Karakol Kokesu Grand Canyon: The Human Grassland and Boat Tour

Kalaqun is divided into eastern and western sections. The Kuokesu Grand Canyon, part of the western section, is famous for its rolling grassy slopes and winding river. Many visitors come specifically to see photos of the "Human Body Grassland," but what you actually see depends on the lighting and viewing angle.

Scenic Area Structure

Kalaqujing Scenic Area is expansive, with separate entrances and shuttle bus stops at its east and west ends. The Kekesu Grand Canyon side features Crocodile Bay, the Nine Bends of the River, and a ferry terminal; the opposite side offers the Five-Flower Meadow and Falcon Platform.

Tickets and shuttle buses are charged separately; confirm which sections are included when purchasing. Trying to complete both sections in one day is very rushed; we recommend choosing one section to explore thoroughly. For a general overview of the scenic area, please refer to the provided guide.How to choose a grassland in Xinjiang。

How do I get there?

Start from Tekes County, drive about an hour to the visitor center, then switch to a shuttle bus to enter the scenic area. First, visit Crocodile Bay to see the river bend. Next, take the shuttle to the boat dock and enjoy views of the grassy slopes on both sides of the canyon by boat. Finally, head to Nine Bends Eighteen Turns to watch the sunset.

Shuttle buses are limited; missing one means waiting. Note your return time and avoid lingering at the final stop too long. Boat tours may be suspended in strong winds due to weather conditions.

How to photograph human bodies on grasslands

The contours of the grassy slope are only distinct with side lighting; midday shots appear flat. At dusk, when the sun is low, the transition between light and shadow on the slope is softest, capturing its shape most faithfully as seen in photos.

The photo spot is not by the roadside; you must walk to the designated viewpoint. Do not step into the grassland—the turf is thin and takes a long time to recover if damaged. Use a telephoto lens to compress lines, and a wide-angle lens for panoramic shots of the river bend.

Visit duration

Allow 4–6 hours for the full tour, including shuttle rides and walking. If traveling with seniors or young children, consider shortening your itinerary to Crocodile Bay and a boat ride only. Dining options inside the park are limited at midday—bring snacks and water.

Sunset times vary by season; in summer, it's after 9 PM, meaning you'll return to Tekes past 10 PM. Staying in Tekes or near the scenic area is more comfortable.

Differences from Nalati and Bayinbuluke

Nalati offers mature facilities and minimal walking; Bayinbuluke features wetland sunsets; Kuokesu is known for the dramatic lines carved by canyons and rivers. Visiting all three will take three days, so choose based on your itinerary.

If you enjoy hiking and photography, Kusai is worth a day trip. If you prefer a relaxed grassland experience, Nalati is a better fit. Route combinations can be referenced as follows:Ili Grassland Loop。

Note

The scenic area is over 2,000 meters above sea level with strong UV radiation. Bring a hat and sunscreen. It feels chilly when it's windy, so pack a jacket. The boardwalks and stairs have elevation changes; wear non-slip shoes.

Do not take photos over the railing; the soil at the canyon edge is unstable. Please carry out all trash and do not feed the marmots. Horse riding and boat rentals are available for an additional fee—please inquire about pricing first. For a general itinerary of Ili, refer to the suggested plan.Ili Touring Routes。

Koksu River cruises are short, but queues can be long—head to the dock early during peak season. Note the last shuttle bus time; missing it means you'll need to charter a ride out. Cell signal is weak inside the park, so agree on a meeting point with your group. It's windy on the grassy slopes—secure your hat. Bring a flashlight for sunset photos; the return path gets dark. If it rains, boardwalks become slippery; switch to the shorter route instead. Watch children closely and keep them away from canyon edges. Book accommodation in Tekes in advance; availability is tight during peak season.

Kekesu is best visited in the evening. The right light brings out the layers of the grassy slopes.

Separate the boat tour and sunset viewing with a break in between.

The boat dock has no shade. Bring a hat and water for summer. It gets windy once the boat departs, so wear a jacket. The water reflects strong sunlight; sunglasses will reduce eye strain.

The viewing platform at Crocodile Bay is small; wait for a group to clear before moving up. The slope beyond the railing is steep—do not step over it for photos. Check the last shuttle departure time posted on the sign and arrive 10 minutes early.

There are no restaurants in the scenic area, only small convenience stores with high prices. Bring bread, fruit, and water to eat at the viewing platform while waiting for the right lighting conditions. Pack your trash in bags and take it away; do not leave it on the grass.

The wind is lighter by the canyon than on the grassy slopes, but the sun is harsher. Find shade as the sun sets; don't stand in the center of the viewing platform all day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Kuksu and Kalajun covered by the same ticket?For scenic areas with multiple zones, tickets are sold by segment. Please confirm which zones are included when purchasing.

Can you complete both the east and west sections in one day?Tight on time? Stick to one segment. Want to see it all? Stay overnight and split it over two days.

Kekesu Grand Canyon is ideal for a day trip in Tekes. Please verify the shuttle bus and ferry schedules viaOnline SupportDescribe the date.

Note: This article was compiled by a tour consultant from Xinjiang International Travel Service (Xinjiang Guolv). Information regarding Ili and Xinjiang travel in Kalajun may be updated seasonally or based on road conditions. For details on itinerary pacing and vehicle arrangements, please consult with our local travel consultants online.