Ili, Xinjiang

The City of Eight Trigrams: A Mystical Labyrinth Without Traffic Lights in the Heart of Tianshan

📸Photography 🏯Old Towns

Altitude

1,080m

Best Time

☀️ 🍂

Ticket

Free

ℹ️

About This Attraction

1.Tekes Bagua: City, located in the center of the Ili River Valley in the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang, is a marvel of urban planning and cultural mysticism. Situated at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains on a flat alluvial plain on the south bank of the Tekes River, this city is world-renowned as the largest and most well-preserved "Bagua" (Eight Trigrams) city in the world. With a core area of approximately 8 square kilometers and an average altitude of 1,200 meters, it holds the Guinness World Record for its unique layout and is a designated National Historical and Cultural City.

The city's design is strictly based on the "Bagua" orientation from the ancient Chinese classic, the I Ching (Book of Changes). The layout radiates from a central point, the Bagua Cultural Square, where an observation tower (or altar) stands. From this center, eight main streets extend outward, corresponding to the eight trigrams: Qian, Kun, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Li, Gen, and Dui. These streets are connected by four ring roads, creating a web that expands from the center to the periphery. The first ring consists of 8 streets, the second of 16, the third of 32, and the fourth of 64, culminating in a total of 64 hexagrams and 384 lines embedded into the urban fabric. This ingenious radial design theoretically eliminates dead ends and traffic jams, leading to the city's fame as a place that historically operated without traffic lights—a rarity in modern urban planning.

2.The history of: Tekes is steeped in legend and strategic planning. Folklore suggests the location was first identified by the famous Daoist monk Qiu Chuji during his journey to meet Genghis Khan, who saw the area's topography as a natural "Bagua" basin suitable for a prosperous settlement. However, the modern city was constructed in 1937 under the direction of Qiu Zongjun, the then-commander of the Ili Garrison. He personally designed the city to reflect traditional Chinese philosophy while integrating the local terrain.

Culturally, Tekes is a "condensed museum" of the I Ching, but it is also a vibrant home to diverse ethnic groups, including Kazakhs, Uyghurs, Hans, Hui, and Kyrgyz people. The fusion of Daoist urban planning with nomadic and Islamic cultures creates a unique atmosphere. A prime example is "Li Street" (Li Jie), located in the southern "Li" trigram sector. This neighborhood features preserved courtyards combining traditional wood-carving aesthetics with colorful murals, offering visitors a glimpse into the harmonious daily life of the local residents.

For travelers, Tekes serves not only as a cultural destination but also as the gateway to the breathtaking Kalajun Grassland and the historic Wusun Ancient Road. Visitors can ascend the central Bagua Observation Tower or ride the "Eye of Bagua" Ferris Wheel to grasp the magnificent geometry of the city against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Whether exploring the mystic streets or using the city as a base for Tianshan adventures, Tekes offers a profound journey into the unity of heaven, earth, and humanity.

✨ Why Visit Tekes Bagua City

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World's Largest Bagua City

Explore the only city in the world built strictly according to the Eight Trigrams of the I Ching, featuring a radial layout that expands from 8 streets to 64 distinct paths.

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A City Without Traffic Lights

Experience a unique urban marvel where the radial design and ring roads historically eliminated the need for traffic lights, allowing free-flowing movement in all directions.

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Li Street Cultural Quarter

Wander through "Li Jie," a vibrant neighborhood showcasing colorful murals, traditional courtyards, and the authentic folk life of diverse ethnic groups like the Kazakhs and Uyghurs.

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Bagua Cultural Square

Visit the city's heart, home to the Bagua Altar and museum, where you can learn about the philosophical roots of the city's design and view the radial streets stretching toward the mountains.

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Gateway to Tianshan Wonders

Use Tekes as the perfect base to explore the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site, Kalajun Grassland, and the historic Wusun Ancient Road.

Location & Nearby

📍 Ili, Xinjiang • 🏔️ 1080m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Tekes Bagua City Travel Guide

is named after its unique urban layout, which is designed according to the "Bagua" (Eight Trigrams) philosophy from the I Ching, with eight main streets radiating from a center. Are there really no traffic lights?

Historically and famously, the city operated without traffic lights due to its efficient radial design. While some modern traffic controls may exist now for safety, the concept remains a key part of its identity.

How can I see the Bagua shape?

The best way to see the full pattern.

is from above. You can climb the observation tower in the city center or ride the "Eye of Bagua" Ferris wheel. Drone photography is also popular but check local regulations. What is Li Street?

Li Street (Li Jie).

is a renovated cultural block within the city that features traditional architecture, local food, and artistic murals, offering an immersive cultural experience. When is the best time to visit?

The best time is from May to September, with the peak season being June to August, when the surrounding grasslands are lush and the weather is pleasant.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Tekes Bagua City?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.