Written by Veronica |
A vast grassland area located in the Ili River Valley north of the Tianshan Mountains, Ili Grasslands is composed of several sub-grasslands. Nalati, Bayinbuluke, Kalajun, Tangbula, etc. are some of the most popular ones among them. If you want to enjoy some time on the vast grassland during a Xinjiang tour, these Ili Grasslands should top your must-visit list. Besides beautiful grassland scenery, it also boasts a rich history and culture.
This region is surrounded by mountains on three sides and open to the west. This unique geographical location endows Ili Grasslands with abundant rainfall. The sufficient water sources alongside the fertile soil in this region provide excellent conditions for the thriving of the grassland ecosystem and biological species.
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- Fast facts of Yili Prairie
- Why Visit Ili Grasslands
- Most Beautiful Grasslands in Ili
- How to Get to the Ili Grasslands
- Best Time to Visit the Ili Grasslands
- Practical Tips for Visiting Grasslands in Ili
- FAQs about the Ili Grasslands
- Plan Your Xinjiang Tour with China Xian Tour
Fast facts of Yili Prairie
- Location: in the Yili River Valley, between the north and south branches of the Tianshan Mountains, in the western Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China.
- Altitude: 1600-5000 meters
- Best time to visit: June to September
- Visiting time needed: 1-2 daysfor one or two grasslands
- Highlights: Diverse grassland types, various grassland activities, ethnic culture experience
Why Visit Ili Grasslands
- Beautiful and diverse grassland scenery: Ili Grasslands is where you can immerse yourself in ultimate grassland sceneries. The āSky Grasslandā of Nalati, the picturesque Kuerdening Grassland, and the biodiversity-rich Kalajun Grassland are all included in this region.
- Diverse ethnic traditions: The Ili region is home to diverse ethnic groups, with the Kazakh people as the main inhabitants. A visit here will reward you with their traditional performances, unique cuisine, and an insight into their lifestyle and traditions.
- A paradise for photography: The Ili Grasslands are ideal for capturing stunning natural beauty. Each season offers distinct charm, and both sunrise and sunset are brilliant.
Most Beautiful Grasslands in Ili
Nalati Grassland
- Location: Along National Highway 218, Nalati Town, Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. In the heart of the Tianshan Mountains at the eastern end of the Ili River Valley.
- Altitude: 1800-3000 meters
- Main attractions: Sky Grassland, Xuelian Valley, River Valley Grassland, Panlong Valley, Nomadic Family
- Ticket: CNY 95 per person (valid for two days); CNY 78 for one-way cable car + Sky Grassland shuttle bus
- Opening hours: 9:00-20:00
- Visiting time needed: 1-2 days
- Recommended activities: Horseback ride, hiking, photography, experiencing traditional Kazakh life
Boasting one of the four largest alpine valley grasslands in the world, Nalati Grassland is one of the most beautiful grasslands in China which uniquely blends grasslands, valleys, and forests. Its high vegetation coverage contributes to its abundant wildlife resources. The beauty of Nalati earns it diverse nicknames, including “Green Island of Tianshan”, “Green Home”, and “Colorful Grassland”.
As home to various alpine plants, it is blessed with a unique grassland ecosystem. The surrounding snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and lakes further add vitality to its natural beauty. From April to June, it will become a world of blooming flowers, July to September is the time for to lushest grassland vistas, and October is when the area is blanketed with vibrant golden colors.
Nalati Grassland in ili is inhabited by over 15,000 Kazakh people, making it appear in the Guinness World Record of the grassland with the largest Kazakh population in China. Every year after June, local Kazakh people move their large herds of sheep, cattle, and horses to Nalati, marking the peak season of the grassland. Many gatherings and celebrations of the grassland people will also be held in this period, making it a great place to experience grassland delights.
Recommended Xinjiang tours including Nalati Grassland:
Bayanbulak Grassland
- Location: Located in the northwest of Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, situated in the Yuldus Basin in the central part of the Tianshan Mountains
- Altitude: 1500-2500 meters
- Main attractions: Bayanbulak Grassland, Swan Lake, Quakusu Stone Forest, Kaidu River
- Ticket: CNY 140 per person (including entrance fee and shuttle bus)
- Opening hours: 08:30-19:00
- Visiting time needed: Half a day to one day
- Recommended activities: Admire breathtaking natural views, experience traditional Mongolian culture and folk customs, photography, hiking, wrestling, horseback riding, etc.
Bayanbulak Grassland is the second-largest grassland in China which is second only to the Hulunbuir GrasslandĀ in Inner Mongolia. This typical meadow grassland is located in an intermontane basin in the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains and is surrounded by continuous snow-capped mountains.
In Mongolian, Bayanbulak means “rich spring”. It is named so for the abundant water sources and rivers here. The most famous river is Kaidu River which is known for its “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns”, showing especially enchanting scenes at sunset. Additionally, the only nature reserve in China – Swan Lake, is also located on Bayanbulak. The otherworldly natural scenery and environment have attracted various rare bird species, like whooper swan, and mute swan to inhabit here.
During the Qing Dynasty, Bayanbulak Grassland once served as the settlement area for the Torghut tribe, making it an important site for cultural heritage of the Torghut and other Mongol tribes. Besides grassland scenery and activities, visitors can also look into rich Mongolian traditional culture and folk customs here.
Kalajun Grassland
- Location: In Tekes County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. Situated in the southern Kalajun Mountain of Tekes County, approximately 50 kilometers from Bagua City.
- Altitude: 1,305 to 3,957 meters
- Main attractions: The Western Kalajun Scenic Area, the Eastern Kalajun Scenic Area, the Central Tianshan Snow Peak Scenic Area, and the Tianlai Forest Scenic Area
- Ticket: CNY 140 for the East Scenic Area, and CNY 155 for the Western Scenic Area.
- Opening hours: 8:30-21:00
- Visiting time needed: 1-2 days
- Recommended activities: hiking, horseback riding, camping, experiencing traditional Kazakh life
Kalajun Grassland is one of the Xinjiang Tianshan World Natural Heritage sites, located in theĀ transitional zone from the Western Tianshan Mountains to the Ili River Valley. This area is a traditional grazing area for the Kazakh people, featuring a rich ethnic atmosphere. It is most remarkable for its āhuman body grassland.ā
Far different from the vast green carpets of traditional grasslands, Kalajun Grassland features continuously undulating three-dimensional mounds. Being covered with green grass, these mounds create a wave-like effect at the bottom of the valley. When looking from afar, it is just like a beautiful woman with graceful curves lying on the ground.
Beyond the unique undulating terrain, nature also offers majestic snow-capped mountains, forests, and many other stunning landscapes in this area. No wonder it has become an ideal spot for sightseeing and photography on any travel to Xinjiang.
Xinjiang ToursĀ including Kalajun Grassland:
Qiongkushitai Grassland
- Location: Qiongkushitai Village, KaladalaāÆTown
- Altitude: Approximately 2,000āÆ-āÆ3,000
- Main attractions: The northern entrance of the Wusun Ancient Trail; wooden-house Kazakh village; rolling meadows interlaced with spruce forests and alpine rivers; āwave-likeāgrassland plateaus carved by nature.
- Ticket: Free admission.
- Opening hours: Open all day.
- Visiting time needed: 0.5-1 day.
Recommended activities: Hiking from the village into the meadows and valleys; photography of the āsea of greenāĀ and wooden Kazakh homes; staying overnight in a yurt or village log-house to experience Kazakh herding life; horse rides across the undulating terrain.
This grassland lies tucked at the foot of the mountains with relatively lower exposure than the more famous pastures. Visitors often describe the meadow as ātime standing stillāĀ as flocks of sheep drift across green terraces and rustic Kazakh homes dot the landscape.
The gently folding landforms –Ā terraces cut by ravines hundreds of metres deep –Ā give the grassland a unique wave-patterned appearance when seen from high vantage points.
Tangbula Grassland
- Location: Tangbula Grassland, Nilka County
- Altitude: Heights typically exceed 2,000āÆmeters (e.g., Fairy Lake in the area sits around 2,400ā2,500āÆm).
- Main attractions: A sweeping āhundred-kilometre galleryāalong Provincial Highway S315 with grassland, river valley, snow-capped peaks and forest patches; the Fairy Lake deep in the grassland with glacial background; the Arslang Stone Forest and dramatic canyon and rock formations.
- Ticket: Entry to individual spots such as Fairy Lake may charge small fees (āCNY10) but grassland entry generally free.
- Opening hours: Scenery accessible all day; some specific attractions may have different opening times.
- Visiting time needed: At least a day to soak in the grassland drive-route. For hiking/camping, prepare for more than one day.
- Recommended activities: Scenic drive or self-drive along S315 for panoramic views; horseback riding to lakes and hidden valleys; camping under the stars in the remote grassland
Tangbula stretches along a high valley through the Tianshan foothills, where the grasslandĀ will take you toĀ an even more open world with snow-capped mountains, spruces, and yurt camps which are scattered across green meadows. The name āTangbulaāĀ comes from rock formations resembling seals (āsealāĀ in Kazakh), as a result, itās also a good place to enjoy the cultural-geologicĀ sense.
How to Get to the Ili Grasslands
To get to the Ili Grasslands, you need to reach Yining City first. You can get Yining directly by train or plane. Or take a direct flight or train to Urumqi, then travel from Urumqi to Ili. Currently, there are direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc. to Yining Airport.
Once you arrive in Yining, you can take a shuttle bus or hire a car to reach your preferred grasslands easily. As most grasslands in Ili are close to the main national roads.
Best Time to Visit the Ili Grasslands
- June to September is generally the recommended season: the grasslands are lush, wildflowers bloom, and the weather is favourable.
- AprilāMay: Some grasslandsstart to become green; fewer crowds
- October: Grasslands turn golden; contrast with snowācapped peaks can be dramatic -ideal for photography.
- Important note: Day-night temperature difference can be quite obviouseven in summer, and weatherĀ will be changedĀ according toĀ high altitudes –Ā bring layers, windbreaker, waterproof gear.
- Avoiding peak crowds: If you want fewer tourists, early June or early September are the best.
Practical Tips for Visiting Grasslands in Ili
- Clothing & Weather: Significant temperature differences between day and night still occur even in summer, thus warm clothing is still needed. Windbreakers or windproof clothing are recommended since the grassland may be windy sometimes. Wear suitable hiking shoes or waterproof shoes.
- Altitude: It’s advised to avoid strenuous activities when traveling to some high-altitude areas with thin air.
- Wildlife: Always keep a safe distance from wild animals.
- Insect repellent: Mosquitoes are plentiful on the grasslands, so don’t forget to bring insect repellent.
- Transportation: Most grasslands in Ili are close to the main national roads, making it convenient for driving tours. Choosing a reliable local travel agency is advisable to ensure professional guide services and a smooth travel experience.
- Accommodation: Note that the main accommodation options on the grasslands are yurts and grassland hotels, offering relatively simple facilities. The peak season of most Ili grasslands starts in June, and advance booking for accommodation is necessary to ensure more options.
- Time difference: Ili is two hours later behind Beijing time. Sunset viewing is around 10 PM.
FAQs about the Ili Grasslands
Q: Which specific grasslands are considered the most beautiful in the Ili region?
A: The top grasslands include Nalati Grassland (also called the āSky Grasslandā), Kalajun Grassland, Tangbula Grassland and Qiongkushitai Grassland.
Q: How can I get to the grasslands from Yining or Urumqi?
A: First you should reach Yining City (or fly/train to Urumqi first and then travel to Ili). From Yining,Ā youāll have toĀ take a shuttle bus or hire a car to go the grassland areas.
Q: What is the weather like in the Ili grasslands throughout the year?
A: Summers are lush and green (June-September is peak). Nights, even in summer, can be cold and windy due as they are at a rather highĀ altitude. Spring brings early bloomĀ which is perfect for pictures andĀ autumn delivers golden grass and crisp air.
Q: Are there any festivals or local events held on the grasslands?
A: Yes.Ā For example,Ā at Nalati, after June,Ā local Kazakh herders move their flocks and hold gatherings and celebrations, and if youāre traveling during this period, you may also getĀ a chance to experience nomadic traditions.
Q: What should I pack for a trip to the Ili grasslands?
A: Essential items include: windbreaker or jacket, layered clothing, waterproof/hiking shoes, insect repellent, sun protection (hat/sunscreen), comfortable footwear. Also carry enough water and note that night temps may drop significantly.
Q: How long should I plan for exploring the grasslands?
A: For a single grassland area, 1-2 days are enough. If visiting multiple grasslands or doing hikes, 3-4 days are more suitable for a relaxing trip.
Plan Your Xinjiang Tour with China Xian Tour
Except for the grassland, Xinjiangās vast landscape has also bred many other natural sites, rich cultures and unique heritage. Indeed, nowadays more and more people would come to China just for a thorough Xinjiang Tour. Life is so vibrant and the foods, the activities are way impressive than youāll ever imagined. As a result, we truly recommend you to have a customized Xinjiang Tour with China Xian Tour. Weāre design an itinerary that fulfill all your expectations and our travel experts will be there for you 24/7 to take care everything along this journey. While thereās no need for you to worry about anything, youāll certainly receive some most rewarding and unforgettable memories with us!
