Xiata Scenic Area is located in the territory of the Xiate Kirgiz Nationality Township, Zhaosu County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The scenic area covers an area of 65 square kilometers. It was rated as a national forest park in 211 and a national 4A-level scenic area in 2014. The scenic area is a ancient cultural scenic area composed of mountain passes, ancient roads, ancient ruins and natural landscapes. It has unique natural landscapes and rich ecological diversity, and is known as one of the "Top Ten Adventure Hotspots in China", as well as an "important gene pool of animal and plant resources" and a "world-class ecotourism destination".
History and Culture
Xiata was called "Shatu Aman Tai" in the Qing Dynasty. In the Turkic language, it is also translated as Xiatai or Xiate, which means "ladder". In ancient times, this place was a summer resort for the royal family of the Wusun Kingdom and also served as a summer capital. The Xiata Ancient City is one of the well-preserved and highly representative city sites in Xinjiang. It is also the largest ancient city site in the Tekes River Basin. It guards the Gongyue Road and the Suiye Road of the Silk Road on the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, and has played important roles such as guarding the border, serving as a hub for trade, and facilitating cultural exchanges in history. The Xiata Ancient Road is one of the most precipitous and famous ancient post roads in the Tianshan Mountains. It is 120 kilometers long. Crossing the Muzharter Daban on the main ridge of the Tianshan Mountains can lead to Aksu in southern Xinjiang. It is one of the most precipitous and dangerous famous ancient passes on the ancient Silk Road, and is also known as the "Tang Monk's Ancient Road". In September 2010, it was rated as the "Most Beautiful Ancient Road in China".
Main Attractions
Xiata Ancient City Ruins
Located in the territory of the Xiate Kirgiz Nationality Township, Zhaosu County, with an altitude of 1750 meters, it is one of the well-preserved and highly representative city sites in Xinjiang, and also the largest ancient city site in the Tekes River Basin, which has important value for studying the cultural exchanges of the ancient Silk Road.
Xiata Ancient Road
It is 120 kilometers long. Crossing the Hatamuzi Daban with an altitude of 3600 meters, it connects the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains. It is a shortcut from Yili to southern Xinjiang. It integrates glaciers, forests, grasslands, lakes, rivers and hot springs. In September 2010, it was selected as the "Most Beautiful Ancient Road in China".
Divine Turtle Stone
Naturally formed, it lies calmly in the middle of the river, and there is a legend similar to the divine turtle carrying scriptures.
Wukong Cliff
The uneven mountain rocks on one side of the valley outline a playful face of the Monkey King. The expression of the Monkey King on the cliff implies majesty amidst laughter. While driving, the face of Wukong on the mountain cliff changes its shape and can transform into the appearance of the Old Mountain God.
Milk River
The Xiata River is formed by the confluence of the Muzat River and the Dongduoer River. The river incorporates the melted snow water from ice peaks and the dissolved powder of ores washed down along the way, presenting a translucent milky white color, and it contrasts beautifully with the blue sky, hence the name "Milk River".
Flower Terrace
It can be reached by walking 10 kilometers along the ancient road. There are Karahouses along the way, and there is a mysterious and dangerous no-man's land ahead.
Delicacies
Handheld Mutton
It is one of the most famous traditional dishes in Xinjiang. The handheld mutton in Xiata is added with local characteristic seasonings, and the meat is tender, juicy and has a rich flavor.
Butter Tea
Made from yak milk and butter, it has a fragrant smell. It is an indispensable beverage in Xinjiang and can quench thirst and keep warm.
Roasted Buns
It is made by wrapping mutton and other fillings with dough and roasting. The outer skin is crispy, and the inside is delicious.
Big Plate Chicken
Cooked by mixing various meats, it has a rich taste, and it is spicy but not overly hot.
Mutton Dish Related to Dombra
It selects the mutton unique to Xinjiang related to Dombra. The meat is firm and has a rich taste.
Tickets
The combined ticket of the Xiata Scenic Area (including the scenic area ticket and the shuttle bus ticket) for adults is 80 yuan.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area, "智游昭苏", to get the latest information or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
It is open from 09:00 to 20:00 from May 1st to October 31st; and open from 10:00 to 19:00 from November 1st to April 30th.
Tour Routes
You can choose to take the shuttle bus and the battery car, or hike or ride a horse. The shuttle bus has 4 sections. The first section is from the scenic area gate to the Hot Spring Hotel, which is 28 kilometers long and takes 40-45 minutes by car, and the round-trip fare is 40 yuan per person; the second section is from the Hot Spring Hotel to the Transfer Bridge and General Bridge, which is 5.5 kilometers long. You can choose to take the battery car with a round-trip fare of 30 yuan per person, or hike or ride a horse; the third section is from the General Bridge to the Flower Terrace, which is 8 kilometers long, and you can ride a horse or hike; the fourth section is from the Flower Terrace to the Muzharter Glacier, which is 12 kilometers long, and you can ride a horse or hike. Recommended light hiking route: Xiata Hot Spring—General Bridge—Kara No. 4 House, which is 8-20 km long and takes half a day or a whole morning/afternoon; Easy route: Xiata Hot Spring—General Bridge, along the wooden plank road and the horse path, with a hiking distance of 5.5-6 km. You can also take the battery car to the General Bridge and have a look.
Transportation
- There are two long-distance buses departing from the Yili Prefecture Passenger Transport Center to Xiate every day, and the departure times are 08:30 and 08:50.
- You can first reach Zhaosu County, and then rent a car or share a car to the scenic area.
Must-visit Attractions
- Xiata Ancient Road: It has unique natural landscapes and profound cultural heritage. It is one of the most beautiful ancient roads in China, allowing you to experience the fun of hiking and exploration.
- General Bridge: It is one of the best shooting spots in the scenic area. There is a small grocery store by the bridge, and you can take photos with the snow-capped mountains on the meadow in front of the house.
- Flower Terrace: The grassland scenery is magnificent, and there is a mysterious no-man's land around it, full of the charm of exploration.
Tour Tips
- Tourists who like hiking can stay near Zhaosu or Xiata one day in advance and arrive at the entrance of the scenic area before 10:00 in the morning to queue up for admission.
- Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. If you go to the foot of the snow-capped mountains, you need to bring waterproof shoes or spare shoes.
- Bring warm and waterproof clothes such as a windbreaker and a raincoat. The weather in the scenic area is changeable and it is easy to have heavy rain.
- Carry sunscreen products, a sun hat, sunglasses, etc., and take good sun protection measures.
- Prepare some dry food and water. There are supply points in the scenic area, but the quantity is limited. If you want to photograph the golden mountains in the morning sun, you can choose to stay in the scenic area, and it may appear around 6:00 in the morning.
Precautions
- The first shuttle bus departs at 9:00, and the last one departs at 19:30. Pay attention to arranging your time reasonably.
- There is no signal in some areas of the scenic area. Remember to bring some cash.
- Do not wear shorts and short skirts. It is recommended to wear long pants to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes or scratched by plants.
- Comply with the regulations of the scenic area and do not randomly damage the environment and cultural relics and historic sites.