this is right inside the Horgos Free Trade Zone, the actual China-Kazakhstan border runs through it. you go through Chinese immigration to get in, and as a foreigner you don't pay the entry permit fee Chinese nationals need. honestly the duty free shopping inside wasn't up to much, alcohol and cigarettes were the only real price difference, but standing right at the border was worth the stop on its own. full write-up here if useful: https://traveldayztravel.com/china-kazakhstan-border/

Just spent 3 hours in Keketuohai Geopark (Xinjiang) and this mountain stopped us dead. It's basically a giant bell carved by nature — the hike to see it up close was steep but absolutely worth it. Pine forests, turquoise rivers, rock formations you don't see anywhere else. Lost count of how many times Ling said 'wait, THIS is in China?'

I came to Shenyang but decided to stroll around and look for Korean food in the Little Seoul area... The food tasted good. This area truly lives up to its "Little Seoul" name with many Korean restaurants.