Bakhtu Port: The Century-Old Gateway on the China-Kazakhstan Border

Bakhtu Port, with a history spanning over a hundred years, is a national first-class land port located approximately 17 kilometers west of Tacheng City. It serves as a vital bridge between China and Kazakhstan and is often referred to as the "Gate of Northwest China". Situated at an altitude of about 500 meters, it is a key node for the "Belt and Road" Initiative, reflecting both deep historical roots and modern trade vitality.

The port's history dates back to the mid-19th century when the "Treaty of Tarbagatay" was signed in 1851, opening Tacheng to trade with Russia. Since then, it has been a conduit for Chinese tea and Russian gold and minerals, fostering a unique cultural fusion of Russian, Kazakh, and Han traditions. Although it faced a period of closure in the mid-20th century, it officially reopened in 1990 and was upgraded to a first-class national port in 1995.

1.Visitors to Bakhtu: Port can witness the majestic national gate and the original boundary monuments that mark the edge of Chinese territory. The site offers a panoramic view of the vast borderland steppes where the modern asphalt roads of the "Belt and Road" corridor meet the ancient paths of the Grassland Silk Road. Beyond its administrative function, the area features a vibrant China-Kazakhstan Folk Market, where traditional crafts and international goods are traded, providing a living museum of cross-border commerce.