Kekedala

Kekedala City belongs to the Fourth Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. It is a young city administered together with the division and was officially established in 2015. The city is known for the song “Night on the Grassland.” More than 48% of its area is covered by greenery, and there are 29 themed parks throughout the city. The Yili River also flows through it. With relatively few residents and vehicles, the city is clean and quiet. It is a good place to take a break during a self-drive trip around the Yili region, or to stop and explore.

• Kekedala Flower Sea: The flower fields are free to enter and feature evening primrose, roses, poppies, and other plants. There is also an RV campground, and the site is next to Zhuque Lake Park. It is suitable for flower viewing and landscape photography.

• Zhuque Lake Park: Water lilies can be seen on the lake, while water-screen films and musical fountains are presented at night. The park’s illuminated walking paths are convenient for strolling, and the overall landscape has the style of a water town in southern China.

• Kekedala Bridge: The bridge crosses the Yili River and offers wide views over the rushing water and the river’s central delta. The evening is a good time to watch the sunset, and after dark you can also enjoy views of the bridge and riverbanks.

• Yiparkhan Lavender Cultural Industry Park: Covering 2,248 mu, the park turns purple when its extensive lavender fields bloom in June. Visitors can admire the flowers, take photos, and join essential-oil DIY activities while learning about the industry of the “Lavender Capital of China.”
• Riverside Park: A 15-kilometer waterside trail runs along the Yili River. With dense trees along the route, it is suitable for walking, camping, and flying kites. At night, you can also visit Wanghe Pavilion to enjoy views of the river.

Food Recommendations

Kekedala’s food has a distinct connection to the everyday life of the Production and Construction Corps. The following local specialties are worth trying:

• Sixty-Six Regiment Liangpi: This is one of the more representative local snacks in the Yili River Valley. The noodles are smooth, soft, and springy, with a moderate sour and spicy flavor. They are refreshing without being greasy and have been included in the local intangible cultural heritage list.

• Seventieth Regiment Stuffed Buns: People often line up to buy these in the morning. The buns have thin skins and generous fillings, with a simple, homestyle flavor that preserves memories of the region’s land-reclamation era.

• Sixty-Third Regiment Shalin Fish: This restaurant is based on the local story of a desert turning into an oasis. Its fish soup is milky white and especially fresh-tasting, making it a representative local fish dish.
• Fengguyuan Pilaf: The pilaf here is made with lamb leg. The meat is tender and juicy, and eating it with hawthorn juice can help reduce the rich, oily feeling. It is well regarded locally.

• Xibe Flatbread: This traditional Xibe dish is made by rolling dough into a thin sheet and baking it in a special pan. The finished bread is soft with a wheat aroma and can be eaten with stir-fried dishes or chili sauce.

Suggested Itinerary

Kekedala’s urban area is not large, and most of its main attractions are within 1–2 kilometers of one another. As a stop on a self-drive trip around the Yili region, it can be explored over 1–2 days.

• Day 1: Relaxing in the City and Enjoying the Night Views
  • Morning: Take a walk through Kekedala Flower Sea or Riverside Park, observe the city’s green spaces and riverside scenery, and enjoy some time outdoors.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Sixty-Six Regiment food market or a local bazaar. Try Sixty-Six Regiment liangpi and rolled flatbread while experiencing local market life.
  • Evening: Go to Kekedala Bridge to enjoy the Yili River at night, or visit Zhuque Lake Park to watch a water-screen film and musical fountain.
• Day 2: Exploring the Surrounding Area
  • Morning: Drive to Yiparkhan Lavender Cultural Industry Park. During the June blooming season, you can see the lavender fields. Alternatively, visit the Yili Prefecture Museum to learn about the history of the Production and Construction Corps and the natural environment of Yili.
  • Afternoon: Drive to nearby Huanghuang Village to see lavender, or head to the Khorgos Port, about 70 km away, to experience the atmosphere of a border area. It can be visited as a day trip.

Practical Information and Travel Tips

• Getting There and Around: Kekedala has no civilian airport and is about 30 kilometers from Yining Airport. Driving or taking a taxi from the airport usually takes 30–40 minutes. The city’s attractions are relatively close together, but public transportation services are limited. Routes such as Intercity Line 1 may not be convenient, so driving yourself or hiring a car is recommended.
• Best Time to Visit: June to August is a good time to visit, when the lavender is in bloom and the weather is relatively cool. Autumn is suitable for experiencing fruit picking and the harvest season. Winter temperatures are low, and the experience at some outdoor attractions may be less enjoyable.
• Where to Stay: Hotels in the city generally offer good value. During the peak season from June to August, a standard budget hotel costs about 200–300 yuan per night, usually less than in Yining. For convenience when sightseeing and shopping, consider staying near Riverside Park or Century Hualian Supermarket.
• Prices and Shopping: The Shengshi Chuangjin Agricultural Products Wholesale Trading Center, or bazaar, near the 66th Regiment has relatively low prices. It is a good place to buy fruit and vegetables such as watermelons and tomatoes, as well as souvenirs. Xinjiang fruit is usually priced by the kilogram, so confirm the unit price before buying.
• Travel Tips: Kekedala was established relatively recently and has a quiet overall atmosphere, so it is best not to expect a busy night market or large shopping district. Outside the flowering season, such as in autumn, some flower fields may have only dirt roads remaining or may be undergoing soil preparation. Check the flowering season and opening status before setting out.