With the ever-changing tourism market and the growing diversity in travel preferences, the Ili River Valley is gaining recognition as a captivating autumn and winter destination. During this season, Gongliu County in Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, transforms into an artist's canvas, where vibrant hues of golden birch trees, red shrubs, and verdant conifers intertwine to create a breathtaking tapestry of colors, showcasing its unique charm to visitors.

On October 11, 2024, the Kuerdening scenic area unveiled its splendor. Sunlight bathed the land, casting a golden glow upon the mountains and forests. A gentle breeze whispered through the leaves, while wooden cabins, winding corridors, and elegant walkways harmonized with the natural beauty, creating a captivating fusion of nature and culture.

A tourist from southeast China's Fujian Province, Wei Wei, said, "This is my second visit to Kuerdening for sightseeing, and the autumn scenery is simply indescribably beautiful. In the depths of the distant mountains, the leaves in shades of red, yellow, and green convey a profound artistic sentiment."

Another visitor from Shenzhen, Guoguo, said, "I arrived here with high expectations, and I found it even more stunning than I imagined. The blue sky, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, rivers, and grazing cattle form an exquisite natural painting. I plan to return in the winter because Kuerdening is truly worth visiting."

The Xigu campsite combines natural landscapes with cultural elements. Upon entering the campsite, visitors are greeted by picturesque scenery, with wooden cabins distributed harmoniously throughout. Time seems to slow down, allowing for a deep appreciation of the harmonious coexistence between culture and nature.

The person in charge of the Xigu campsite, Ma Yue, said, "On October 1, 2024, the Xigu campsite officially opened, featuring 40 guest rooms, a public reception hall, cafe, bar, and dining areas. In the future, we plan to renovate spaces for a children's playground and outdoor hot springs, and we will continue to operate during the winter. Additionally, we will develop new projects such as horseback riding and skiing to promote autumn and winter tourism in Gongliu County."

With the onset of the autumn and winter tourism seasons, the travel market is set to experience a new wave of excitement. Various guesthouses in Gongliu County are making comprehensive preparations and launching a series of promotional projects to enhance the autumn and winter tourism offerings.

Chen Xia, the head of Rongquan Mountain Villa, said, "We have prepared a range of suite discounts. The entire guesthouse is clean and cozy, and we are also offering specialty Xinjiang cuisine, including nourishing soups and traditional hot pots. We welcome all tourists to come to Kuerdening to enjoy the beautiful scenery and delicious food."

To provide visitors with an in-depth experience of the autumn and winter beauty of Gongliu, the tourism department will plan several unique travel routes that connect the county’s renowned attractions. They will also emphasize training for tourism professionals to enhance service quality. Furthermore, efforts will be made to optimize transportation options and ensure smooth travel for tourists.

(The Media Convergence Center of Gongliu County, Reporters: Chen Haoran, Yuan Ye and Zhao Jian)