"Nalati Grassland Travel Guide | Fall into the Fairy Tale Wonderland of Xinjiang"

| Fall into the Fairy Tale Wonderland of Xinjiang. 📍 Destination Overview Nalati Grassland is located in Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is one of the world's four major grasslands and is known as the "Sky Grassland." Here, snow-capped mountains, meadows, forests, and streams come together. In summer, wildflowers bloom everywhere, and in winter, the landscape is covered in silver, making it a paradise for photography, hiking, and horseback riding. --- 🗓 Best Travel Time - June to August: The grassland is lush green with blooming wildflowers, and the climate is cool (15-25℃), perfect for escaping the heat. - September to October: Autumn colors turn golden with colorful forests, and there are fewer tourists. - Winter (December to March): Stunning snow scenery and an opportunity to experience Kazakh winter customs. --- 🚗 Transportation Guide - By plane: Fly to Yining Airport, then charter or share a car to Nalati (about 3 hours). - By train: From Urumqi to Yining Station, then transfer to a bus or charter car. - Self-driving: Depart from Urumqi via Lianhuo Expressway + Duku Highway (about 8 hours), with breathtaking scenery along the way! - Within the scenic area: Shuttle buses are required (routes include Sky Grassland, River Valley Grassland, etc.). --- 🌟 Must-Visit Attractions 1. Sky Grassland (Nomadic Family Station) - Classic photo spot! Vast meadows under snow mountains, with the "Beekeeper Woman" statue and herds of cattle and sheep in June. 2. River Valley Grassland - Winding streams, ideal for light hiking, and occasional encounters with Kazakh herders' yurts. 3. Panlong Valley Road - A paradise for self-driving enthusiasts, with S-shaped curves passing through forests and grasslands. 4. Snow Lotus Valley (requires an additional shuttle bus) - Get up close to the snow mountains and experience the icy wonders even in summer. --- 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations - Inside the scenic area: Nalati Resort (convenient for watching sunrise and sunset), Kazakh yurts (experience nomadic life). - Nalati Town: Cost-effective with many dining options (recommended "Western Region Grassland Hotel"). --- 🍖 Food Guide - Hand-pulled lamb: Grassland free-range lamb is tender and free of gamey taste. - Milk tea + Baursak: Standard Kazakh breakfast. - Grilled buns: Highly praised at "Aili Nang Keng Rou" in town. --- 📌 Travel Tips 1. Tickets: Peak season 95 RMB/person, shuttle bus 40-60 RMB per route (2-day tickets recommended). 2. Clothing: Large temperature difference between day and night; bring a jacket even in summer. 3. Sun protection: Strong UV rays; sunglasses, hats, and SPF50+ sunscreen are essential. 4. Culture: Respect herders' customs; do not photograph faces or enter private pastures without permission. 5. Drones: Must be registered in advance with the scenic area. --- 🎒 Off-the-Beaten-Path Activities - Horseback riding: Local horse teams can take you deep into summer pastures (about 80-100 RMB/hour). - Stargazing camping: The Milky Way is clear in summer, with designated camping areas in the scenic spot. - Folk experience: Visit Kazakh families to learn milking cows and making naan bread. --- 📸 Blogger’s Private Tips: "If you have enough time, be sure to visit the northern section of Duku Highway! Nalati is just the starting point; the Hashilergendaban Pass and Qiaorma Martyrs' Cemetery along the way are even more breathtaking." 💬 Interactive Question: "What do you most want to experience in Nalati? Galloping on horseback or lying back watching the clouds? Tell me in the comments!"