In the inherent impression of many people (especially outsiders), Korla may be just a name on the map, or a synonym for "Korla fragrant pear". But those who truly understand it and set foot on this land are all impressed by its unique charm. Its "underestimation" is reflected in multiple dimensions:

1. Underestimated geographical and strategic location: not only small frontier cities

· The capital of "the first state in China": Korla is the capital of Bayingoleng Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture. How big is Bazhou? It is equivalent to the sum of the four provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian and Jiangxi, and is the largest prefecture-level administrative region in China. As the capital of such a "big-giant" state, Korla's political, economic and transportation center position is crucial.

· Transportation hub in southern Xinjiang: It is the gateway to southern Xinjiang, with airports, railways and highway networks connected in all directions. From here you can easily go to Urumqi, Kashgar, Qiemo, Ruoqiang and other places, which is an excellent base camp and supply station for planning a trip to southern Xinjiang.

· Important nodes of the "Belt and Road": As an important city in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the core area of ​​the Silk Road Economic Belt, its strategic position and development potential far exceed that of ordinary border cities.

2. The diversity and ultimate contrast between natural landscapes is underestimated

Many people think that the magnificent scenery of Xinjiang is on the road, and the city is just a place to stay. But Korla itself and its surroundings bring together extremely rich and contrasting landscapes:

· The Green Crossing the Life: Peacock River and Swan: In one of the driest areas in China, Korla is full of agility because of the Peacock River that passes through the city. In winter, swans from Bayinbrook will fly here to overwinter, and elegant wild swans can be seen on the river in the center of the city. This harmonious scene between man and nature is rare around the world.

· "Half the sea water, half the flame": Desert and Lake Bosten:

· The magnificent Taklamakan Desert is surrounded by the city, and you can feel the vastness of the desert highway.

· But you can see Bosten Lake, the largest inland freshwater lake in China, by not far away. The smoke is vast and the water birds are flying, which can be called "Hawaii in the desert". This ultimate contrasting experience has become within reach in Korla.

· The "Air Grassland" is so close: Bayinbrook: Although Bayinbrook grassland belongs to Bazhou and Jing County, starting from Korla is one of the important channels. The sunset in Kaidu River, which is "nine curves and eighteen bends", is a landscape that countless people have always dreamed of.

3. Underestimation of economic development and urban construction: the nickname of "Little Shanghai"

· Prosperous because of oil, not just oil: Thanks to the development of the Tarim oil field, Korla's economic strength has always been at the forefront of Xinjiang, and even surpassed some capital cities. This gives Korla a modernization construction and infrastructure far beyond ordinary western cities.

· Clean and tidy civilized city: Korla has been rated as a national civilized city many times, with excellent urban greening, clean and tidy streets, orderly urban planning, and very comfortable living, which completely breaks people's stereotype of "gray-faced" cities in the northwest.

· Convenience and modernization of life: Large shopping malls, brand hotels, and specialty catering are available, with a high degree of modernization, so it is also nicknamed "Little Shanghai" or "Xinjiang Little Shenzhen" by many people.

4. Underestimated humanistic heritage and food: the integration of multi-ethnic customs

· Crossroads of history: Korla is the throat of the middle of the ancient Silk Road, surrounded by historical sites such as Tiemen Pass. Standing at Tiemen Pass, you can recall the prosperity of the camel caravan back then.

· Multi-ethnic cultural melting pot: There are many ethnic groups living here, including Han, Uyghur, Mongolian, Hui, etc., and cultural integration is reflected in architecture, language, festivals and most importantly - food.

· Food Paradise:

· Signature must-eat: real Korla pear (thin skin, crispy and juicy meat, unreplicable), extremely tender mutton kebabs, authentic Xinjiang big plate chicken, noodles, and pilaf.

· Mongolian flavor: Don’t forget that this is also Bayingoleng Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, you can taste authentic Mongolian delicacies such as hand-grabbing meat and dairy products.

· Robman Grilled Fish: A unique flavor from Lake Bos and the Tarim River, rough and delicious.

5. Why is Korla seriously underestimated:

1. Information asymmetry: Regional publicity and exposure are far less than popular tourist cities.

2. "Travel Transit" prejudice: Many people only regard it as a transit station to Kashgar, Hotan, and desert, and have never stopped to savor it carefully.

3. Stereotype: I think Xinjiang cities are backward and monotonous, but I never expected Korla to be so modern, clean and livable.

The real charm of Korla is that it perfectly plays an "all-round player":

· It is a powerful hub for travelers, with top-notch natural landscapes and comfortable urban service.

· For living people, it is a livable and modern city with a high income level, convenient life and beautiful environment.

· For explorers, it is the intersection of multicultural cultures, full of historical sense and national customs.

So, if you have the opportunity to plan a trip to Xinjiang, be sure to leave some time for Korlado. It is not just a place of origin or a transit station for fragrant pears, but a treasure city worthy of in-depth exploration and full of surprises and contrasts.

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