10 Most Beautiful Grasslands in China

Written by Natalia | Updated October 21,2025

China is a vast country with all kinds of incredible landscapes, from mountains to great lakes, deserts to prairies. It’s the perfect destination for nature lovers. This article is a guide on the most beautiful grasslands in China, where to see them, what to do, and travel tips.

You will find the best grasslands of China in Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Sichuan, and Tibet. On the vast green prairies, you will experience regional cultures of western China. Rich ethnic culture, the nomadic lifestyle, and grassland festivals will also be highlights of your grassland tour on top of the breathtaking views.

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1. Hulunbuir Grassland – China’s Largest and Most Famous Prairie
2. Ili Nalati Grassland – The Highland Paradise of Xinjiang
3. Xilingol Grassland – A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
4. Bayanbulak Grassland – Home of the Swan Lake in Xinjiang
5. Ulan Butong Grassland – Gorgeous Fall Sceneries of Northern China
6. Ordos Grassland – Near Hohhot and Easy to Access
7. Khorchin Grassland – A Hidden Gem of Inner Mongolia
8. Highland Grassland in Western Sichuan – Tibetan Plateau Beauty
9. Nagqu Grassland in Tibet – Prairie on the “Roof of the World”
10. Qilian Mountain Grassland – Where Grass Meets Snow Peaks
Activities and Experiences on Grasslands in China
Essential Travel Tips for a Grassland Adventure in China
FAQs about Visiting Grasslands in China
Venture to Beautiful Grasslands in China with China Xian Tour

1. Hulunbuir Grassland – China’s Largest and Most Famous Prairie

Location: Hulunbuir city, Inner Mongolia
Best time to visit: June to August
Highlights: Grassland sceneries, staying in yurts, horseback riding, Naadam Festival
How to get there: Hailar Dongshan International Airport (2.5 hours away)

Hulunbuir Grassland, or Hulunbuir Prairie, is the largest and most famous grassland in China. Ranking No. 1 for top grassland destinations in China, it boasts over 3,000 meandering rivers and lakes across the grassland. No wonder many tourists flock here for stunning scenery, diverse grassland activities, and authentic nomadic life experience during their Inner Mongolia tours.

You can expect to be welcomed with a traditional ceremony with Mongolian singing and dancing, staying overnight in a yurt, joining a bonfire party under the night sky, and challenging the horseback riding and other grassland sports. Besides these iconic grassland experiences and activities, a Hulunbuir tour will offer you a rare chance to encounter adorable reindeers at Aoluguya Reindeer Village, and visit some Russian towns fo authentic Russian flavors.

If you visit Hulunbuir Grassland in the summer, you may be lucky enough to witness the grandest and most iconic festival of Inner Mongolia, Naadam Festival. It takes place every year across different parts of the region. “Naadam” means “three games,” which are wrestling, horse racing, and archery. You will be able to watch exciting competitions among locals, experience all kinds of traditions, and join in on the festivities.

Recommended Hulunbuir Grassland Tour: 5 Days Inner Mongolia Hulunbuir Grassland Tour

The Golden Grassland of Hulunbuir in October

2. Ili Nalati Grassland – The Highland Paradise of Xinjiang

Location: Eastern end of the Ili River Valley, Xinyuan County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Best time to visit: June to September and October
Highlights: Alpine grassland, seasonal wildflowers, Kazakh nomadic culture
How to get there: Flight or train to Yining, then drive to the grassland

Nalati Grassland is part of Ili Grasslands in the mountains of Xinjiang. Nalati means “the first place to meet the sun.” Surrounded by Tianshan Mountains on three sides, nestled amongst snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and lakes, it is the most beautiful alpine valley grassland in China.

The alpine meadows are the most beautiful in the spring when they’re covered in blooming wildflowers. In the summer months, the grassland is the lushest. And in October, you will see a different side of the grassland when it is entirely blanketed in gold.

Nalati Grassland is the home of Kazakh people. It’s the best place to experience the nomadic culture when you travel to Xinjiang. Their customs might be slightly different from those of Inner Mongolia. You can go horseback riding, spend a night inside a yurt, or go on a hike to discover the surrounding areas.

Recommended Nalati Grassland Tour: 8 Days Best Western Xinjiang Hiking Tour

3. Xilingol Grassland – A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Location: Xilinhot, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia
Best time to visit: May to September
Highlights: Pastures, Mongolian herding culture, ecological diversity
How to get there: Xilinhot Airport (30 minutes away)

Xilingol Grassland is another top grassland in Inner Mongolia. In fact, it refers to a cluster of pastures including Xilingol Grassland Nature Reserve, Jinlianchuan Grassland, East Ujumuqin Grassland, West Ujumuqin Grassland, and Wulagai Grassland. Together they form the second largest grassland in Inner Mongolia, only after Hulunbuir Grassland.

Xilingol Grassland itself is enough of a reason to travel to China as there are so many things you can do. It has the only World Biosphere Reserve in China where you can enjoy the views of untouched grassland, rolling hills, and primitive wetlands. The Site of Xanadu is also located on the grassland. It was the summer capital of Yuan Dynasty. Nearby, you will find Pingdingshan Volcanic Geopark where volcanic hills rise out of the grassland.

Recommended Xilingol Grassland Tour: 4 Days In-depth Xilingol Grassland & Nomad Life Tour

4. Bayanbulak Grassland – Home of the Swan Lake in Xinjiang

Location: Tianshan Mountain, northwestern Hejing County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Best time to visit: June to September
Highlights: Bird watching, swan habitat, vast wetland meadows
How to get there: Drive or take a bus from Urumqi for about 460 kilometers (285 miles)

Bayanbulak Grassland in Xinjiang is the second largest grassland in China and the largest alpine grassland. 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) above sea level in the middle of the Tianshan Mountains, it is a flat and vast pasture. Bayanbulak means “abundant spring” in Mongolian because it is dotted with lakes of different sizes. They reflect the surrounding snow mountains and the blue sky which feels close within reach.

Swan Lake, most famously, is a large area of swamp, a series of small lakes. It is the home of many swans and rare birds. On Bayanbulak Grassland, you can also go horseback riding or witness the Naadam Fair in June. You will need a special travel permit to visit Bayanbulak Grassland on your Xinjiang tour.

Bayanbulak Grassland Xinjiang — Bayanbulak Grassland

5. Ulan Butong Grassland – Gorgeous Fall Sceneries of Northern China

Location: Wulan Butong Scenic Area, Jingwu Route, Hexigten Banner, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia
Best time to visit: June to November
Highlights: Fall sceneries, historic hunting ground, changing colors of the grassland
How to get there: Drive or take a bus from Chifeng (140 kilometers/87 miles) or Xilinhot (180 kilometers/112 miles)

Only 432 kilometers (268 miles) away, which is about a 7-hour drive, Ulan Butong Grassland is the closet grassland from Beijing. It is a popular destination for people who live in northern China and want to get away from the urban landscape once in a while. You can take a side trip there during your Beijing tour.

Ulan Butong Grassland is best known for its fall sceneries. The endless golden pasture extends beyond the horizon, attract many nature lovers and photographers. It was also once the hunting ground for the Qing Dynasty royal family. Visitors enjoy horseback riding to be immersed in the landscape and hiking through the fields or forests.

6. Ordos Grassland – Near Hohhot and Easy to Access

Location: About 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) southwest of Xini Town, Hangjin Banner, Ordos, Inner Mongolia
Best time to visit: July to September
Highlights: Grassland shows, Mongolian sports, accessible tours
How to get there: Drive or take a bus from Ordos for about 120 kilometers (75 miles)

Compared to other grasslands in Inner Mongolia, Ordos Grassland is very easy to reach being near the city of Ordos. Apart from experiencing Mongolian culture, you will see exciting grassland performances unique to this location such as the equestrian drama Hero about Genghis Khan, the acrobatic drama Flying Grassland, and song and dance drama “Ordos Wedding.”

Besides, there are many other things to do if you travel to Ordos. The desert views of Kubuqi Desert are fabulous to witness. You can go desert surfing or ride a camel. Visit the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan, the legendary founder of the Mongol Empire. It’s an excellent place to learn about the culture and history of Inner Mongolia.

7. Khorchin Grassland – A Hidden Gem of Inner Mongolia

Location: On the west bank of Xilamuren River, Inner Mongolia
Best time to visit: July to October
Highlights: Traditional Mongolian culture, horseback riding, less crowds
How to get there: Drive from Tongliao

Khorchin Grassland, or Horqin Grassland, is a lesser-known grassland area of Inner Mongolia. It is not very developed for tourism, which means there won’t be many facilities. You will meet much less crowds compared to other grasslands in China. It is usually only recommended as a stop-over destination if you’re on a road trip in Inner Mongolia.

8. Highland Grassland in Western Sichuan – Tibetan Plateau Beauty

Location: West of Ya’an and Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, western Sichuan
Best time to visit: June to October
Highlights: Snow-capped mountains, Tibetan culture, road trip
How to get there: Drive from Chengdu along Sichuan-Tibet G318 Highwayor take a bus from Kangding

Western Sichuan has some of the most beautiful grasslands in China. Between Sichuan and Tibet, the grasslands on the plateau are close to the sky, have nourished local Tibetan culture. Tagong Grassland in Kangding is a popular destination. The lush green grass appears particularly vibrant against the blue sky and the snow-capped mountains.

Zoige Grassland, or Ruoergai Grassland, is another grassland you might want to visit when you travel to Sichuan. It is surrounded by mountain ranges, and you can see cattle roaming freely around. The First Bend of Yellow River is another attraction located nearby.

9. Nagqu Grassland in Tibet – Prairie on the “Roof of the World”

Location: North of Mountain Nyenchen Tanglha, Nagqu County, Tibet
Best time to visit: July to September
Highlights: Tibetan nomadic culture, high-altitude pastures
How to get there: Sichuan-Tibet G317 Highway to Nagqu

With an average elevation of over 4,500 meters, Nagqu Grassland is truly the prairie on the “roof of the world.” It is characterized by its vastness and quietude. This hidden land within the mountains is the still the home of local nomads who lead a traditional life. You will see their camps across the grassland, yaks and sheep roaming about, and rarely any other visitors.

10. Qilian Mountain Grassland – Where Grass Meets Snow Peaks

Location:120 kilometers from Ganzhou city, at the foot of Qilian Mountain, Xining, Qinghai Province
Best time to visit: June to August
Highlights: Stunning mountain-meadow landscapes, photography, seasonal flowers
How to get there: Drive from Xining or Zhangye

Qilian Mountain Grassland is a lesser known destination along the Hexi Corridor in Northwest China, but its views are stunning. As a result of its location and altitude, between 4,000 and 5,000 meters above sea level, it sees snow as early as in October. People visit it in their Silk Road tour as you can drive there from Xining, Dunhuang, or Zhangye.

Qilian Mountain Grassland is one of the most beautiful grasslands in China known for its changing sceneries across seasons. During the summer months, the pasture is he greenest and lushest with the most comfortable temperature. The grass starts to turn golden as the temperature drops during the short autumn season. And in the long winter, snow covers the grassland with a thick blanket of white.

Activities and Experiences on Grasslands in China

Horseback Riding & Archery

Horseback riding and archery are two major games of Naadam Festival and the most exciting things to do on Inner Mongolia tours. They are excellent for getting to experience the nomadic lifestyle while enjoying the surrounding sceneries. Horseback riding is the more common activity on grasslands while archery might not be available everywhere.

Recommended Destinations: Hulunbuir Grassland, Nalati Grassland, Ordos Grassland

Naadam Festival in Inner Mongolia — Naadam Festival celebrated in Inner Mongolia

Our Customers in Inner Mongolia with Yurts

Staying in Traditional Yurts

Staying in a traditional yurt overnight is also a unique grassland experience. You will get to spend time around the locals, taste Mongolian cuisines, and wake up in the morning with the endless pasture around you. Generally, popular grasslands tend to have better accommodation options and facilities.

Recommended Destinations: Hulunbuir Grassland, Xilingol Grassland

Experiencing Mongolian and Tibetan Festivals

The biggest grassland festival is Naadam Festival which takes place in the summer varying slightly across different grasslands. If you’re traveling to Tibet or western Sichuan, you may encounter Buddhism festivals or other religious activities.

Recommended Destinations: Hulunbuir Grassland, Xilingol Grassland, Tagong Grassland

Camping, Stargazing, and Photography

Photography is another great thing to do on your China tour. Capture the green or golden sea of grass with your camera. The blue sky or snow mountains in the distance make excellent backgrounds. If you’re spending a night on the grassland, you will get to see the clear night sky.

Recommended Destinations: Nalati Grassland, Bayanbulak Grassland, Ruoergai Grassland, Qilian Mountain Grassland

Essential Travel Tips for a Grassland Adventure in China

Best Time to Visit Grasslands in China

Most grasslands in China are scattered in three regions, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, and the junction between Sichuan and Tibet. The ones in Inner Mongolia are situated on plains and be of lower altitude. While grasslands in Sichuan, Tibet, and Xinjiang tend to be of higher altitudes.

Generally, the summer months, June to August, are the best time to visit grasslands in China. The pasture will be the greenest and lushest, and the temperature will be comfortable for outdoor activities. Autumn, September to October, will turn cold pretty fast. The grasslands will turn golden which is also a sight worth seeing. Spring and winter are usually not recommended as it can get very cold for going outdoors especially at a higher altitude.

A General Grassland Trip Packing List

For a trip to the grasslands in China, you will need

layered clothing, warm and heavy coats in the winter
shoes suitable for walking
UV protection for the summer
personal items and toiletries if you’re spending a night on the grassland

Tips for Grassland Transportation

Many grasslands in China tend to be away from major cities or transportation hubs. It might be difficult to reach them by public transportation. The best way to get to the grasslands is to fly or take a train to the nearby city and then hire a private car to your destination.

inner mongolia grassland horse riding — Ride a horse on the vast green glassland in Inner Mongolia

Hulunbuir Grassland in July — The vast and boundless Hulunbuir grassland in Inner Mongolia

FAQs about Visiting Grasslands in China

Where are most of China’s grasslands geographically located?

They are mostly in Inner Mongolia, Sichuan, Tibet, and Xinjiang.

What is the difference between a “typical steppe,” a “meadow steppe,” and an “alpine steppe” in the Chinese context?

They differ mainly by climate and geographic location. The typical steppes are located in the temperate climate zones of the countries like the ones of Inner Mongolia. The meadow steppes are located in more humid regions. There may be wetlands or more bodies of water. Alpines steppes are located on plateaus at a higher altitude such as the ones in Tibet and Qinghai.

What cultural experiences, besides horseback riding, can tourists typically enjoy on the Inner Mongolia grasslands?

There are many ways to experience the nomadic lifestyle such as staying overnight in a yurt, learning archery, watching cultural performances, trying Mongolian dishes, and joining a bonfire party.

Which major Chinese city serves as the best gateway or starting point for a trip to the Inner Mongolia grasslands?

Major hubs of Inner Mongolia transportation include Hohhot, Hulunbuir, Ordos, and Baotou.

Venture to Beautiful Grasslands in China with China Xian Tour

Visit the beautiful grasslands in China with China Xian Tour. Our experienced travel specialists will help you customize the ideal tour. We will arrange private transfers for you as well as professional, English-speaking local guides. Here are some of our most popular China grasslands tours.