Xinyuan Gongnaisi Airport

Gongnaisi Airport may be small, but the culinary experience it offers is a genuine window into Xinjiang's rich food culture. The single terminal's main dining area centers on a compact but well-stocked food court where you'll find a handful of local vendors doing exactly what they do best. Arrive hungry — the smell of cumin-spiced lamb drifting through the hall is impossible to ignore and sets the tone beautifully for whatever journey lies ahead.

The standout dishes here are rooted in Kazakh and Uyghur traditions, reflecting the Ili Valley's remarkable cultural tapestry. Look for naren, a hearty hand-pulled noodle dish topped with slow-braised horse meat that locals swear by, alongside beshbarmak — a celebratory plate of flat noodles, tender lamb, and rich broth that feels like a proper send-off or welcome. Samsa pastries, flaky and stuffed with seasoned lamb and onion, make for an ideal grab-and-go option if your gate is calling.

For something warming, the airport's small tea counter serves freshly brewed milk tea in the Kazakh style — salty, buttery, and deeply comforting at altitude. Pair it with a round of nan bread from the tandoor, golden and slightly charred at the edges. Don't expect a sprawling dining hall or international chains here; instead, embrace the intimacy. The vendors are genuinely proud of what they serve, and a few kind words in Mandarin or even a smile goes a long way toward getting the freshest plate in the house.