We started the day early as it would be a long day of driving (over 9 hours). We drive through the Kalamaili nature reserve which is a preserve for arid steppe wildlife. We saw some camels, cows, and donkeys but not much else as there were no places to stop.
There were however many checkpoints to check ID. This was more difficult as they had not seen foreigners in some time and do not know how to enter our information in a Chinese ID system. At one checkpoint, we needed to take a COVID test.
After checking into the hotel in Burqin County, we had a moment to go to the night market. We walked around. The people were very friendly and wanted to take pictures with us.
After such a long ride, we still went back to the van to go to Five colored beach, where the sandstone and mudstone asking the river have beautiful coloring. The nature here is very beautiful.
Back at the night market, we did get something to eat and Wusu beer to drink. Kebabs and nang bread are the specialty. I found fish on a stick.
The next day’s travel is to go to Kanas nature reserve.