Things To Do
in Qapqal

Fragrant rice cooked with mutton or beef, carrots and spices — a regional staple found in family restaurants and bazaars.

Must-Try!

Grilled skewers of seasoned mutton or lamb, available at street vendors and night markets; great for a quick, flavorful bite.

Fresh yogurt, ayran (salty yogurt drink), and dried cheeses made by Kazakh and Xibe households, served in local gatherings and some markets.

Widely available in small eateries; nang (flatbread) accompanies most meals and is often baked in a tandoor-like oven.

Daily bazaar in the county seat selling fresh produce, meats, breads, spices and street-food stalls — ideal for sampling kebabs, steamed buns and local sweets.

Temporary evening stalls offering grilled skewers, noodle soups and tea; a social hub where locals eat and chat after work.

Many residents are Muslim or follow local traditions—dress modestly (especially women) when visiting religious sites and avoid eating or drinking in front of those observing fasts without asking.

Always request permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, particularly in conservative or religious communities.

Chinese law requires carrying identification (passport for foreigners); hotels will register guests and display of ID may be requested by authorities.

A simple 'Ni hao' (你好) in Mandarin or a friendly nod goes a long way; accepting tea and small hospitality offerings is customary.

Tipping is not customary in most rural Xinjiang settings; small tips may be accepted in tourist-oriented services but are rarely expected. For exceptional service, a modest tip is appreciated but not required.

Cash (Chinese yuan/CNY) is widely accepted, especially in rural markets. Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate in urban areas but often require a Chinese bank account; international credit cards are accepted at few local businesses, so carry cash and small notes.

Cool to mild temperatures with early blooms on the grasslands; roads can be muddy after snowmelt, and spring winds are common—pack layers and waterproof footwear.

Warm days and cool nights, ideal for grassland visits, horseback riding and yurt stays; peak season for outdoor activities and local festivals, so book ahead.

Crisp air and colorful foliage at higher elevations; harvest time brings lively bazaars and fewer crowds—excellent for photography and hiking.

Cold and snowy with short daylight hours; many rural services slow down, but dramatic snowy landscapes and local winter customs can be rewarding for prepared travelers.

The nearest commercial airport serving Ili Prefecture with flights to Urumqi and other regional cities; from the airport you can take a taxi or bus to Yining and onward connections to Qapqal by road.

Major international airport in Xinjiang with many domestic connections; travel to Qapqal from Ürümqi requires a domestic flight to Yining or a long overland journey by bus/car.

A significant ethnic group in the region practicing many nomadic traditions, animal husbandry and dairy crafts; culturally visible in clothing, music and cuisine.

The autonomous county designation reflects the local Xibe community with its own language and cultural practices, contributing to the area’s diversity.

Present in the region and contributing to local Muslim cultural life, markets and cuisine.

Han Chinese and Hui Muslim residents live and work in the county, adding to the economic and cultural mix.

Vegetarian options exist but are limited: order noodle soups with vegetables, bread, salads and dairy; ask clearly in Mandarin for 'su' (素) dishes. Many stews and stocks are meat-based, so request vegetable-only preparations where possible.

Challenging due to heavy reliance on meat and dairy; carry snacks and confirm no animal products in broths or sauces when dining out.

Halal food is commonly available due to the Muslim population; look for clearly halal-labeled eateries or Muslim-run restaurants for suitable meat dishes.

Language barrier can complicate allergy requests — learn or carry key phrases in Mandarin and keep medication accessible; packaged food labeling follows Chinese standards.