Kekedala

Kokdala, in the Ili River Valley, is a new city developed by the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, known for its association with the song “Night on the Grassland.” With light traffic, few crowds and plenty of green space, it makes a restful stop on a driving loop through Ili. It is 26 kilometers from Yining, with convenient access to Khorgos and Tekes.

• Kokdala Flower Fields: These fields are free to enter, with large plantings of evening primroses, roses and other flowers that make good photography subjects. The adjoining RV campsite has showers accessed by scanning a QR code, making it a convenient overnight stop for travelers driving through.

• Riverside Park: Stretching for 10 kilometers along the Ili River, this park has plenty of shade and is a good place to watch the sunset by the water. Parking and camping are free, and the park also suits families planning outdoor activities with children.

• Zhuque Lake Park: Trees surround the clear lake, where waterbirds can be seen. Early morning and evening are good times for a lakeside walk in relatively peaceful surroundings.

• Kokdala Bridge: The Ili River flows beneath the bridge, where you can watch and photograph the orange sky around sunset. A riverside fitness trail beside the bridge offers a place to continue your walk.

• Kokdala City Planning Exhibition Hall: The hall introduces the city's development and the history of agricultural settlement and border defense. It is worth visiting if you want to understand the background of local development. Open Tuesday through Sunday.

Suggested Itineraries

• One-day trip from Yining: Take an intercity bus or drive from Yining to Kokdala in the morning, then visit Zhuque Lake Park and the Kokdala City Planning Exhibition Hall. For lunch, try local liangpi cold noodles and mianfeizi, lungs stuffed with a flour batter, at the 66th Regiment Bazaar Street. In the afternoon, take photos at the Kokdala Flower Fields, or camp in Riverside Park and wait for sunset. Return to Yining in the evening or stay overnight in Kokdala.
• Three-day trip at a relaxed pace:
  • Day 1: Arrive in Kokdala and check into your hotel. In the evening, head to Kokdala Bridge to watch the sunset over the Ili River, then have Xinjiang barbecue in the city for dinner.
  • Day 2: Spend the morning camping and taking photos at the Kokdala Flower Fields. In the afternoon, stroll through Riverside Park or visit the Yiparhan Lavender Cultural Industrial Park to learn about lavender cultivation.
  • Day 3: Drive about 70 kilometers to the Khorgos China–Kazakhstan International Tourism Zone to experience the border atmosphere. Alternatively, head to Tekes, just over 100 kilometers away, to explore its Eight Trigrams City layout. Return to Kokdala for the night.

Food Recommendations

Meals in this Corps city are generally affordable and generously portioned, making it a useful place to eat and stock up during a road trip.

• 66th Regiment Liangpi: Well known in the Ili River Valley, these cold noodles are smooth and springy, with a moderately sour and spicy flavor. They are a good choice when you want something refreshing.

• Mianfeizi Soup at the 66th Regiment Bazaar Street: Located at the entrance to Residential Compound No. 9 on Wei 7th Road in the 66th Regiment area. The bazaar opens every Wednesday and Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00. You can find beef offal soup, lamb offal soup and mianfeizi, lungs stuffed with a flour batter. A generous large bowl costs 15 yuan.
• Zhang Yun Specialty Clay Pot Restaurant: Across from the 66th Regiment sugar factory, this restaurant serves penpen guo, a pot dish combining meat, vegetables and noodles, mainly seasoned with Xinjiang-style cumin or a hot, numbing spice mix. A small portion costs 35 yuan, serves two people and comes with naan.

• Xinian Dumpling Shop: Dumplings are made fresh to order, with radish and wild mushroom fillings among the popular choices. They can be boiled or steamed. Pair them with millet porridge and help yourself to condiments. The dining area is clean and well kept.

Accommodation and Camping Recommendations

• Kokdala Hotel: This official Corps hotel is designed as a resort in the style of a Jiangnan garden. It covers 153 mu, or about 10.2 hectares, with greenery occupying more than a third of the grounds and green views from guest-room windows. It has relatively few guests and a quiet atmosphere. Peak-season room rates are just over 400 yuan, so consider whether it suits your budget.

• Kokdala Flower Fields Campsite: RVs can camp here for free. The site has toilets, hot water and showers, with flowers and shrubs nearby. There are plenty of parking spaces but limited camping spots, so arrive early if you plan to stay overnight.

• Camping in Riverside Park: Camping is free, with toilets, water points, free showers and ample parking, making it suitable for families with children. Mosquitoes can be scarce here at times, but you should still bring insect repellent.

Transport and Travel Tips

• Getting there: Yining and Kokdala are 26 kilometers apart, about a 30-minute drive. For public transport, take a direct bus from the Fourth Division Passenger Station in Yining. The fare is 4 yuan, and services run from 8:30 to 20:30.
• Parking and getting around: The city is small, with attractions generally 1–2 kilometers apart. Shared electric bikes are limited, so driving or taking taxis may be more practical. Most attractions and parks offer free parking.
• Insect protection: The flower fields and Riverside Park have dense vegetation, and mosquitoes can be plentiful in some areas. Carry insect repellent, even if a particular camping area has few mosquitoes.
• Pricing units: Fruit stalls and produce markets in Xinjiang usually quote prices per kilogram. Before buying, confirm whether the price is per jin (500 grams) or per kilogram.
• Opening hours: Venues such as the Kokdala City Planning Exhibition Hall generally open Tuesday through Sunday and may be closed to visitors on Mondays. Check the latest schedule before setting out. Some restaurants charge more on delivery platforms, so consider eating in.

Best Time to Visit

• May to September: The weather is generally comfortable, and the flower fields are in their viewing season. This is a good period for camping, road trips and watching sunsets.
• October to April: Temperatures are lower, which can affect visits to some outdoor attractions and campsites. Travelers who prefer quiet surroundings may still consider this period, but anyone seeking an escape from cold weather should take local temperatures into account.