and local desserts. Adventurous eaters will find a treasure trove of authentic Toli flavors here.

Donghe Food Bazaar

A thriving hub of local food culture, where visitors can sample traditional snacks like fried pancakes, steamed buns, and handmade noodles. The vibrant atmosphere makes it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Weather

The climate in this region is characterized as a continental climate, featuring four distinct seasons. Winters are typically cold and dry, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Snowfall can occur but is usually moderate. Spring brings a gradual warming, with temperatures rising and occasional rain, marking the transition to the more temperate conditions of summer. Summers are hot and can be quite humid, with temperatures frequently exceeding 30°C (86°F), and thunderstorms are common during this season. Autumn is generally mild and dry, with temperatures gradually cooling down. This period is often marked by colorful foliage and a comfortable climate. Overall, the region experiences significant temperature variations between seasons, typical of a continental climate, with influences from both the land and nearby geographical features.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for Elders

In Toli, China, it is important to show respect for elders by addressing them with proper titles and using polite language when speaking to them.

Punctuality

Being on time for appointments and meetings is highly valued in Toli, China, as it is seen as a sign of respect for others' time.

Relationship Building

Building and maintaining personal relationships is important in Toli, China, so taking the time to engage in small talk and show interest in others is considered respectful behavior.

Safety

Toli, located in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has a relatively low crime rate, contributing to a perception of safety among locals and visitors. However, like many areas in Xinjiang, it is subject to strict government surveillance and security measures. This can include police checkpoints and monitoring of public spaces. Travelers should stay informed about the local laws and regulations, as the region has unique social and cultural dynamics. While street crime may be rare, it's advisable to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Additionally, visitors should consider cultural sensitivities and respect local customs to foster positive interactions with residents. Overall, while the environment may feel secure from a crime perspective, the heightened security presence can create a different atmosphere that may impact the overall feeling of safety for individuals unfamiliar with the region.

Tipping in Toli

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

In Toli, China, it is not customary to tip in most situations. Service charges are often included in bills at hotels and restaurants. Tipping is generally not expected or required, as it is not a common practice in Chinese culture.

Payment

Payment in Toli, China is primarily done using the Chinese currency, Renminbi (RMB). Cash is widely used, but major credit cards are also accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. Mobile payment methods such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also increasingly popular for transactions in China.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Best time to visit for mild temperatures and beautiful cherry blossoms. Expect occasional rain.

Summer

Warm temperatures and lush green landscapes. Expect occasional thunderstorms.

Autumn

Cool temperatures and stunning foliage. Expect clear, sunny days.

Winter

Cold temperatures and occasional snow. Expect fewer crowds and unique winter scenery.

Toli at Night

Nightlife in Toli can be a vibrant and unique experience, blending traditional cultural elements with modern entertainment. As evening falls, the streets come alive with colorful lights and lively activity. Local markets remain open late, offering an array of street foods, crafts, and souvenirs. It's common to see families and friends gathering at outdoor food stalls, indulging in regional delicacies such as freshly-grilled skewers, spicy hot pots, and unique snacks. For those interested in a more lively atmosphere, there are nightclubs and bars that offer music ranging from local folk tunes to contemporary pop and electronic music. These venues often feature live performances, karaoke, and dance floors that cater to both locals and tourists. Cultural performances are also a highlight of Toli’s nightlife. Traditional dance shows and music performances offer visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage of the area. Additionally, evening river cruises provide a serene way to enjoy the beautifully lit cityscape and perhaps catch a traditional puppet show or instrumental performance on board. The blend of vibrant street life, dining, modern entertainment, and cultural experiences makes Toli's nightlife a reflective and exciting extension of its daytime dynamism.

Hiking in Toli

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Toli Mountain

A beautiful mountain with diverse flora and fauna, perfect for hiking enthusiasts seeking stunning views and challenging trails.

Karamay Scenic Area

A nearby scenic area known for its unique rock formations and hiking trails suitable for all levels of hikers.

Yining Grand Canyon

A breathtaking natural landscape with vast canyons and picturesque hiking paths, ideal for adventure seekers.

Tianshan Tianchi

A stunning alpine lake area in the Tianshan Mountains with excellent hiking routes, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Sayram Lake

A large, picturesque lake with surrounding trails that offer an easy hike with beautiful scenery.

Aiports

How to reach Toli by plane.

Kunstadt International Airport (TYN)

The nearest major international airport to Toli, located approximately 437 kilometers away. It serves various international flights and is a key transport hub in the Xinjiang region.

Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (URC)

Located about 670 kilometers from Toli, this airport is one of the busiest in Xinjiang and provides numerous international and domestic flights.

Kashgar Airport (KHG)

Approximately 705 kilometers from Toli, Kashgar Airport serves as an important gateway to the western regions of China, with both international and domestic flights.

Yining Airport (YIN)

About 520 kilometers from Toli, Yining Airport is a regional airport that offers limited international flights and serves as a local transport hub.

Walkability

In the region, walking often involves navigating through varying terrains and urban layouts. Sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas may be limited, making it necessary for residents and visitors to adapt to the local environment. Town centers and markets can be bustling with activity, encouraging foot traffic, while residential areas might have less accessibility. Public transportation options can offer alternatives to walking, but those who prefer to explore on foot may find certain routes less accommodating. Street crossings and traffic patterns can also influence walkability, as safety measures and urban planning vary from one area to another. Overall, while some parts of the region cultivate a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, the experience can depend on specific locations, infrastructure, and the presence of community amenities.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Chinese

The majority ethnic group in Toli, accounting for a significant portion of the population, known for their diverse culture and traditions.

Uyghurs

A Turkic ethnic group predominantly found in Xinjiang, including Toli, known for their distinct language, culture, and Islamic practices.

Kirgiz

Another ethnic group present in Toli, characterized by their traditional nomadic lifestyle and unique cultural practices.

Kazakh

An ethnic group with a rich cultural heritage, primarily involved in pastoralism and known for their traditional music and dance.

Tajiks

A Persian-speaking ethnic group found in Toli, recognized for their contributions to the cultural and artistic landscapes of the region.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Basketball is extremely popular in Toli, with many local teams and leagues engaging both youth and adults in the sport.

Football (Soccer)

Football has a significant following in Toli, with various clubs and recreational teams participating in local competitions.

Badminton

Badminton is widely played in Toli, with many recreational players enjoying the sport in local courts and parks.

Table Tennis

Table tennis is a favored pastime in Toli, celebrated for its accessibility and the many tournaments held throughout the year.

Running

Running has gained popularity in Toli, with numerous community events and marathons encouraging active participation.

Traffic

In this region, traffic conditions can vary significantly throughout the day, particularly during peak hours when congestion is common. The streets are often bustling with a mix of vehicles, including cars, buses, and two-wheeled scooters, all navigating through narrow roads. Public transportation options are available but may be crowded, leading many to opt for personal vehicles or taxis. Pedestrians also play a vital role in the traffic dynamic, frequently crossing roads and using sidewalks, which might not always be clearly defined. Local markets and shops contribute to an active street scene, making certain areas particularly busy. Furthermore, construction projects can occasionally disrupt traffic flow, necessitating adjustments in routes or travel times. The local government has been working on improving infrastructure and traffic management, implementing measures to enhance road safety and efficiency. Traffic regulations exist but can be inconsistently followed, leading to a somewhat chaotic driving environment. Overall, navigating the roads requires patience and attentiveness due to the interplay of various transportation modes and the vibrant street life.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Toli.

Hotels Apartments

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

While Toli's cuisine is meat-centric, vegetarians and vegans can still find options such as steamed vegetable buns, stir-fried seasonal greens, and tofu dishes at select restaurants and street food vendors.

Gluten-Free Choices

Visitors with gluten sensitivities can opt for rice-based dishes like congee, rice noodles, and rice-based pastries, which are readily available at various eateries in Toli.

Healthcare

The healthcare system in this region faces a mix of challenges and developments typical of many areas in China. Access to healthcare services can vary significantly between urban and rural settings, often leading to disparities in the quality of care received. In urban centers, healthcare facilities are generally more advanced, with larger hospitals equipped with modern technology and specialist services. Conversely, rural areas may struggle with under-resourced clinics and a shortage of medical professionals, affecting the availability of care for local populations. The government has made efforts to improve healthcare access and quality through various reforms, including the introduction of the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (NRCMS) aimed at providing affordable health insurance for rural residents. However, issues remain, such as the need for better health infrastructure, increased training for healthcare workers, and a focus on preventive care to reduce the burden of diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) also plays a significant role in the healthcare landscape, with many patients seeking both conventional and traditional treatments. The integration of TCM with Western medical practices has become increasingly common as part of a holistic approach to health. Overall, while there have been notable advancements in healthcare access and quality, ongoing efforts are required to bridge the gap between different regions and ensure that all citizens have access to adequate medical care.

Discover China

Read more in our China 2024 Travel Guide.

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