Hidden Scenic Road in Altay

Who can relate, folks? I discovered a zero-cost, legendary, off-the-beaten-path road in Altay 🚗! Skipping the Ahe Highway was totally worth it—this was my tenth self-driving trip at the end of May. The Tiejia Highway left me speechless with its beauty 😭!! Secret Location Super hard to find but absolutely worth it! This magical stretch isn’t even on the map✨! Start at the PetroChina gas station in Tierenketi Township, and end at the fork near the striking white building on the Jiadengyu Road (if you can’t find it, ask the local police officers👮). Remember! You need to select walking mode on your GPS to unlock this hidden route! ⏰ Best Viewing Time Highly recommend going **after 6 PM (Xinjiang time)**! The sunset paints the hills and grasslands golden 🌇, herders drive their cattle and sheep home 🐂🐑, and the shadows stretch long and dramatic—every frame looks like a movie still! Early mornings and post-snowfall are also stunning ❄️, offering completely different vibes. 🎨 Visual Feast Alert Snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, streams… this place delivers all of Xinjiang’s beauty in one package! • First section (towards Tierenketi Township) 🌋: Rugged rocky mountains with moss and pine trees sprouting from crevices—wild and untamed! • Mid-section 🌲: Endless fields of yellow wildflowers 💐 and dense birch forests, with only the sound of wind and grazing animals. You might even spot curious marmots 🐿️! • Must-visit spots❗️ 1️⃣ Marker 18: Snow-capped mountains + forests + grasslands layered together—breathtaking at sunset! 2️⃣ Markers 23-24: Oil painting-like yellow flower meadows—every shot is wallpaper-worthy! 3️⃣ Marker 31: A dramatic 90° curve with contrasting views—flower-filled forests 🌳 on one side, cattle pens on the other. 💡 Travel Tips ✅ Plan to visit after exploring Jiadengyu, and stay overnight near Tierenketi Township or Baihaba 🏡. ✅ The mountain road has potholes—avoid driving at night if you’re inexperienced! ✅ Bring a camera! Clear your memory card and phone storage because you’ll want to capture everything 📸! Turns out you don’t need to fight crowds to enjoy breathtaking scenery! Xinjiang’s romance is hidden in these lesser-known roads 😭. Save this guide, folks—I’m coming back in autumn! 🍁