[2025 Astana Attraction] Travel Guide for Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center (Updated Jul)

📅 Itinerary Day1：Visit the Aquarium near Keruen City Mall ( Be aware because there are 2 malls names Keruen. Inside the Aquarium there are 2-3 different themed parks like Jurasic and Zoo. You have to pay different ticket prices to enter each of them. After the visit, cross the street to go lunch in Bomba Coffee in the mall. The food was so good in our opinions. Afternoon and Evening , go to Khan-Shatyr in golden hour for the sunset pose. It’s so so beautiful and inside the mall there is a small dinosaur park you can go with kids. Day2: Visit the Baiterek Tower and walk around the city. 🏨 Accommodation : We stayed at Radisson Hotel, the hotel in general is good. 🍴 Food Recommendations : Restaurant Del Papa 📌 Tips : use Yandex to order taxi and prepare cash for emergency.

Visited Astana for a business trip and I was left amazed by the infrastructures of the capital of Kazakhstan. I had a feeling of European cities vibes and at the same time Central Asia. It’s a strangely unique mix in my own feeling. If you are into natures and adventures kind of tourism you may find Astana kind of boring but it’s worth the visit.

Ark-like architecture, glittering golden buildings, star chains on the grasslands... Astana, a city that perfectly blends nomadic customs with cyberpunk style, awaits your exploration with its unique charm! Things to Know Before You Go - Visa: Chinese passport holders can enjoy 14 days of visa-free travel. Even with a blank passport, you can easily embark on a Central Asian journey. - Transportation: Direct flights from Urumqi are the most convenient. Round-trip tickets with China Southern Airlines cost around CNY 2,000, including taxes. Booking in advance may get you better deals. - Currency: The local currency is the Tenge (₸). The exchange rate is approximately CNY 1 ≈ ₸64. Remember not to exchange currency at the airport; rates in the city are better. - Must-have app: Yandex Go is a great app for getting around. It's half the price of regular taxis, making your travel more affordable. - Hidden perk: Visit City Hall for a chance to get a free limited-edition city badge. It's super cool and makes a unique travel souvenir. Top 5 Must-See Attractions 1. Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center - Unique experience: Inside this giant, post-apocalyptic-style tent, you'll find an indoor beach, as if you've stepped into another world. - Thrilling activity: The transparent slide is a must-try. It offers stunning views of the city from above (only CNY 80 per ride). - Night view: The light show at 20:00 transforms the building into an alien base, a truly magical sight. 2. Bayterek Tower - Wishing spot: At the top of the tower, you can make a wish by touching the golden handprint of the president. The top-level glass bridge is thrilling and might make your knees weak. - Photo op: Capture the golden sphere and the Islamic Center together at sunset for a breathtaking shot. 3. Nur-Astana Mosque - Architectural marvel: As the world's third-largest mosque, its 24K gold dome shines brightly in the sun, exuding luxury. - Note: Women are required to wear a robe, provided free of charge. The blue ones are best for photos. Remember to respect local dress codes. 4. National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Cultural feast: The museum houses precious artifacts such as golden warrior armor and the Hunnic crown. For just CNY 30, you can explore the chronicle of nomadic civilization. - Special treat: On the fourth floor, you can try on a traditional Kazakh bridal headdress (CNY 50, including photography) for a unique cultural experience. 5. Expo 2017 Astana - Journey to the future: The Nur Alem sphere and the space-themed pavilion are full of futuristic technology. Night tickets are only CNY 60 and include a spectacular laser show. - Hidden gem: The abandoned Nazarbayev University is a great spot for cyberpunk-style photos. Food Adventures - Navat: Enjoy a state banquet-level horse meat plov with sour cream for only CNY 40. - Astana Continental: Dine at the highest revolving restaurant in Central Asia. Enjoy caviar pancakes for CNY 200 while taking in the city views. - Zheltoksan: This Soviet-style canteen offers smoked horse sausage with kvass for just CNY 15, taking you back in time. - Street food: Find a stall selling Baursak (fried dough balls). Dip them in honey for a taste of heaven (CNY 5). Shopping List - Nomadic silver jewelry: Bargain at the Green Bazaar for exquisite silver jewelry (around CNY 200), perfect as souvenirs or gifts. - Shanyrak totem tapestry: A unique item found at the National Museum shop, featuring distinctive totem patterns. - Soviet retro cameras: The old town flea market is a great place to find vintage cameras for around CNY 150, perfect for capturing travel memories. - Astana-exclusive chocolate: Buy astronaut-themed chocolates at the airport. The unique packaging and delicious taste make them a great gift. Getting Around - Airport → City center: Take bus No. 10 for only CNY 3, a much cheaper option than a taxi (CNY 50). - Crossing the river: Take the cable car across the Ishim River for CNY 15 and enjoy a different perspective of the city. - Driving advisory: Traffic is heavy during rush hour, so plan your driving route carefully. - Hidden route: Take a vintage trolleybus and capture photos of Soviet-era architecture along the way. Unique Experiences for Hardcore Travelers - Stargazing yurt stay: Stay in a yurt at a grassland camp 30 km from the city center, gaze at the stars, and experience nomadic life. - Ishim River night tour: Walk on the ice along the illuminated path (winter only) for a unique romantic experience. - Horseback riding through the new city: Find a horse riding group at Ak Orda Presidential Palace and explore the new city on horseback. - Dombra singing lessons: Take a CNY 100 trial class at the music academy and learn to play the traditional Dombra. - Nuclear bunker tour: Explore a mysterious nuclear bunker with a local guide and uncover a hidden side of the city. Important Notes - Dress code: Shorts are not allowed in mosques. Long skirts can be rented at the entrance. Please respect religious dress codes. - Payment methods: Cash is more widely accepted. 90% of small shops don't accept credit cards, so be sure to have cash on hand. - Winter warmth: Winter temperatures can drop to -30°C, so dress warmly and use hand warmers. - Scam alert: Be wary of people selling pigeon feed in the square. Once you accept the feed, you may be asked to pay CNY 50. 3-Day Itinerary - Day 1: Khan Shatyr → Bayterek Tower → Islamic Center night view - Day 2: National Museum → Expo 2017 → Ishim River cruise - Day 3: Green Bazaar shopping → Horseback riding on the grasslands → Soviet-style dinner In this city, where nomadic culture blends seamlessly with futuristic technology, you can enjoy a delicious lamb hot pot for CNY 50 or chase the aurora on horseback for CNY 100. Take this guide and embark on an unforgettable Central Asian adventure in Astana!