Hey everyone, Mark here! I've been exploring incredible places across Asia, and my recent adventure in Tekes County, Xinjiang, China, truly blew me away. This isn't your typical tourist destination; it's a unique city planned in the shape of a Bagua (八卦), a fascinating ancient Chinese symbol. This trip was a whirlwind of unexpected experiences, from a sparsely attended evening show to the surprisingly delicious noodles. Let me share my story!
The Journey to Tekes and My First Impressions
Getting to Tekes was an adventure in itself. I took a bus from Yining, the capital of the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, a journey of about 120 kilometers that took me through the stunning Tian Shan mountains. The scenery changed dramatically as we drove, a feast for the eyes after two hours of travel. Arriving in Tekes, I checked into my room – a simple single room with just a table. It felt a bit like a cell, but honestly, I didn't mind; the small county town had a certain charm. It's a place where horse-drawn carriages and cars share the roads, a unique blend of old and new. While Tekes County is known for its stunning natural beauty (think gorgeous snow-capped mountains, grasslands like Kalajun and Qiongkusitai), the town itself doesn’t have many notable attractions, so my exploration involved a bit of improvisation.
The Mysterious Bagua City Night
I decided to check out "Bagua City Night," a seemingly new amusement park on the outskirts of town. It was… underwhelming. Many rides were unfinished, closed, or locked, leaving the only available activity to be a swing set. I was the only spectator at the opening ceremony performance featuring Uyghur songs and dances. The performers clearly outnumbered the audience.
Exploring Tekes' Unique Layout
Tekes' layout, based on the Bagua, is its most significant feature. I learned that General Yao Zhuofu, during the Republic of China era (1937), designed the city using principles from the I Ching. The Bagua's principles of yin and yang, the five elements, and the eight directions were incorporated into the city plan, symbolizing harmony. This unconventional design is not just aesthetically interesting but served a strategic purpose, making the city easy to defend and navigate.
| Ring | Number of Streets | Distance Between Rings (meters) |
|---|---|---|
| Inner Ring | 8 | 360 |
| Second Ring | 16 | 360 |
| Third Ring | 32 | 360 |
| Outer Ring | 64 | 360 |
A Taste of Tekes and Unexpected Encounters
Despite the amusement park's shortcomings, Tekes offered other delights. The local food, especially the sour cabbage and braised beef noodle soup, was amazing! I also had a wonderful encounter with some children while enjoying the local fruits (cherries, mulberries, apples). They shared their unique way of eating the cherries – boiled in water with sugar.
I even visited the Taiji altar, the center of the city, which offered traditional performances and cultural events. A highlight was the Bagua Ferris wheel, probably the only one of its kind in the world!
Hidden Gems and Charming Streets
Wandering through the streets, I stumbled upon Li Street (離街), a charming pedestrian area designed for tourists. It reminded me of similar streets I'd seen in other parts of China – a picturesque spot perfect for photos and a stroll. This area features local crafts, shops, and even bars and guesthouses. I even found a beautiful wall with incredible stone carvings and relief artwork near my final meal in Tekes – a delicious bowl of homemade noodles.
Reflections on Tekes
Tekes was a truly unforgettable experience, a blend of fascinating history, unique design, and unexpected adventures. While it might not have all the polished tourist amenities, its authentic charm and stunning natural surroundings make it a truly special place. For anyone looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Asia, I highly recommend a visit to Tekes!
