The Nalati Tourist Scenic Area in Yili, Xinjiang is one of the four major grasslands in the world, boasting stunning natural scenery and rich Kazakh folk customs.
Nalati Grassland is located in Xinyuan County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. It is situated in the hinterland of Mount Tianshan and the eastern end of the Ili River Valley, with an average altitude of 1,800 meters.
The vast grasslands here are boundless and picturesque, and its reputation spreads far and wide. It is known as ‘the green pearl under Mount Tianshan, a fairyland hidden among the clouds’.
The Kazakh meaning of Nalati Grassland is ‘a place with sun’. It is not only a masterpiece of natural ecological landscapes but also the poetry and distant place that countless travelers long for.
The Nalati Tourist Scenic Area integrates grasslands, valleys, and forests, with high vegetation coverage and rich wildlife resources.
The main attractions include Tianjie Tai (Celestial Terrace), Nomadic Homes, Tawusani (meaning ‘beautiful ravine’ in Kazakh), Tianxian Tai (Fairy Terrace),沃尔塔交塔 Viewing Platform, and Xuelian Valley.
Among them, Nalati Aerial Grassland is the soul of the scenic area, gathering natural landscapes such as snowy mountains, forests, streams, and grasslands. With an expansive view, you can see distant snowy mountains. It is a must-visit attraction for tourists.
In addition to natural scenery, Nalati Grassland also showcases rich Kazakh folk customs. Tourists can watch performances with Kazakh characteristics here, such as girl-chasing, aken singing and playing the dombra, horse racing, and wrestling. They can also participate in activities such as night bonfire parties and Russian-style singing and dancing, and taste Kazakh cuisine.
For tourists, the tour routes of Nalati Grassland are mainly divided into two routes: Valley Grassland and Aerial Grassland. The Valley Grassland is dotted with herds of cattle and sheep, contrasting beautifully with the blue sky and white clouds. In autumn, it is covered with golden yellow, like a sea of gold.
The Aerial Grassland attracts countless tourists for sightseeing and photography with its expansive views and magnificent snowy mountain backdrop.
In addition, Nalati Grassland is also a paradise for self-drive travelers. Starting from Yining Airport, it takes only 3 hours to arrive by car. The whole journey is on a well-maintained highway, and you can speed along the Ili River Valley with breathtaking scenery on both sides.
In general, the Nalati Tourist Scenic Area in Yili, Xinjiang is a comprehensive tourist attraction that integrates natural scenery, cultural landscapes, and folk customs. Both tourists who love natural landscapes and those who enjoy cultural experiences can find their own fun here.