Horgos Sino-Kazakh International Tourist Area is located in Horgos City, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 4A-level tourist scenic area with a total area of about 56 square kilometers. The characteristic of this scenic area is that it is a special region on the border between China and Kazakhstan, realizing the integration of cross-border tourism and trade. Here, there is unique border scenery, and at the same time, it has rich cultural landscapes. The buildings in the scenic area integrate the styles of China and Kazakhstan, including modern commercial buildings and buildings with ethnic characteristics. In the Horgos Sino-Kazakh Cooperation Center, tourists can experience the unique tourism mode of "one area spanning two countries" and feel the cultures and customs of different countries.
History and Culture
Horgos Port has a long history. It was an important passage of the ancient Silk Road and witnessed the long history of trade and cultural exchanges between China and Central Asia. In 1881, Horgos Port was officially opened to traffic. Since then, it has gradually become an important port for economic exchanges between China and neighboring countries such as Kazakhstan. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, especially since the reform and opening up, Horgos Port has been continuously developing and expanding. With the promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, Horgos Sino-Kazakh International Tourist Area came into being. The Sino-Kazakh Cooperation Center is an important achievement of cooperation between China and Kazakhstan in the border area. Here, it is not only a hub for trade exchanges but also a platform for cultural exchanges, promoting mutual understanding and friendly exchanges between the people of China and Kazakhstan.
Main Attractions
Horgos National Gate Scenic Area
Horgos National Gate is a landmark attraction of the scenic area, solemn and magnificent. Tourists can visit the national gate up close and feel the majesty of the country and the unique atmosphere of the border. There is a National Gate Cultural Exhibition Hall near the national gate, which displays the historical changes of Horgos Port, trade development, and cultural exchanges between China and Kazakhstan, allowing tourists to have an in-depth understanding of the history and culture of Horgos.
Sino-Kazakh Cooperation Center
The Sino-Kazakh Cooperation Center is the core area of the scenic area, where tourists can have the unique experience of "stepping across two countries in one step". The cooperation center has commercial areas of China and Kazakhstan, bringing together a rich variety of goods, including characteristic handicrafts and food of Kazakhstan, as well as various goods of China. In addition, the cooperation center also has a cultural exchange area. Cultural activities of China and Kazakhstan are held irregularly, such as folk performances and art exhibitions, allowing tourists to fully feel the charm of the cultures of the two countries.
Kazakh Style Street
The Kazakh Style Street is full of rich exotic atmosphere, and the buildings on both sides of the street have Kazakh characteristics. Here, tourists can taste authentic Kazakh cuisine, such as hand-held mutton, koumiss, etc., and can also buy souvenirs with ethnic characteristics and feel the cultural atmosphere of Kazakhstan.
Chinese Culture Museum
The Chinese Culture Museum has a magnificent appearance and internally displays China's long history, culture, and artistic achievements. Through rich exhibits and modern display means, the museum presents the charm of traditional Chinese culture to tourists, including calligraphy, painting, traditional handicrafts, etc., and is a good place to understand Chinese culture.
Delicacies
Hand-held Mutton
Hand-held mutton is a traditional delicacy in Kazakhstan and Xinjiang region of China. Fresh mutton is selected and simply cooked to retain the original flavor of the mutton. The meat is tender, fat but not greasy, and with seasonings like onions, it tastes very delicious, and it is one of the delicacies that tourists must try.
Koumiss
Koumiss is a traditional drink of the Kazakh people, with a rich milk fragrance and a unique flavor. It not only has a unique taste but also is rich in various nutrients and has certain health care effects. It is a drink loved by local residents. Tourists can also taste authentic koumiss and feel the food culture of the Kazakh people.
Nang (Roasted Naan)
Nang is a traditional pasta in Xinjiang region, with a rich variety, such as sesame nang, oil nang, etc. The roasted nang is crispy and easy to preserve and carry, and it is one of the staple foods in daily life of the locals. Tourists can taste various flavors of roasted nang in the food street of the scenic area and experience the characteristic food culture of Xinjiang.
Big Plate Chicken
Big Plate Chicken is a characteristic delicacy in Xinjiang. The chicken is tender, the potatoes are soft and glutinous, and with ingredients like chili peppers and onions, it has a rich taste. The Big Plate Chicken is generous in portion and suitable for sharing among multiple people, and it is a delicious dish that tourists can taste in Horgos.
Tickets
There is no admission fee for Horgos Sino-Kazakh International Tourist Area. To enter the Sino-Kazakh Cooperation Center, tourists need to go through relevant procedures, such as carrying valid identification documents, etc. Some attractions may have separate charging items, and tourists can choose to visit according to their own needs.
Opening Hours
The opening hours of Horgos Sino-Kazakh International Tourist Area are from 9:00 to 21:00 every day (the specific opening hours may be adjusted according to the season and actual situation, and tourists are advised to check the official information of the scenic area in advance). The opening hours of the Sino-Kazakh Cooperation Center may be different, and tourists need to abide by the relevant regulations and opening hours when entering the cooperation center.
Tour Routes
One-day tour route: Tourists can first go to Horgos National Gate Scenic Area, visit the national gate and the National Gate Cultural Exhibition Hall, and learn about the history and border culture of Horgos. Then go to the Sino-Kazakh Cooperation Center, experience the unique feeling of "stepping across two countries in one step", shop in the commercial area, and watch performances in the cultural exchange area. After that, they can go to the Kazakh Style Street, taste Kazakh cuisine, and buy characteristic souvenirs. Finally, go to the Chinese Culture Museum and admire the exhibits of traditional Chinese culture.
Two-day tour route: On the first day, in addition to the attractions of the one-day tour, tourists can stay in the hotel within the Sino-Kazakh Cooperation Center and experience the unique atmosphere of cross-border tourism. On the second day, they can explore various areas of the Sino-Kazakh Cooperation Center in depth, and can also go to other attractions around, such as other cultural places or natural landscapes in Horgos City, and further feel the charm of Horgos.
Transportation
- By air: Tourists can first arrive at Yining Airport and then take an airport bus or a taxi to Horgos Sino-Kazakh International Tourist Area. Yining Airport is about 90 kilometers away from Horgos, and the transportation is relatively convenient.
- By railway: There is a railway station in Horgos. Tourists can take a train to Horgos Station and then take a bus or a taxi to the scenic area after getting off the train.
- By road: Tourists can drive to Horgos Sino-Kazakh International Tourist Area, and there are parking lots around the scenic area. In addition, they can choose to take a long-distance bus. There are bus services to Horgos from many cities. After arriving in Horgos urban area, they can take a local bus or a taxi to the scenic area.
- Transportation within the scenic area: In Horgos Sino-Kazakh International Tourist Area, tourists can walk to visit each attraction, and some areas also provide transportation means such as battery cars to facilitate tourists' travel. There are free shuttle buses in the Sino-Kazakh Cooperation Center, and tourists can take the shuttle bus to different areas.
Must-visit Attractions
- Horgos National Gate: As a landmark building of the scenic area, it is solemn and magnificent, and it is an important window for tourists to understand the border history of Horgos, with important historical and cultural significance.
- Sino-Kazakh Cooperation Center: It provides the unique tourism experience of "one area spanning two countries", with prosperous commerce and rich cultural activities, and it is the core area to feel the integration of the cultures of China and Kazakhstan.
- Chinese Culture Museum: It displays China's long history, culture, and artistic achievements, and allows tourists to have an in-depth understanding of traditional Chinese culture through rich exhibits and modern display means.
Tour Tips
- Understand the opening hours and ticket policies of the scenic area in advance and arrange the itinerary reasonably. Especially when entering the Sino-Kazakh Cooperation Center, prepare relevant procedures such as valid identification documents in advance.
- When shopping in the Sino-Kazakh Cooperation Center, pay attention to the quality and price of the goods and make appropriate comparisons. At the same time, abide by relevant trade regulations and cultural customs.
- Pay attention to personal food hygiene when tasting delicacies. Since the local delicacies are mostly based on beef and mutton, tourists can eat them in moderation according to their own tastes and physical conditions.
- If choosing to drive to the scenic area, pay attention to the road conditions and traffic rules. The climate in Horgos area is changeable, and tourists can check the weather forecast in advance and make corresponding preparations.
- Respect the local customs and religious beliefs, especially in areas like the Kazakh Style Street, pay attention to words and deeds to avoid unnecessary troubles caused by cultural differences.
Notes
- Comply with various regulations of the scenic area, take good care of the environment, do not litter, and keep the scenic area clean.
- When entering the Sino-Kazakh Cooperation Center, abide by the laws and regulations of China and Kazakhstan, and do not engage in illegal and irregular activities.
- Pay attention to the safety of personal belongings, especially in crowded places, and keep personal belongings properly to prevent loss or theft.
- When visiting in the scenic area, pay attention to personal safety, especially in areas like the national gate, and do not cross the safety cordon.
- Some areas in the Sino-Kazakh Cooperation Center may have special regulations and requirements, and tourists should follow the guidance of the staff and abide by the relevant regulations.
- If encountering problems or emergencies in the scenic area, contact the staff of the scenic area in time to seek help.