The Tuohulasu Scenic Area is located in Yining County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 4A-level tourist scenic area. The total area of the scenic area is 1,500 square kilometers. Here, there are unique natural landscapes, mainly including grasslands, forests, canyons, rivers, etc. The forest coverage rate in the scenic area is relatively high, about 30%. The vast grasslands cover a large area, and there are many clear rivers running through it. There are some buildings with ethnic characteristics in the scenic area, such as the yurts of the Kazakh people, which bring unique accommodation experiences to tourists. At the same time, some basic tourism service facilities are equipped in the scenic area, such as viewing platforms, parking lots, tourist service centers, etc., making it convenient for tourists to visit.
History and Culture
Tuohulasu was a nomadic land for ethnic groups such as the Kazakh people in history. Ethnic groups like the Kazakh people lived here, herding animals according to the water and grass, forming a unique nomadic culture. They have rich folk customs, such as the warm and hospitable way of treating guests, as well as traditional folk activities like horse racing and goat grabbing. These folk activities have been passed down to this day, showing the local ethnic groups' way of life and spiritual outlook. In addition, Tuohulasu was part of the ancient Silk Road, witnessing the cultural exchanges and integrations between the East and the West, leaving behind many historical traces and cultural accumulations.
Main Attractions
Tuohulasu Grassland
The Tuohulasu Grassland has a vast area and is one of the core attractions of the scenic area. The grassland is covered with green grass, and wildflowers are in full bloom. Herds of cattle and sheep are grazing leisurely on the grassland. Tourists can ride horses here and feel the vastness and grandeur of the grassland. Some folk activities, such as the song and dance performances of the Kazakh people, are often held on the grassland, allowing tourists to deeply experience the local folk culture.
Kuerdai Forest Grand Canyon
The Kuerdai Forest Grand Canyon is a major characteristic attraction in the scenic area. The canyon is densely forested, with a variety of tree species, including pine trees and birch trees. There are also clear streams in the canyon, and the water flows gurgling. The surrounding scenery is beautiful. Tourists can stroll along the trails in the canyon, admire the natural scenery of the canyon, and breathe in the fresh air. The content of negative oxygen ions in the canyon is relatively high, making it a natural oxygen bar, which is very suitable for leisure and relaxation.
Wuxifu Gully
Wuxifu Gully has unique natural landscapes. There are spectacular waterfalls here, and the water pours down from high places, forming beautiful water curtains. The surrounding mountains are in various shapes, and the scenery is charming. There are also some ancient ruins in the gully, witnessing the changes of history. Tourists can admire the magnificent scenery of the waterfalls here and feel the uncanny workmanship of nature.
Delicacies
Kazakh Steamed Noodles
Kazakh steamed noodles are a local characteristic delicacy. High-quality flour is selected to make noodles, which are steamed together with ingredients such as mutton, onions, and carrots. The noodles are chewy, the mutton is tender, the taste is rich, and it is nutritious, being one of the must-try delicacies for tourists.
Horse Milk
Horse milk is a favorite drink of ethnic groups such as the Kazakh people. It is fermented from fresh horse milk, with a sweet and sour taste. It is rich in various nutrients and has certain health care effects, helping digestion and replenishing physical strength. Tourists can taste pure horse milk in the yurts of the Kazakh people in the scenic area.
Roast Whole Lamb
Roast whole lamb is a traditional delicacy for entertaining distinguished guests locally. Tender sheep are selected, and after special marinating, they are roasted in a special oven. The roasted lamb has a golden and crispy skin, and the inside is tender and juicy, with a rich aroma. When tasting the roast whole lamb, some local characteristic seasonings can also be paired to make the taste more delicious.
Admission Ticket
The admission ticket price of the Tuohulasu Scenic Area is 30 yuan per person. At the same time, there may be some individually charged items in the scenic area, such as horseback riding, and specific fees can be consulted in the scenic area.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area, "伊宁县托乎拉苏旅游有限公司", to obtain the latest news or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
The opening hours of the Tuohulasu Scenic Area are from May to October every year, and the daily opening hours are from 8:00 to 20:00. Tourists can freely enter the scenic area for sightseeing during the opening hours.
Itinerary
After entering the scenic area, tourists can first go to the Tuohulasu Grassland, enjoy the grassland scenery here, and participate in folk activities. Then go to the Kuerdai Forest Grand Canyon, stroll along the trails to enjoy the scenery of the forest and the stream. After that, go to Wuxifu Gully to view the waterfalls and ancient ruins. During the tour, tourists can reasonably arrange the staying time at each attraction according to their own time and preferences. In addition, there are some viewing platforms in the scenic area, and tourists can overlook the surrounding scenery on the viewing platforms and feel the charm of nature.
Transportation
- By Air: Tourists can first take a flight to Yining Airport, and then take a taxi from Yining Airport to the Tuohulasu Scenic Area, with a driving time of about 2 hours.
- By Train: After arriving at Yining County Railway Station by train, tourists can choose to take the local tourist special line bus or a taxi to the scenic area. The specific route and departure time of the tourist special line bus can be consulted at the railway station. Taking a taxi to the scenic area, the driving time is about 1.5 hours.
- By Self-driving: If choosing to drive by oneself, you can enter "Tuohulasu Scenic Area" in the navigation software and drive according to the navigation route. There are parking lots in the scenic area, which is convenient for tourists to park. However, it should be noted that some roads to the scenic area may be rugged, so drive carefully.
Must-visit Attractions
- Tuohulasu Grassland: The vast grassland is covered with green grass, and there are rich folk activities. It is an excellent place to experience the grassland customs. The grassland has a large area, suitable for activities such as horseback riding.
- Kuerdai Forest Grand Canyon: The forest is dense, the content of negative oxygen ions is high, and the stream is clear. Strolling along the trail, you can feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. There are various tree species in the canyon, which is a natural oxygen bar.
- Wuxifu Gully: There are spectacular waterfalls and ancient ruins, with unique scenery. It is a good place to admire the natural scenery and learn about history and culture. The waterfalls pour down, and the surrounding mountains are in various shapes.
Travel Suggestions
- It is recommended that tourists arrange their visit time in summer, when wildflowers are in full bloom on the grassland, and the scenery is more beautiful.
- When going to the scenic area, bring enough clothes, as there is a large temperature difference between day and night in the scenic area.
- When riding horses on the grassland, follow the guidance of the staff to ensure safety.
- When tasting local delicacies, pay attention to food hygiene and avoid eating too much raw and cold food.
- If you want to take beautiful photos, you can learn about the locations of the viewing platforms in the scenic area in advance and choose the appropriate time and angle for shooting.
Precautions
- Respect the local religious beliefs and folk customs and do not act inappropriately.
- Take good care of the environment of the scenic area. Do not spit or litter to keep the scenic area clean and tidy.
- When visiting in the scenic area, pay attention to your own safety, especially in areas such as canyons and grasslands, and do not leave the designated tourist routes casually.
- There may be poor signal in some areas of the scenic area. It is recommended to inform your family of your itinerary in advance.
- In case of an emergency during the tour, seek help from the staff of the scenic area in time or call the local emergency number.