Ili, Xinjiang

The Ancestral Home of Heavenly Horses: Galloping Across the Zhaosu Grassland

📸Photography 🏕️Camping 🚙Road Trip

Altitude

650m

Best Time

☀️ 🍂

Ticket

Free

ℹ️

About This Attraction

Zhaosu Grassland, located in the Zhaosu County of the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, is a magnificent highland pasture nestled in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains. Unlike the typical flat grasslands found elsewhere, Zhaosu offers a spectacular "three-dimensional" landscape that layers snowy peaks, dense forests, rolling hills, and fertile river valleys into a single breathtaking panorama. With an average altitude ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 meters, it is often referred to as a "cool island" in summer, as it has no distinct summer heat, connecting the climates of spring and autumn directly.

This land is legendary as the "Hometown of the Heavenly Horse" (Tianma). Historically, it was the primary grazing ground for the ancient Wusun Kingdom and the place where the Han Dynasty diplomat Princess Jieyou lived, cementing the alliance on the Silk Road. The famous Ili Horse, celebrated for its speed and endurance, originates here. Today, travelers can witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of "Ten Thousand Horses Galloping", where herds of powerful steeds thunder across the riverbanks, splashing water against a backdrop of the majestic Tenggeli Peak (6,995m), the second highest peak in the Tianshan range.

In summer, particularly July, the grassland transforms into a vibrant canvas of colors. Millions of acres of golden rapeseed flowers and purple perilla (Su flowers) bloom simultaneously, creating a stunning contrast with the lush green grass and the eternal white of the distant glaciers. Scattered across this landscape are the mysterious Grassland Stone Men, ancient stone statues left by nomadic tribes centuries ago, standing as silent guardians of history. Whether you are exploring the nearby Xiata Ancient Road, watching traditional Kazakh equestrian sports like "Girl Chase" (Guniang Zhui), or simply soaking in the vastness of the "Wetland Capital," Zhaosu Grassland offers an immersive journey into the wild beauty and profound history of the Western Regions.

✨ Why Visit Zhaosu Grassland

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Home of Heavenly Horses

Encounter the legendary Ili Horses in their ancestral land and witness the dynamic "Ten Thousand Horses Galloping" performance, a display of raw power and beauty.

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Sea of Flowers

Marvel at the boundless fields of golden rapeseed and purple perilla flowers that carpet the plateau in July, set against the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

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Tenggeli Peak Views

Enjoy panoramic views of the imposing Tenggeli Peak, the "King of Tianshan," which frames the lush grassland with its jagged, snowy silhouette.

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Ancient Stone Men

Discover the mysterious stone statues scattered across the prairie, historical relics of the ancient nomadic cultures that once roamed these lands.

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Kazakh Folk Customs

Experience authentic nomadic culture through traditional yurts, songs, and equestrian games like "Sheep Snatching" (Buzkashi) and "Girl Chase".

Location & Nearby

📍 Ili, Xinjiang • 🏔️ 650m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Zhaosu Grassland Travel Guide

is located in Zhaosu County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, in the western part of the Tianshan Mountains. When is the best time to visit?

The best time.

is from June to September. July is the peak season for viewing the rapeseed and purple perilla flower seas. What is the "Heavenly Horse"?

It refers to the Ili horse, historically known as the Wusun horse, famous since the Han Dynasty for its quality and endurance.

Is it cold on the grassland?

Yes, due to the high altitude (avg. 2000m), mornings and evenings.

can be chilly even in summer. It is renowned as a summer resort with no extreme heat. What nearby attractions can I visit?

You can easily visit the Xiata Ancient Road, the Gedeng Mountain Monument, and the Zhaosu Wetland Park while in the area.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Zhaosu 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.