Ili, Xinjiang

The Emerald in the Sky: Exploring the Vertical Landscapes of Nalati Grassland

🚙Road Trip 📸Photography 🏕️Camping

Altitude

1,956m

Best Time

☀️ 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

Nalati Grassland, situated in the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains within Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, is one of the world's four major sub-alpine river valley grasslands,. Known as the "Sky Grassland" or "Aerial Grassland," it is a core component of the "Xinjiang Tianshan" site inscribed on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage list. The area spans approximately 1,800 square kilometers, with a core scenic zone averaging 1,800 meters in altitude. Unlike the flat, boundless steppes found elsewhere, Nalati presents a unique "three-dimensional" landscape where vertical zones of snowy peaks, dense pine forests, rolling hills, and river valleys converge into a single breathtaking panorama,.

The name "Nalati" carries a poetic legend dating back to the days of Genghis Khan. As his army marched westward through the Tianshan Mountains, they were battered by wind and snow, exhausted and cold. suddenly, as they crossed a mountain ridge, a vast, flower-filled grassland bathed in sunlight appeared before them. The soldiers shouted in amazement, "Nalati! Nalati!" which means "The place where the sun is first seen" or "The place with the sun" in Mongolian,,. Since then, this fertile land has been known as a sanctuary of light and life.

Geographically, the scenic area is divided into distinct sections, primarily the River Valley Grassland and the Aerial Grassland. The River Valley Grassland stretches along the Gongnaisi River, featuring gentle terrain, lush vegetation, and winding waters that reflect the distant snow-capped peaks,. In contrast, the Aerial Grassland is a high-altitude terrace located on the mountain slopes, offering a "sea of green" that seems to touch the sky,. Between these zones lies the Panlong Valley Road, a scenic ecological highway that winds through deep forests and ridges, providing travelers with an immersive journey through the region's diverse ecosystems,.

Culturally, Nalati is the "Cradle of the Kazakhs" and was historically the summer pasture of the ancient Wusun people,. It remains a vibrant center of Kazakh nomadic culture. During the summer, white yurts dot the green hills like pearls, and the air is filled with the sounds of traditional "Aken" folk singing and the "dombra" lute,. Visitors can witness authentic folk customs such as "Girl Chase" (a traditional courtship game) and horse racing, or simply enjoy fresh milk tea in a local herdsman's yurt,. The grassland undergoes a dramatic transformation through the seasons: covered in a sea of wild flowers in June, turning lush green in July and August, and shifting to a brilliant golden hue in September.

✨ Why Visit Nalati Grassland

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The Aerial Grassland

Experience the "Sky

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River Valley Scenery

Explore the gentle, rolling terrain along the

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Kazakh Nomadic Culture

Immerse yourself in the "Cradle of the

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Panlong Valley Road

Drive along this scenic route that snakes through ancient forests and ridges, offering a "corridor of scenery" that connects the valley to the sky.

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Seasonal Color Palette

Witness the landscape shift from a multi-colored sea of wildflowers in early summer to a "Golden

Location & Nearby

📍 Ili, Xinjiang • 🏔️ 1956m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Nalati Grassland Travel Guide

is in Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, in the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains. When is the best time to visit?

The ideal season.

is from June to September. June offers blooming wildflowers, July and August are lush and cool, and September presents a stunning golden landscape,. Is it part of a World Heritage Site?

Yes, it.

is a key component of the "Xinjiang Tianshan" World Natural Heritage site. What activities can I do there?

Visitors can enjoy sightseeing vehicles, horseback riding, visiting Kazakh families, photography, and experiencing local folk customs,.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Nalati Grassland?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.