Xinjiang: China-Kazakhstan Border Adventure & Hot Springs

We left Karamay and began our journey toward the Kazakh border. Heading west, the road took us through rugged landscapes until we arrived in Tacheng County—a place where Russian influence is still evident. It’s also home to one of the few communities of Chinese Tatars, descendants of Russian migrants who settled here in the 19th century. A local herder welcomed us with a cup of traditional milk tea, offering us a taste of the region’s warmth and hospitality. From there, we pushed further on and eventually reached the Kazakhstan border near Lake Alakul, which lies across the frontier. Our route then carried us to Wenquan, a mountain-ringed town famous for its natural hot springs. Join us on this adventure near the Kazakh Border!