**The Paradox of Autonomous Driving: Why We Still Need to Hold the Steering Wheel**

### **1. Overview & Best Time to Visit** - **Location**: Situated 38 km southeast of Gongliu County in Xinjiang's Ili Prefecture, adjacent to the Tekes Bagua City (48 km), backed by the Wusun Mountains, and facing the Kalajun Grassland to the south. - **Highlights**: Xinjiang's largest hydro-junction project, a "high gorge cradling a serene lake" landscape, with a water area of 58 sq km and a 90-meter-deep alpine lake. - **Best Seasons**: - **Summer (June–August)**: Azure lake waters, lush grasslands, and cool temperatures (25°C daytime, 10°C nighttime). - **Autumn (September–October)**: Golden foliage mirrored in snow-capped peaks, ideal for photography. - **Winter (December–February)**: Crystal-clear ice floes and pristine snowscapes, though some areas may close. --- ### **2. Transportation Guide** **Self-Drive/Private Car** - **From Ürümqi**: Take G30 Lianhuo Expressway → G577 Highway → Gongliu County, then switch to County Roads X751/X737. Total distance: ~700 km (10–12 hrs). - **From Yining/Tekes**: Via G577 or County Road X765 (1.5–2 hrs), with stops at Kuerguening or Kalajun en route. - **Road Tips**: The 30-km X765 lakeside loop is a scenic drive perfect for photography. **Public Transport** - **Ürümqi → Gongliu**: Take a bus from Nianzigou Station (2 daily, ~10 hrs), then hire a car to the lake (~1 hr, ¥150–300). - **Gongliu → Lake**: No direct buses; shared taxis or rentals recommended (~30 mins). --- ### **3. Key Attractions & Experiences** **Nature & Culture** - **"High Gorge Serene Lake" Panorama**: Capture the lake and Wusun Mountains from observation decks or drones (permit required). - **Bishui Villa & Artificial Beach**: Enjoy boat rides (¥50–100/person) or water park activities. - **Kezile Tale Village Viewpoint**: Hike to the hilltop for pastoral scenes of herders and lake reflections. **Unique Activities** - **Photography**: Dawn (6–7 AM) for misty reflections; dusk (6–8 PM) for golden-hour hues. - **Winter Special**: Crystal-like ice floes for safe ice walks (guided only). - **Engineering Tour**: Visit the hydro-junction (Xinjiang’s 2nd-largest, 320 MW capacity). --- ### **4. Itinerary Suggestions** **Day Trip Highlights** - **Morning**: Gongliu → Qapqal Lake (30 mins) → Bishui Villa boat ride → beach relaxation. - **Afternoon**: Drive X765 loop → Kezile Tale photography → return or extend to Kuerguening. **2-Day In-Depth Tour** - **Day 1**: Lake exploration + water activities → overnight at Bishui Villa (2-star, ~¥400/night). - **Day 2**: Combine with Kuerguening (86 km) or Tekes Bagua City (48 km) for hiking/drone photography. --- ### **5. Accommodation & Dining** **Where to Stay** - **Lakeside**: Bishui Villa (modern amenities, ¥400–600/night). - **Gongliu Town**: Diehu-area hotels (e.g., Friendship Peak Hotel), budget-friendly and convenient. **Must-Try Food** - **Fish Feast**: Cold-water trout/sturgeon from the lake (steamed or braised). - **Kazakh Cuisine**: Hand-torn lamb, *bawrsak* (fried dough), with homemade milk tea. --- ### **6. Practical Tips** 1. **Fees**: Free entry (as of 2025); activities like boating cost extra. 2. **Gear**: Sun protection (sunglasses/hat/sleeves), windproof jacket, hiking shoes. 3. **Safety**: - Drone permits required; no-fly zones apply. - Winter ice activities: follow guides; avoid restricted areas. 4. **Eco-Rules**: No littering; protect lake ecology. --- ### **7. Nearby Destinations** - **Kuerguening**: 86 km from Gongliu—pristine spruce forests and snow peaks ("Emerald Wonderland"). - **Kalajun Grassland**: Adjoins the lake; summer wildflowers and horseback riding on "Human Body" slopes. - **Tekes Bagua City**: 48 km away—a traffic-light-free ancient town with drone-friendly geometric layouts.