The Nalati Tourist Scenic Area is located in Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 5A-level tourist scenic area and also a national-level tourist resort. The total planned area of the scenic area is 1,848 square kilometers. The scenic area has distinct features, with a temperate mountain valley grassland landscape, integrating various natural landscapes such as high mountains, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and snowfields. It is also home to national key protected animals such as argali sheep, golden eagles, whooper swans, red deer, and snow leopards.
Historical Culture
The Nalati Grassland was naturally formed before the emergence of human beings. Its culture can be traced back to the Paleolithic Age, having gone through the cultural periods of the Sai people, the Wusun people, the Xiongnu people, the Turkic people, and the Mongolian people. Historically, it was known as the "Deer Garden". The "Records of Waterways in the Western Regions" records that "Several springs gush out here, gathering to form a river. There are many deer in this place, and it is commonly known as the Deer Enclosure." During the Western and Eastern Han Dynasties, the Wusun people herded here. In the Sui Dynasty, the Western Turks occupied this area. During the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, it became the fiefdom of Mongolian princes. In the Ming Dynasty, it belonged to the five lower banners of the Oirat Mongols. In the 8th year of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, the Heizai tribe of the Kazakh ethnic group migrated to the Gongnaisi Grassland.
Main Scenic Spots
Valley Grassland
The Grassland Tribe in the western part of the scenic area was built in June 2006, restoring the Wusun tribe more than 2,000 years ago. Among them, the Golden Top Tent of the Wusun is known as the "First Tent in Northwest China". Tawusani is an important scenic spot along the Valley Grassland route and the first stop to enter the Valley Grassland. Mountains, forests, hills, and meadows are combined here. The eastern slope of it is shaped like the "Ear of the Tianshan Mountains", and the southwestern slope is shaped like the "Pegasus Plain". Yitigen Sai is a concentrated display area of Kazakh folk culture, consisting of the ancient Wusun tribe, Lianxin Lake, the Kazakh folk culture display area, and the Cattle Pen Restaurant. Daigelas is a comprehensive service area of the Valley Grassland route, with entertainment projects such as horseback riding and archery, as well as catering and accommodation services. The International Racecourse covers an area of about 1,050 mu, and the racecourse is 1,450 meters long in total. It has hosted the National Speed Horse Racing Competition many times, and traditional sports events such as equestrian performances will be held during major festivals.
Aerial Grassland
Located in the southeastern part of the Nalati Grassland, it is a highland meadow. The grassland spreads like a green carpet among the mountains. When wildflowers are in full bloom, the scenery is picturesque, and tourists can enjoy the unique scenery of the Aerial Grassland here.
Panlong Valley Road
It is a winding mountain road, allowing visitors to enjoy the landscapes of grasslands, forests, rivers, and grazing cattle and sheep in nature.
Delicacies
Handheld Mutton
It is a local characteristic delicacy. Fresh mutton is selected and cooked by stewing and other methods. The meat is tender and delicious. When eating, it can be paired with local seasonings, giving a rich and mellow taste.
Roasted Mutton on a Rack
The mutton is cut into large pieces and strung on a rack for roasting. The outer skin is roasted to a golden and crispy state, and the inside is tender and juicy, exuding an alluring aroma.
Tickets
Walking Ticket: 95 yuan
Ticket + Aerial Grassland: 135 yuan
Ticket + Cableway (Round Trip) + Aerial Grassland: 193 yuan
Ticket + Cableway (One Way) + Aerial Grassland: 173 yuan
Ticket + Aerial Grassland + Valley Grassland: 159 yuan
Ticket + Valley Grassland: 119 yuan
Self-driving Customized Tour: 200 yuan (Ticket 95 yuan + Self-driving Ticket 105 yuan). It needs to be handled on-site at the tourist center of the scenic area. Currently, the open self-driving routes are Panlong Valley (Western Section), Aerial Grassland, and Valley Grassland.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area, "新疆那拉提国家旅游渡假区", to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
The opening hours of the scenic area are from 09:30 to 18:00.
You can get the latest updates on the official WeChat public account of the scenic area.
Tour Routes
There are four self-driving routes in the scenic area: Aerial Grassland, Valley Grassland, Panlong Valley Road, and Tayiasu. For a one-day self-driving tour, you can enter from the west gate, exit from the west gate, and stay in Nalati Town. In the morning, take the Valley Grassland route + Panlong Valley Road, and in the afternoon, take the Aerial Grassland + Tayiasu self-driving route to exit the scenic area. For a two-day tour, you can enter from the west gate and exit from the east gate, and then take the northern section of the Duku Highway. In the afternoon of the first day, take the Panlong Valley Road route + Aerial Grassland, and exit the scenic area along the Tayiasu self-driving route. In the morning of the second day, take the Valley Grassland route to play and exit the scenic area from the east gate and then take the northern section of the Duku Highway.
Transportation
- By Air: You can first arrive at Yining Airport in Yining City, and then transfer to a car to go to the Nalati Scenic Area.
- By Train: You can get off at Xinyuan County Railway Station, and then take a shuttle bus to Nalati Town or take a taxi to the scenic area.
- By Bus: There are shuttle buses from various cities in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture to Nalati. You can also choose to drive by yourself. Starting from Yining City and driving along National Highway 218, you can reach the scenic area.
Must-visit Scenic Spots
- Aerial Grassland: The unique highland meadow scenery is like a poem and a painting when wildflowers are in full bloom. With a relatively high average altitude, it has a wide view.
- Valley Grassland: It has rich historical and cultural relics and folk culture displays. Scenic spots such as the Grassland Tribe and Tawusani have their own characteristics, and you can also experience activities such as horseback riding.
- Panlong Valley Road: The winding mountain road has changing scenery, with interwoven landscapes of forests, grasslands, and rivers, providing a great self-driving experience.
Tour Tips
- Prepare compressed ID photos, driver's license photos, and other necessary materials for ticket grabbing in advance. The ticket is valid for 48 hours, and you can reasonably arrange the time to enter the park multiple times.
- Self-driving tourists can focus on visiting the Valley Grassland and Panlong Valley Road for a better experience.
- Prepare light-colored or strongly contrasting clothes for better photography.
- You can bring some food and camping equipment to enjoy a leisurely time in the scenic area.
Notes
- The sunshine is strong in Xinjiang. You need to bring sunscreen, hats, and other items to take sun protection measures.
- The climate is changeable, so bring warm clothes to prevent colds.
- There are many mosquitoes in the grassland. Pay attention to prevention and you can bring mosquito repellent drugs.