I really couldn't take my eyes off the beautiful photos of the Turgen Apricot Blossom I saw online. I was immediately attracted to this stunning place and decided to visit it during the apricot blossom season. 

But when is the best time to see the Turgen apricot blossoms? What to do in Turgen Apricot Valley? And how can I get there?

Apricot Valley

Turgen Apricot Valley, located in Turgen Township, Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, is one of the most famous destinations for viewing wild apricot blossoms in China. It is about 200 km from Yining City, 30 km from Xinyuan County Town, and only 2 km from Turgen Township. Covering more than 30,000 acres (about 12,000 hectares), the valley is home to one of the largest remaining wild apricot blossom forests in the world, mainly distributed along the northern bank of the Kunes River.

Every April, the valley bursts into bloom, attracting numerous visitors who come to admire the breathtaking scenery of pink and white apricot blossoms against the backdrop of the Tianshan Mountains.

Things to Do in Turgen Apricot Valley

1. Enjoy the Apricot Blossom Scenery

The breathtaking apricot blossoms are the highlight of Turgen Apricot Valley. Every spring, usually from early to mid-April, the valley is covered with thousands of blooming wild apricot trees, creating a spectacular landscape of pink and white flowers against the green grasslands and snow-capped Tianshan Mountains. Walking through the blossom-filled valley is the best way to experience the beauty and charm of this natural wonder.

2. Hiking, Horse Riding & Mountain Biking

Turgen is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of hiking, horse riding, and mountain biking experiences. Visitors can choose from easy walks through the apricot blossom valley to more challenging mountain routes that explore the surrounding Tianshan landscapes.

One of the popular hiking routes is the trail from Batan to Kairak Waterfall and back, which takes about 4 hours. For more experienced hikers, longer routes are available, including a one-day or two-day circular route connecting Kairak Waterfall with the road to Assy Plateau via the beautiful Don Zhailau area. Multi-day trekking routes are also possible for those who want to explore the higher mountain areas.

Horse riding is another great way to experience Turgen's vast grasslands, forests, and valleys. Local accommodations can help arrange horseback riding trips, allowing visitors to explore the scenery at a relaxed pace.

For experienced cyclists, some hiking trails and jeep roads around Turgen provide challenging mountain biking opportunities, with beautiful views of forests, grasslands, and alpine scenery.

Hiking & Horse Riding

3. Photography & Nature Exploration

With its colorful wildflowers, rolling grasslands, flowing rivers, forests, and snow-covered peaks, Turgen is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Whether capturing the spring blossoms, grazing horses, or the peaceful rural scenery, visitors can find endless opportunities to take memorable photos. Beyond photography, the valley is also a great place to enjoy bird watching, fresh mountain air, and the tranquility of nature.

Best Time to Visit Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley

The best time to visit Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley is usually from Mid to late April, when the wild apricot trees are in full bloom. Since the blooming period can vary slightly each year depending on weather conditions, it is recommended to check the local bloom updates before your trip to ensure the best viewing experience.

For the latest information, visitors can contact the Xinyuan County Tourism Bureau for advice on the current flowering conditions (Tel: 0999-5024668). You can also join our guided apricot blossom tour, where our local travel experts will help you discover the beauty of Turgen and enjoy an unforgettable journey.

For photography enthusiasts, the best time to capture the beauty of Turgen is around sunrise and about one hour before sunset. During these golden hours, the soft light creates a beautiful contrast between the blooming apricot trees, grasslands, rivers, and distant mountains. Since the apricot blossom forests stretch mainly from north to south, the changing sunlight can create stunning layers and depth in photographs.

Turgen Apricot

Flowering Period

Generally, Turgen apricot blossoms begin to bloom in mid-April, and the blooming period usually lasts about one week. However, the exact flowering dates vary from year to year depending on weather conditions and seasonal changes. 

To enjoy the best views of the apricot blossoms, we recommend checking the latest weather and bloom updates before your trip and planning your visit accordingly.

Apricot

Where to Stay in Turgen？

There are no hotels inside Turgen Apricot Blossom Scenic Area, but visitors can stay in traditional yurts near the scenic area for a unique local experience. If you prefer more comfortable accommodation, you can choose to stay in Xinyuan County, which is about 30 km away and offers more hotel options.

During the apricot blossom season, accommodation in Xinyuan can be in high demand, and hotels with good facilities often fill up quickly. Therefore, it is recommended to book your accommodation in advance.

If you are comfortable with simpler living conditions, staying in a yurt near the scenic area is a great choice. It allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery, experience local culture, and easily access the apricot blossoms in the early morning or at sunset.

Apricot Valley

How to Get to Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley？

If you are traveling to Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley from Urumqi, you can take a flight or train to Yining City first. From Yining, you can continue to Xinyuan County by bus, private transfer, or car. After arriving in Xinyuan County, there is no direct public bus to Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley, so taking a taxi or private transfer is the most convenient option.

If your trip includes not only the apricot blossoms but also other attractions along the way, we recommend traveling from Urumqi by private car or joining a guided tour. This allows you to explore more of Xinjiang's stunning landscapes and make the most of your journey.

Turgen Apricot

Travel Tips for Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley

• The entrance ticket is valid only for the day of purchase. If you plan to visit on another day, you will need to purchase a new ticket. The route to some flower-viewing areas involves mountain roads, which can be tiring and time-consuming.

• Temperatures in Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley are usually around 20°C during the day, but mornings and evenings can be much cooler. Winds may also be stronger in the mountains, and occasional spring showers are possible. It is recommended to bring a light jacket, raincoat, or umbrella.

• If you plan to spend a long time exploring the valley, prepare enough food and drinking water in advance, as facilities inside the scenic area may be limited. It is best to travel light and avoid carrying unnecessary items.

Recommended Tour to Yining Apricot Valley

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