Guozigou Valley
果子沟
A canyon crossing the Tian Shan on the south side of Sayram Lake, with wild fruit forests, spruce and pastures stretching across it. It is the northern gateway to Ili.
Guozigou stretches about 28 km. It is the Tian Shan canyon through which the G30 Lianhuo Expressway descends from Sayram Lake to the Ili Valley. Its ancient name is Talqi Daban, and the valley takes its name from the wild apple and wild apricot groves within it. Spruce forests cover the slopes, with streams and Kazakh pastures dotted through the valley. Wildflowers bloom in summer, and the forest turns colourful in autumn. Besides the Guozigou Bridge on the expressway, you can stop at the viewpoint at the mouth of the valley to look down, or take part of the old G312 at a slower pace. Stopping on the expressway is not allowed, so pull over only at service areas or viewpoints.
Opening hours
All day