How to Explore Yili Tekes Bagua City: Street Layout and Scenic Viewpoints

The county town of Tekes is often called the Bagua City, with streets radiating outward from the center in interlocking rings. Many visitors come here for Kalajun but stay overnight to discover that the town itself is worth exploring.

How is the block layout organized?

The county town is centered around a main square, with eight primary streets radiating outward and several ring roads encircling the area. Aerial views reveal a Bagua (Eight Trigrams) pattern, while ground-level navigation features recurring roundabouts and diagonal streets.

The saying "the whole city has no traffic lights" is from the past; some intersections now have signals. It's more interesting to view this as a unique urban form rather than getting caught up in rumors.

Where can I see the full view?

The bagua pattern is not visible from ground level; a high-angle view is required. Scenic towers and hillside vantage points around the county seat offer clear views of the radiating streets on sunny days. Opening hours are subject to on-site conditions.

Drones are often restricted in county towns; do not fly them over urban areas without permission. For panoramic shots, check local regulations first. From an observation tower, a smartphone with a wide-angle lens can also capture a dynamic radial effect.

How to explore a county town

The Central Square, Li Jie, and several main streets are pedestrian-friendly. Sidewalks feature local restaurants, dried fruit shops, and craft stores with prices more reasonable than tourist areas. In the evenings, the square is bustling with locals going about their daily routines.

There are a few homestays and cafes off the main street, each with thoughtfully designed courtyards. A leisurely walk of two to three hours is enough; no need to set aside an entire day. The slow pace of the county town offers a nice contrast.Xinjiang Tea Houses and Cafés。

Where should I stay?

Stay near the central square for easy access to dining and shopping; stay on the outskirts for a more direct route to Kalajun. If driving, confirm that the hotel has parking—spaces are limited during peak season.

Many homestays have yards but average sound insulation. For guests with elderly or young children, choose a hotel with an elevator. See the comparison of accommodation types for reference.How to choose accommodation in Xinjiang。

Connection to Kalajun

Tekes serves as the base for visiting Kalajun, about one hour from the county town to the scenic area. Depart before 8:00 AM to catch the first shuttle and avoid crowds.

Kala Jun requires a full day of hiking. Return to the county town for lunch and rest, then head to Qiongkushitai or Zhaosu the next day. For tips on exploring Kala Jun, see below.Kekesu Grand Canyon of Kalajun。

What do you want to eat?

In the county town, noodle dishes and grilled meats are affordably priced, while pilaf and hand-pulled noodles come in generous portions. Start your day with milk tea and steamed buns to fuel up before heading out. The night market is small but bustling with locals, offering consistently delicious food.

You can sample dried fruits and fermented mare's milk, but ask for the price before purchasing. Local specialties are cheaper in the county town than at scenic spots; refer to the guide below for selection tips.How to buy Xinjiang dried fruits。

Accommodations in Tekes are limited during July and August; book early to secure a prime location. The county is compact, with major streets easily walkable. Observation tower hours vary by season—check ahead. Drone flights over the city are strictly prohibited. Evenings feature lively square dancing in the plaza—vibrant but not noisy. Driving to Kalajun involves winding mountain roads; observe speed limits. Refuel in town; stations near scenic areas are scarce. Exercise caution with roundabout traffic if traveling with children. Sample dried fruits before buying and purchase by weight. If heading to Qiongkushitai the next day, confirm road conditions in advance.

Use Tekes as a stopover before Kalajun: stay overnight and explore the county town.

Many restaurants near the central plaza; no need to travel far for dinner.

The county's ring road is great for cycling, though traffic can be heavy in some sections—stay close to the curb. In the evening, the central square buzzes with students and commuters leaving work, offering a livelier atmosphere than during the day. Nearby yogurt and roasted bun stalls sell at half the price of tourist area vendors.

If heading to Kalajun the next day, confirm your ticket and shuttle bus details the night before, and ask about parking locations near the entrance. Mountain roads from Tekes to Kalajun often have morning fog; check visibility before departing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there really no traffic lights in Bagua City?Historically, these intersections were uncontrolled; now some have traffic signals. The city's radial layout remains clearly visible.

Is one night enough in Tekes?Arrive in the afternoon, explore the county town, then head to Kalajun on day two. This is the most common itinerary.

Tekes is a great stop on the Ili loop. You can combine the county town with Kalajun.Ili Touring RoutesRefer to or viaOnline SupportConfirm time.

Editor's Note: Travel arrangements in the Ili region are highly seasonal. This guide has been verified by China International Travel Service Xinjiang (XJCTS) based on current conditions. For details on itinerary pacing and vehicle arrangements, please contact our local travel consultant or explore more Xinjiang travel guides on this site.