How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car for Travel in Yili to Qapqal Xibe Ancient City Cultural Expenses Recommended Routes and Prices
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation
Explore the Xibo Ancient City in Qapqal, Yili:Comprehensive Guide to a Customized Cultural Vehicle Tour
In-Depth Analysis of Routes and Destinations
The Qapqal Xibo Ancient City, located in Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County, Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, is an important window showcasing the westward migration history and folk culture of the Xibo ethnic group. This 4A-rated scenic spot centers around the “Xibo Ancient City Cultural Tourism Integration Project,” integrating cultural venues such as the Bell Tower, Bow and Arrow Museum, Costume Museum, and Getuken Calligraphy and Painting Academy, fully presenting the grand journey of the Xibo people from northeast China to Yili. Within the scenic area, visitors can closely observe the high-quality intangible cultural heritage of “Xibo Bow and Arrow Making Techniques” and experience traditional archery activities; in the Costume Museum, the colorful traditional Xibo costumes and embroidery craftsmanship are breathtaking; while the Getuken Calligraphy and Painting Academy houses a large collection of calligraphy and painting works reflecting Xibo life,堪称 (which can be translated as “deserving the name of”) a three-dimensional ethnic epic.
Currently, the scenic area implements a differentiated ticket policy:Full-price ticket: 40 yuan/person, covering all core venues; visitors with valid certificates can enjoy half-price or free admission (see below for specific policies). It is worth noting that there are ticket differences between the north gate and side gate of the scenic area: the north gate is the ticket sales channel, supporting manual issuance of paper tickets; although the side gate allows free entry, visitors cannot visit paid venues. This design has sparked discussions among some tourists, but from the perspective of cultural protection, ticket revenue is directly used for the daily maintenance and cultural relic restoration of the scenic area, striving for the sustainability of cultural display.
Classic Itinerary Planning (Example: 5-Day Customized Vehicle Tour)
Day 1:Gathering in Yining · Initial Cultural Exploration
Morning:Depart from Yining City and travel along the Yili River Valley, enjoying the lavender fields along the way (peak bloom in June-July). Upon arrival in Qapqal County, the first stop is to visit the Xibo Ancient City, focusing on the Bow and Arrow Museum and Costume Museum, and participating in traditional archery experience (included in the ticket price).
Afternoon:Visit Jingyuan Temple, a Qing Dynasty ancient temple that blends Han, Manchu, and Xibo architectural styles. The handwritten copy of the “Tripitaka” preserved in the temple is of great historical value.
Dinner:Taste the local specialty “Xibo Pancake with Colorful Vegetables” in Qapqal, with an average consumption of about 30 yuan per person.
Accommodation:Stay at a quasi-four-star hotel in the county town, with a cost of about 200-300 yuan/room.
Explore the Xibo Ancient City in Qapqal, Yili: Comprehensive Guide to a Customized Cultural Vehicle TourDay 2:Symphony of Grasslands and Canyons
Morning:Drive to the Kalajun Grassland, purchase a combined ticket (including shuttle bus) of 140 yuan/person, and explore the vast grasslands of East and West Kalajun and the rugged terrain of the Kuokesu Grand Canyon. The soft afternoon light is the golden time for photography creation.
Afternoon:Stop by Tekes Bagua City on the return journey. This “city without traffic lights” has streets arranged in accordance with the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) orientation. Climb the city tower for a panoramic view.
Dinner:Taste the naturally grown carp from the Yili River in Tekes, with options for braised or stewed, averaging 40-50 yuan per person.
Day 3:Dialogue Between Lakes and Ancient Paths
All day: Visit Sayram Lake, with a self-drive package ticket of 145 yuan/person (including admission ticket + self-drive service fee). The lake circuit route allows stops at viewpoints such as Songshu Tou (Pine Tree Head) and Dianjiang Tai (General’s Platform) to closely observe the magnificent scenery of the Guozigou Bridge. If time permits, add a visit to the Huocheng Lavender Farm (registration with valid ID required for entry).
Day 4:Secret Realm Exploration · Niche Experiences
Morning:Visit the Xiata Ancient Path, with a ticket + shuttle bus cost of 80 yuan/person. Hike to the General Bridge area and overlook the Muzart Glacier. The primitive forest and streams along the way form an excellent hiking route.
Afternoon:Explore Qiongkushitai Village, a multi-ethnic village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains. The road to the village is gravel, so a vehicle with a higher chassis is recommended. The wooden houses in the village contrast beautifully with the snowy mountains and grasslands, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Day 5:Return Journey and Summary
Morning:Flexibly arrange shopping or free activities based on the return flight or train schedule. It is recommended to purchase Xibo embroidery handicrafts as souvenirs.
In-Depth Analysis of Routes and DestinationsAfternoon:Return to Yining City and conclude the itinerary.
Customized Vehicle Cost Breakdown (Reference Prices for 2026)
The cost of customized vehicles varies depending on the vehicle type, itinerary duration, and season. The following is a reference quotation for a 5-day itinerary (based on a 7-seat business vehicle):
Basic Costs:
Vehicle Usage Fee:6000-7500 yuan/trip (including driver’s salary, fuel cost, and toll fees)
Driver’s Accommodation and Meal Allowance:150-200 yuan/day (can be borne by passengers or negotiated and included in the total price)
Scenic Area Tickets:
Xibo Ancient City:40 yuan/person
Kalajun Grassland:140 yuan/person
Sayram Lake:145 yuan/person
The Qapqal Xibo Ancient City, located in Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County, Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, is an important window showcasing the westward migration history and folk culture of the Xibo ethnic group. This 4A-rated scenic spot centers around the “Xibo Ancient City Cultural Tourism Integration Project,” integrating cultural venues such as the Bell Tower, Bow and Arrow Museum, Costume Museum, and Getuken Calligraphy and Painting Academy, fully presenting the grand journey of the Xibo people from northeast China to Yili. Within the scenic area, visitors can closely observe the high-quality intangible cultural heritage of “Xibo Bow and Arrow Making Techniques” and experience traditional archery activities; in the Costume Museum, the colorful traditional Xibo costumes and embroidery craftsmanship are breathtaking; while the Getuken Calligraphy and Painting Academy houses a large collection of calligraphy and painting works reflecting Xibo life,堪称 (which can be translated as “deserving the name of”) a three-dimensional ethnic epic.Xiata Ancient Path:80 yuan/person
Other Costs:
Parking Fees within the Scenic Area:Approximately 20-50 yuan/day
Excess Mileage Fee:If the itinerary exceeds the agreed mileage (e.g., 300 kilometers/day), an additional charge of 1.5-2 yuan/kilometer will be applied
Total Cost Example (4-person team):
Basic Customized Vehicle Fee:7000 yuan
Total Ticket Cost:1200 yuan (estimated at 300 yuan per person)
Driver’s Allowance:750 yuan (5 days × 150 yuan/day)
Total:Approximately 8950 yuan (2237 yuan per person)
Registration Method and Consultation
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing to obtain the latest itinerary plans and quotations. When registering, you need to provide information such as travel dates, number of people, and preferred attractions to facilitate the customization of a personalized itinerary.
Currently, the scenic area implements a differentiated ticket policy: full-price ticket 40 yuan/person, covering all core venues; visitors with valid certificates can enjoy half-price or free admission (see below for specific policies). It is worth noting that there are ticket differences between the north gate and side gate of the scenic area: the north gate is the ticket sales channel, supporting manual issuance of paper tickets; although the side gate allows free entry, visitors cannot visit paid venues. This design has sparked discussions among some tourists, but from the perspective of cultural protection, ticket revenue is directly used for the daily maintenance and cultural relic restoration of the scenic area, striving for the sustainability of cultural display.Cost and Service Description
Costs Include:
Vehicle usage fee (including regular maintenance and repairs)
Driver’s salary and basic insurance
Fuel cost, toll fees, and parking fees
Basic photography service (provided by some vehicle models)
Costs Do Not Include:
Personal expenses of tourists (dining, entertainment items)
Ticket prices and shuttle bus tickets for attractions not mentioned in the itinerary
Hotel accommodation fees
Classic Itinerary Planning (Example: 5-Day Customized Vehicle Tour)Personal travel accident insurance (recommended to purchase independently)
Excess mileage or overtime service fees
Service Guarantees:
Provide a formal tourism contract, clearly stating service content and cost breakdown
If weather, road conditions, or policy changes occur during the itinerary, both parties can reasonably make changes through mutual consultation
24-hour customer service support to resolve unexpected issues
Special Tips
Scenic Area Opening Hours:Xibo Ancient City: 8:30-19:00 (summer); other scenic areas are subject to daily announcements
Reservation Policy:Sayram Lake requires advance reservation 1-3 days in advance through the “One Phone for Tourism in Xinjiang” platform; it is recommended to consult ticket availability in advance for scenic areas such as Kalajun Grassland and Xiata Ancient Path
Equipment Suggestions:Yili has large temperature differences between day and night, so even in summer, it is necessary to bring warm outerwear; for hiking routes, it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes
Cultural Etiquette:When visiting museums and temples, please do not touch exhibits or make loud noises; obtain consent before photographing local residents
This customized vehicle tour in Yili is not only a feast of natural scenery but also a life practice of in-depth experiencing the cultures of various ethnic groups. From the arrows flying through the air in the Xibo Ancient City to the galloping horses on the Kalajun Grassland; from the vast blue waves of Sayram Lake to the snowy mountains of the Xiata Ancient Path, every landscape carries the memories of history and the rhythm of life. Choose Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and let our professional team plan an unforgettable journey intertwined with culture and nature for you. The specific itinerary and costs are subject to actual consultation and contracting. We look forward to exploring this amazing land with you!
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation
