❄️Urumqi to Almaty Winter Travel Guide❄️

✨Preparation: Passport (visa-free between China and Kazakhstan), thick down jacket, warm gear, some money (can be exchanged for Tenge in Almaty), common medicines, electronic devices, and hand warmers. 🚗Transportation: • Departure: Fly directly from Urumqi Diwopu Airport to Almaty, about 2 hours. Alternatively, take a train to Khorgos and then transfer to an international bus. • In the city: Buses are cheap but old, keep an eye on your belongings; official taxis are convenient; the metro is efficient. 🏠Accommodation: • In the city: The Ritz-Carlton Almaty offers high-end comfort; Ramada Hotel is cost-effective and well-located. • Near ski resorts: Resorts near Shymbulak Ski Resort are convenient for skiing and sightseeing. 🍜Cuisine: • Horse sausage: Unique flavor, marbled with fat, great with sauce. • Beshbarmak: Traditional 'five meat noodles', noodles cooked in meat broth with horse meat. • Grilled lamb: Tender and juicy, sprinkled with cumin. • Pilaf: Made with lamb, carrots, and rice, fragrant and delicious. • Dairy products: Milk tea, yogurt, and curd, rich and creamy. 🗺️Attractions: • Day 1: City tour • Ascension Cathedral: Located in Panfilov Park, wooden structure, pale yellow exterior, onion domes, looks like a fairytale castle in the snow, with exquisite interiors. • Arbat Street: Features Soviet-era colors and a blend of European and Asian atmospheres, with food and souvenirs. • Green Bazaar: A specialty market with a variety of local products, full of Soviet charm. • Day 2: Natural landscapes • Charyn Canyon: About 200 km from the city, the 'second largest canyon in the world', with red rock formations and rugged stones, perfect for hiking and enjoying the majestic scenery. • Big Almaty Lake: A high-altitude lake in the southeast, frozen blue in winter, ideal for sightseeing and photography. • Day 3: Skiing fun Shymbulak Ski Resort: Famous in Central Asia, with good snow quality and many slopes, for skiing or taking a cable car to see the snowy mountains and sea of clouds. • Day 4: Cultural experience • Central State Museum of Kazakhstan: The largest in Central Asia, showcasing Kazakhstan's history and culture, with rich collections. • Independence Monument: In the center of Independence Square, 28 meters high, with a golden warrior and snow leopard statue on top, surrounded by reliefs depicting major historical events. 🎉 Notes: Almaty is cold in winter, keep warm to prevent frostbite; keep your belongings safe in crowded places; respect local religions and customs; be mindful of internet usage fees. #AlmatyTravelGuide #WinterTravel #UrumqiDeparture