Looking to escape the noise and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty? Kudening is the perfect destination! From the vibrant spring flowers to the lush summer meadows, golden autumn forests to snow-capped mountains in winter, Kudening offers a picture-perfect view in every season. The landscapes are breathtaking, the culture rich, and the food incredibly tempting. Picture snow mountains, lush fir trees, flowing streams, and fields of wildflowers — all with fewer crowds to spoil the serenity!
Best Time to Visit
May to June: Fields full of wildflowers with snow-capped mountains still standing tall.
July to August: Lush green landscapes — the perfect summer retreat.
September to October: Autumn colors with forests dressed in golden hues.
Must-See Attractions in Kudening
The King of Fir Trees
A thousand-year-old snow-capped fir tree stands proudly in the middle of a grassy plain. It’s an iconic photo spot that’s bound to impress! 
Tianshan Flower Sea
In June, the valley is filled with wild lilies and golden lotus flowers, creating a scene straight out of a Miyazaki animation!
Visit a Local Shepherd’s Home
Warm up with a cup of milk tea, enjoy freshly baked naan, and savor tender lamb prepared the traditional way.
Best Hiking Routes
Qimengde Viewing Platform (Easy Hike)
Wander through a forest of fir trees and reach the open meadows with breathtaking views of the Kabamba Yai Snow Mountain. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a scenic wallpaper!
Kudening-Mohur Loop (Moderate Intensity)
Cross valleys, forests, and pastures, encountering local shepherds and herds of sheep and cattle. The endpoint is a serene wild lake beneath the snow-capped peaks — it’s as if you’ve stepped into another world.
Ayousai Viewing Platform (Car + Short Walk)
For those who prefer to relax, drive to the area and take a brief 15-minute walk to reach the top. From here, you can gaze upon the entire Kudening Valley — the sunset view is absolutely stunning!
Suggested Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Depart from your city to Urumqi.
Day 2: Urumqi to S101, Kengsuate, Dushanzi Canyon, Jinghe.
Day 3: Jinghe to Sailimu Lake, enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea and sailing experience, then visit Guozigou Bridge, Liuxing Street, and end in Yining.
Day 4: Yining to Kudening Forest Park, then on to Nalati.
Day 5: Nalati to Nalati Sky Grassland, then return to Jinghe/Shuanghe.
Day 6: Jinghe/Shuanghe to Mutetar Desert, and back to Urumqi.
Day 7: Depart from Urumqi.
Compared to the crowds at Karajun and Nalati, Kudening feels like a tranquil sanctuary. On your hike, you’ll only hear the wind, birdsong, and the jingling bells of cattle and sheep. As you sit on the hillside and watch the snow mountains turn golden at sunset, all your worries will melt away!
