The joy of -30°C! Soaking in hot springs and watching the Milky Way in an ice- and snow-covered canyon

Continuing from the last part! The fun you can have in Koktokay far exceeds expectations. Besides the core scenic area, there are surprising winter activities nearby that will keep kids playing until they don’t want to go home! ❄️ Niche activities: Dive into local life Talate Village: Known as the "First Village of the E River." The village is quiet and peaceful in winter, with thick snow covering the wooden houses and smoke curling from chimneys. You can visit Kazakh families, learn to make naan bread, taste boortsog (fried dough), and experience the most authentic local customs. Wild Snow Park: On the flat snowy plains by the Irtysh River, locals use pickup trucks to tow snow tubes, letting you speed across the snow—a simple version of a "snow roller coaster" that kids can’t get enough of, wanting to ride it ten times or more. Hot Spring Experience: Not far from Koktokay Town, there is the "Hot Spring National Forest Park." Soaking in natural hot springs in the icy snow, with frost-covered hair but a warm body, this ice-and-fire experience is truly amazing! (Please confirm opening status in advance) Stargazing: Due to very little light pollution, Koktokay is a prime stargazing spot in winter. If the weather is clear, take the kids outside at night, look up, and see the brilliant Milky Way. You can teach them to identify winter constellations. 🛖 Another hidden gem for accommodation If you want to experience a more primitive village life, you can choose to stay in a "homestay" in Talate Village. Although the conditions are not as good as a hotel, you will feel the purest hospitality. Sitting around the stove at night, listening to the host play the dombra, will be an unforgettable memory of your trip. These homestays can also be found on Trip.com or local platforms. 📅 Suggested 4-day, 3-night in-depth itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Koktokay Town, check into the hotel, adapt to the environment, and stroll around the town. Day 2: Full-day tour of Koktokay National Geopark (Shenzhong Mountain, canyon hiking, geological exhibition hall). Day 3: Morning visit to Mine No. 3 → Afternoon experience local customs in Talate Village → Evening stargazing or hot springs (choose one). Day 4: Try snow tubing and other snow activities → Return trip. ⚠️ Important notes: Winter in northern Xinjiang is extremely cold; vehicles must use high-grade diesel and winter engine oil to prevent failure to start. For all outdoor activities, including hot springs, dress in layers to avoid catching a cold. Download offline maps in advance, as some areas have unstable signals. Winter in Koktokay is a calm blue-and-white tone but holds fiery folk customs and geothermal warmth. This is a deep parent-child trip blending nature, history, and culture, worth experiencing with heart.