Guozigou Bridge in Xinjiang China Travel Guide
Explore Guozigou Bridge in Xinjiang’s Ili Valley, a dramatic scenic landmark near Sayram Lake, known for canyon views, snow mountains, and easy access from Yining.
Guozigou Bridge
Guozigou Bridge is a double-tower, double-cable steel truss cable-stayed bridge. It is the first highway double-tower double-cable steel truss cable-stayed bridge in China and also the highest bridge in Xinjiang. The bridge has a total length of 700 meters, with a deck clearance of 200 meters above the valley floor, and the main towers rise to over 215 meters. It is China’s first highway double-tower double-cable steel truss cable-stayed bridge.
Viewed from the observation deck or from the top of Songtou Mountain, the bridge forms a graceful S-shaped curve, like a giant dragon winding through the towering mountains. The two main towers are 209 meters and 215.5 meters high, both adopting a stepped reinforced concrete frame structure, which takes into account both structural stability and aesthetic design.
Guozigou is also known as “Talqi Daban”. It is a famous canyon corridor connecting Sayram Lake to the north and the Ili River Valley to the south, with a total length of 28 kilometers. Guozigou is named for its abundance of wild fruits and was described by Qing Dynasty scholar Qi Yunshi as a “remarkable fairyland.” It is also known as “the first scenic view of Ili.”
This bridge is not only an important transportation hub in Xinjiang, but has also become a popular destination for travelers seeking natural scenery and cultural experiences during their China travel.
Location
Guozigou Bridge is located in the Ili River Valley, connecting Yining City and Gongliu County, and spans the Guozigou Gorge along National Highway G218. The bridge crosses the Guozigou River, where the canyon is deep and narrow, with the river winding below. It is an important passage connecting Ili and northern Xinjiang.
For international travelers, the nearest major airport is Yining Airport (Ili Airport), which has domestic flights from Urumqi and other major cities in China. From Yining City, it is about 30 kilometers by car to reach the bridge. The drive itself offers beautiful scenery and is also a pleasant travel experience.
At the same time, starting in 2026, we will also operate luxury train travel routes. Both the china New Orient Express luxury train and the Panda Express train will pass through this area.
- 16 Days Xinjiang Luxury Panda Train Tour Late Aug. to Sept. 2026
- 15 Days Xinjiang Luxury New Orient Express Tour Aug. & Sept. 2026
Scenic Area Information
Chinese Name: Guozigou Bridge
Suggested Visit Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Open all day
Best Time to Visit: Suitable all year round, especially in summer when the scenery is lush, and in autumn when the leaves are colorful
Address: Huocheng County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, China
(Located at the junction of Guozigou and Jiangjun Gully)
Things to See
Guozigou Bridge is well known for its beautiful scenery. Standing on the bridge, visitors can enjoy:
Guozigou Gorge: High cliffs, dense vegetation, and winding rivers, making it an excellent spot for photography.
Snow Mountain Background: Snow peaks of the Tianshan Mountains form the background of the gorge, adding a spectacular view in winter and spring.
Seasonal Landscapes: In autumn, surrounding forests turn golden and red, creating a strong contrast with the bridge.
For travelers who enjoy a bit of excitement, walking in the viewing area allows you to feel the breeze while appreciating the scenery deep below the gorge.
For photography enthusiasts, the best shooting spot can be found by walking down the wooden boardwalk next to the parking area of the Guozigou Observation Resort. On a large rock beside the boardwalk, you can use forced perspective photography techniques to create thrilling and distinctive photos, giving the illusion of standing at the edge of a cliff. This allows Guozigou Bridge and the surrounding natural landscape to be perfectly integrated into one striking image.
Nearby Attractions
Nileke River Valley Scenic Area
If you do not like crowded and fast-paced attractions, this area is a good choice. The wetlands and ancient poplar forests are well preserved. Walking through the valley, you can clearly feel the tranquility and openness of the Ili River Valley. Many visitors choose to ride horses for a short distance or simply take photos along the way.
Nalati Grassland
Nalati is one of the most representative grasslands in Ili and is almost always chosen by first-time visitors to Xinjiang. The Nalati Grassland is vast, with continuous snow mountains in the distance and yurts, cattle, and sheep nearby. You can ride horses deep into the grassland or walk slowly along the road, with photo opportunities from every angle.
Khorgos Port
If you are interested in border cities and cultural exchanges, Khorgos is also worth a visit. It is an important gateway between China and Central Asia, and the city atmosphere is very different from inland China.
Sayram Lake
If your schedule allows, continuing from Guozigou Bridge to Sayram Lake is highly recommended. The lake changes color with the light, from deep blue to light green. On clear days, the lake and snow mountains merge into one spectacular view. It is suitable for driving around the lake, taking photos, or simply relaxing.
Travel Tips
Transportation: Renting a car or joining a local tour is recommended, as public transportation options are limited.
Safety: The viewing platforms on the bridge are safe, but please follow signs and do not enter restricted areas.
Photography Equipment: A wide-angle lens and tripod are useful for sunrise, sunset, and panoramic canyon shots.
Local Food: Try Kazakh-style dishes, lamb skewers, and Xinjiang-style noodles.
Accommodation: Boutique hotels are available in Yining City, and nearby guesthouses allow you to experience local life.
The above is the basic travel information for visiting Guozigou Bridge in China. If you are interested in traveling to China, you are welcome to contact us. We are a professional international travel company specializing in customized in-depth China travel experiences.
Contact us
Email: info@chinaadventure.org
Whatsapp: +86-18181431009
Wechat: +86-18008011324
FAQs
Q1: Where is Guozigou Bridge located?
A1: Guozigou Bridge is located in the Ili River Valley in Xinjiang, China. We arrange visits between Yining City and Gongliu County along National Highway G218, where the bridge crosses the Guozigou Gorge.
Q2: How long should we spend at Guozigou Bridge?
A2: We usually recommend spending 30 minutes to one hour at Guozigou Bridge. This is enough time to enjoy the views, take photos, and walk around the observation area without rushing.
Q3: Is there an entrance fee to visit Guozigou Bridge?
A3: No, there is no entrance fee. We include Guozigou Bridge as a free scenic stop in our Xinjiang travel itineraries.
Q4: When is the best time to visit Guozigou Bridge?
A4: We consider Guozigou Bridge suitable for visiting all year round. Summer offers lush green scenery, while autumn is especially popular for colorful foliage and clear views of the gorge and surrounding mountains.
Q5: Can Guozigou Bridge be included in a longer Xinjiang tour?
A5: Yes. We often include Guozigou Bridge together with Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and other attractions in the Ili region as part of our customized Xinjiang and China travel routes.
