Nalati Grassland
那拉提草原 · Xinyuan County, Ili, Xinjiang, China
The subalpine meadow of the Gongnaisi Grassland, called the "Sky Grassland" for its height and steep terrain; from June to September it is lush green and carpeted with wildflowers, dotted with the yurts of Kazakh herders.
Know before you go
- Touching your host's belongings casually
- driving over or trampling the grass and wildflowers
- littering
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Stories & people
Stories & people
Legend
How Nalati got its name
Legend has it that during Genghis Khan's western campaign, a Mongol army was marching from deep in the Tianshan Mountains towards Ili through wind and snow, its soldiers cold and hungry. Crossing a ridge, they suddenly saw a grassland full of flowers and gurgling springs, with sunlight falling across it. The soldiers cried out "Nalati!", said to mean "there is sun", and so the grassland got its name.
Source: Travel China Guide: Nalati Grassland; ChinaWiki: Nalati Grassland
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Nalati Grassland lies east of Nalati Town in Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is the subalpine meadow part of the Gongnaisi Grassland and, because of its high altitude and steep terrain, is also called the "Sky Grassland". Snow-capped mountains ring the meadows, spruces stand on the cliffs, and white yurts and herds of sheep, cattle and horses are scattered across the open grassland. Nalati has been a famous pasture in Xinjiang since ancient times. Known as "the cradle of the Kazakhs", it is closely tied to Kazakh nomadic life: every year after June, large numbers of herders bring their livestock up to the grassland, and all kinds of grassland gatherings are held here. The Nalati scenic area is a national 5A-level scenic area.
Local customs
- Take the scenic-area shuttle up to the Sky Grassland to see snow peaks and flower meadows
- ride a horse along a herding trail
- taste milk tea and hand-held mutton in a Kazakh yurt
- in summer you may catch the herders' grassland gatherings and folk activities.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Touching your host's belongings casually
- driving over or trampling the grass and wildflowers
- littering
Locals appreciate DO
- Sit where your host directs when entering a yurt
- ask permission before photographing herders and livestock
- keep to designated areas when riding or driving
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- The grassland is high, with large differences between day and night temperatures, so bring a long-sleeved jacket and sun protection
- the scenic area is large and most sightseeing is by shuttle, with fares and schedules as officially announced by the scenic area
- do not ride or drive outside designated areas, as it is easy to get lost
- summer is peak season, so book accommodation in advance.
- You can travel by road from Yining to Xinyuan County and change there for Nalati, or fly from Urumqi to Xinyuan Nalati Airport and continue by car. June to September, when the grass is green and wildflowers bloom, is the best time to visit
- October brings golden autumn colours, and in winter the grassland lies under snow.
Photos
Photos
Yoshi Canopus · CC0
Yoshi Canopus · CC0
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