In China, beautiful grasslands are not only being found in Inner Mongolia. Other places like Xinjiang, Sichuan, Qinghai and Ningxia has fantastic grasslands for you to explore as well. Do you know where to find grasslands in Xinjiang? Which are the most beautiful grasslands in Xinjiang? Here TopChinaTravel would like to introduce some popular and beautiful grasslands for you to explore, that is, Nalati Grasslands, Bayanbulak Grasslands, Tangbula Grasslands, Hemu Grasslands and Jiang Braque Grasslands.
Nalati Grasslands
Nalati Grasslands, also known as Ili Grasslands or Kunes Grasslands is located in Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, in northwest of China. It is one of Subalpine meadow plant area in a grassland in the world. This grassland has been a famous pasture since long time ago. Winding river, large flat valley, towering and steep mountain peaks, dense forests and simple shepherds make it a land of idyllic beauty. From June to September each year, all kinds of flowers in red, yellow, blue and purple bloom and are dotted in the grassland. Ethnic group in Narat Grassland is Kazakhs who raise their herds in the grassland. Yurts put up where people made it their home. It is one of the best places to see and experience the local Kazakh lifestyle. Beautiful grassland scenery and kazakh folk customs will definitely linger.
The best time to visit Nalati Grasslands is generally from July to October, when the grass is flourishing. Look from afar, the mountain decorated by the grassland looks like being covered by a green carpet.
Opening hours of Nalati Grasslands: 8:30am - 8:00pm
Accommodation in the Grasslands: there are many guesthouses or inns in Nalat Town, as well as quite a few luxury resorts inside the grassland. You may choose a suitable place to stay according to your budget. Remember to bring your coats or jackets whenever you travel here. Temperature difference between day and night is quite large.
Bayanbulak Grasslands
Bayanbulak Grasslands is situated in the middle of Tianshan Mountains, all year round surrounded by snow caped mountains on its four sides, in central Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of northwestern China. With an area of about 23,000 square kilometers, it is the second largest grassland in China, ranking only second to Ordos Grassland in Inner Mongolia. It is 2000-2500 meters above sea level. Bayanbulak means “rich with spring” in Mongolian. Here is surrounded by snow-covered peaks, winding rivers and sunny meadows. The famous "Swan Lake" is the only Swan Nature Reserve in the country. If you want to see swans here, the best time to visit Swan Lake is between May to August.
Bayanbulak Grasslands Scenic Spot is quite large and you need to purchase entrance tickets. The entrance fee includes the bus ride to the scenic spots inside the grassland. You can also enjoy horseback ride in the grassland. You can be taken to a reach the top of a hill for a good view: meandering river thru the grassland, spectacular snowcapped Tianshan Mountain, beautiful grassland, etc. The best time to visit Bayanbulak Grasslands is in September. There are hostel & guesthouse for your overnight stay near the grassland area.
Location: Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Opening hours: all day
How to get there: The public transport in Xinjiang is not so convenient compared with developed regions in China. It is recommended to rent a car through a local travel agency to take you there.
Tangbula Grasslands
Tangbula Grasslands is located in Nileke County in Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region in the northwest of China. As one of top four most beautiful grasslands in Asia, Tangbula Grassland has attracted a great number of painters and photographers in summer and autumn. It is the shoot site for a once popular movie Tianshan Red Flowers. Tamboura grassland has natural landscape that collects forests, grasslands, streams, mountain and stones forests. It was used as a summer camp for the Ili General during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), not only for its nature scenes made by flowers and grass, but also for natural hot springs in valleys
Tangbula Grasslands actually is collectively referred to the valley and grassland along the upstream of Kashgar River. Tracing up the Kashgar River from Nileke County, the upland meadows and grasslands in the valley on both sides of river is known collectively as Tangbula Grasslands. It is said that there are in total 113 valleys in this place, and each of them has its own unique highlight. Meandering streams, warm hot spring, peculiar stone forest, spectacular prairie sunset, snow-covered snow mountains and other special scenes attracts tourists from all over the world.
How to get there: Tangbula is about 230 kilometers from Yining City of Xinjiang. You may take bus or train from other place to reach Nileke County first, then rent a SUV to take you to the grassland.
Hemu Grasslands
Hemu Grasslands is located in the confluence area of Kanas River and Hemu River in Burqin County in northern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of northwestern China. It is 1124 - 2300 meters above sea level. In Hemu, there are plenty of wooden houses scattered among the scenic mountain area. This place is the resident place of the Tuvas. There are a few villages of the Tuvas. You can also visit to the villages to get to know the local culture. The most famous one would be Hemu Village, which is known as a paradise for photographers. Spending a couple of days here to have fresh air and relax is recommended. You can take half day horseback ride to the beautiful peaks, where you can get a bird view of Hemu and in the tent of local people. Travelling here, you can definitely be able to get away from the bustling urban life.
The best time to visit is June and September. In June, the grassland is covered by wildflowers and tall green grass. Together with the blue sky, white cloud, snowed-covered mountain peaks, clear steams, dense jungle, they all make this land of idyllic beauty. In September, the dense jungle, grasses and other plants change color to yellow, red or brown. During this time, this land becomes a fairyland of colors and paradise for photographers.
How to get there: it is really too far and inconvenient from other spots. Hemu Grasslands is sited on the way to Kanas Lake from Burqin County. It is less than two hours’ driving away from Kanas Lake. Travelers can take flight to Altay or Burqin first, then rent a jeep to take you to the grassland area. But the flight is only available in tourist peak season from July to October. In other season, it is recommended to travel by car rental. Hours of tired and boring car journey, but when you take a glimpse of Hemu, you will find it worthwhile. There are many home stay houses for you to spend the nights.
Jiang Braque Grasslands
Jiang Braque Grasslands is located in Qitai County in Xinjiang. It is only 3 hours driving away from Urumqi. Jiang Braque Grassland Scenic Area features with the natural landscape and water scenery. Here have snow mountains, sub-alpine meadows, thick forests and unending grassland, etc. you can find all things that has in a grassland. It may be the nearest grassland to Urumqi. The best time to visit here is July and August, when the grasslands are decorated by unknown blooming flowers. You can take horseback ride to reach a highland, where you can have a bird view of the grassland and the villages in the distance.
Except for admiring the beautiful scenery, you can also try the special local food, such as mutton eaten with hands, rock sugar, buttered tea, hot milk tea, horse milk, spicy kabob, etc. There are inns for night stay, as well as tents. Jiang Braque Grasslands is easily reached. You can take a flight or train from Urumqi first, then take a tourist bus from local bus station or rent a jeep to take you to the scenic area.
There above ones are the most well-known beautiful grasslands in Xinjiang. You may pick and travel to one of them, then stay there for one to two nights to enjoy the quiet and leisure life there.
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