A view of the Ulungur Lake. Chen Bo/CGTN
For Kazakh herdsmen, riding a horse is an essential skill often learnt as a little kid. But they also have a tradition of raising camels.
If you travel to Fuhai County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region's Altay Prefecture, do remember to visit the animals.
In early October, CGTN reporters visited a camel breeding base in Fuhai. The staff there told CGTN that a newborn camel can weigh over 25 kilograms and it needs to live on its mother's milk for around a year.
A group of camels at a camel breeding base in Fuhai. Chen Bo/CGTN
A local Kazakh herdsman rides a horse to graze his camels. Chen Bo/CGTN
A group of camels at a camel breeding base in Fuhai. Chen Bo/CGTN
The staff also joked to CGTN that the better looking a camel is, the worse its temper.
Fuhai County has taken full advantage of its camel breeding industry to help locals increase their income in recent years. The annual per capita net income of herdsmen has currently reached more than 30,000 yuan (about $4,339).
But there's more to Fuhai than just camels.
Various types of birds have been photographed by Aymurat Dauletbek, a worker at the Ulungur Lake National Wetland Park in the county. The Ulungur Lake, the largest permanent freshwater lake in northern Xinjiang, is well known for its fabulous natural scenery. Covering 827 square kilometers in area, it is an ideal home for migratory birds.
Although you may not be lucky enough to see rare birds at the lake, you will have a chance to enjoy the beautiful view, especially the sunrise and the sunset.
A view of the Ulungur Lake. Chen Bo/CGTN
Sunset at the Ulungur Lake. Xu Xiaotong/CGTN
Meanwhile, do take a look at the Irtysh River if you have time. It is the only river which flows into the Arctic Ocean in China and the second largest river in Xinjiang.
On either side of the Irtysh River lie two huge bell-shaped rocks, about 1,000 meters high. There are birch, pine and Siberian spruces growing on the rocks, and moss growing on the boulders. The colors are dazzling in autumn. After the rain, the mountains are surrounded by clouds and rainbows.
A view of the Irtysh River in autumn. Chen Bo/CGTN
A view of the Irtysh River in autumn. Chen Bo/CGTN
A view of the Irtysh River in autumn. Chen Bo/CGTN
Last but not least, don't miss the Devil City Scenic Spot on the east bank of Jili Lake which features the Yardang landform and water landscape. The scenic spot is famous for its unique geographical environment and magical colors.
(Cover photo designed by Zhu Shangfan)
Read more:
Kanas travel guide: How to plan a trip to the northern tip of Xinjiang
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