The Nalati Grasslands in Xinjiang is a scenic and renowned tourist attraction located in Xinyuan County, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, hidden in the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains, guarding the eastern end of the Ili Valley. Here is a detailed introduction to traveling to Nalati Grasslands in Xinjiang:
Scenic Area Characteristics:
Nalati Grasslands are known as the ‘Green Pearl Beneath the Tianshan Mountains’. It is one of the four major grasslands in the world and a subalpine meadow plant area with rich species and unique ecology.
The grasslands are vast and the scenery changes with the seasons. In spring and summer, the grasslands spread out like a green blanket, with colorful wildflowers blooming freely; in autumn, the grasslands are covered with golden yellow, like a sea of gold; in winter, the grasslands are covered with snow, becoming a wonder of the icy and snowy world.
Main Attractions:
Aerial Grassland: It is the soul of Nalati Grasslands, gathering natural landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, forests, and streams. With an expansive view, you can see distant snow-capped mountains. Visitors can ride horses and hike on the grassland, enjoying picturesque scenery.
Valley Grassland: The Valley Grassland is equally beautiful, with white yurts dotted around. Cattle and sheep wander among the blue sky and green grass, showcasing the rich Kazakh customs.
Other attractions include Tianjie Platform, Nomadic Households, Tawusani (meaning ‘beautiful valley’ in Kazakh), Tianxian Platform,沃尔塔交塔 Observation Deck, Snow Lotus Valley, etc. Each has its own unique characteristics and is worth visiting.
Travel Tips:
Best Time to Visit: Summer is the best time to visit Nalati Grasslands. At this time, wildflowers bloom in full color on the grasslands, which is very pleasing to the eye.
Mode of Transportation: Self-driving is a convenient way to get to Nalati Grasslands. Starting from Yining Airport, it takes about 3 hours to arrive. The scenery along the way is beautiful and makes people reluctant to leave.
Travel Route: If time is limited, the Aerial Grassland route is recommended. If you have plenty of time, you can visit the Aerial Grassland, Valley Grassland, and other attractions in sequence.
Cultural Background:
The Kazakh meaning of Nalati Grasslands is ‘a place with the sun’. According to legend, when soldiers were besieged by heavy snow in the Tianshan Mountains, suddenly the clouds parted and the sun shone down on the valley. The soldiers excitedly shouted ‘Nalati’ (sun), and since then this grassland has borne this romantic name.
The Nalati Grasslands in Xinjiang attract countless tourists with its unique natural scenery and rich cultural connotation. Whether it’s to admire the magnificent scenery of the grasslands or to experience the cultural customs of the Kazakhs, visitors often find it hard to leave.