- How to explore the Narat Scenic Area? Three main routes, each with its own strengths.
- Tickets and Fees Overview
- When is the best time to visit Nalati?
- How to get to Nalati
- Kazakh culture is another reason why Narat is worth staying for.
- How to choose accommodation in Narat
- Several things you need to know before entering the scenic area
- Frequently Asked Questions about Tourism in Narat
Every July, tens of thousands of cattle and sheep migrate up the mountainside from low-altitude villages, while Kazakh herders set up their yurts on the meadows, their cooking smoke dissipating into the mist. This is not a folk performance, but the annual migration of livestock on the Narat Grassland, a rhythm of life that has continued for hundreds of years.
Nalati is one of the world's four major alpine valley grasslands, with an average altitude of 1,800 meters. It is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and the Gongnaisi River meanders through the valley. Its nickname "Sky Grassland" is well-deserved: the grassland is located at a high altitude, and when you stand on the viewing platform and look down, the entire green meadow appears to be suspended above the clouds and surrounded by snow-capped mountains in the distance, making it look like it is indeed floating in the air.Narat is located in Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, about 170 kilometers from Yining City. It is one of the core scenic areas of the Ili River Valley. Every year from June to September, the scenic area is flooded with photographers, hikers, self-driving tourists, and photography enthusiasts chasing the seasonal migration. Everyone comes for different reasons, but they all stay for the same reason: the grasslands here are bigger, quieter, and more authentic than you can imagine.
How to explore the Narat Scenic Area? Three main routes, each with its own strengths.
The Narat Scenic Area covers a total planned area of 1,848 square kilometers, encompassing diverse landscapes including river valleys, meadows, forests, and mountains, making it impossible to explore entirely on a single route. Starting from the visitor center, the scenic area is divided into three themed routes, each with its own focus, and different shuttle buses are available for each route.
Aerial Grassland Route: The most iconic section of Narat
The Aerial Grassland Route is the core experience of Nalati. The shuttle bus ticket costs 40 RMB and passes through Tianfengtai, Tianyuntai, Tianjietai, and Tianmutai in succession, ending at the Nomadic Family Comprehensive Service Area. The altitude gradually increases along the way, and the view expands accordingly.
Tianjietai is the highest viewpoint on this route. Standing on the observation platform of Tianjietai and looking down, the height difference between the river valley grassland and the aerial grassland is clearly visible, and the snow-capped mountains, meadows and white clouds form a three-dimensional panoramic view. Tianmutai is a vast natural pasture where Kazakh herders camp and graze their livestock every summer. Yurts are scattered among the grass. If you're not in a hurry to leave, you can sit down here and have a bowl of milk tea without worrying about anything.
The nomadic family home is the final stop and a place to recharge along the entire route. Here you can find experiences such as horseback riding, taking photos in traditional Kazakh clothing, and posing with camels on the grassland. Most of these require an additional fee, and you can choose to participate based on your personal interests.
Panlong Ancient Trail: The road that will make photographers stop and admire.
The Panlong Ancient Trail costs 40 yuan to enter and is about 20 kilometers long. Along the way, there are stops such as Tawusani, Wusun Ancient Site, Yitigensai, Jiaolong Chuhai, and Woniugang. The trail gets its name from the mountainside plank road that winds like a dragon. From a high vantage point, the entire road clings to the mountainside and spirals upwards, creating a strong visual impact.
Panlong Ancient Road is a rare circular sightseeing route within the scenic area, with no backtracking and relatively complete ecological protection, resulting in a rich variety of flora and fauna. This route takes slightly longer than the Sky Grassland route, but it's less crowded, so it's a good option for those who want to avoid the crowds.River Valley Grassland Route: An Introduction to Kazakh Culture
The river valley grassland route has the lowest ticket price, at 24 RMB, and is the most suitable section for understanding the cultural context of the three routes. Along the way, the Tawusani section features Kazakh history exhibits, the Wusun ancient ruins retain traces of ancient herders, and the forest park section has natural spruce forests interspersed among the meadows.
This route offers gentle scenery and a slower pace, making it suitable for families with elderly members or children, or travelers interested in Xinjiang's nomadic culture who want to learn more rather than just check off tourist attractions.
Snow Lotus Valley: A high-altitude experience requiring an additional ticket.
Snow Lotus Valley, also known as Heavenly God Terrace, is the highest area in the scenic area, reaching a maximum altitude of 3,000 meters. The shuttle bus ticket costs 60 RMB. From the air, the valley's shape resembles a blooming snow lotus, hence its name. July and August are the peak blooming season for snow lotuses, making it the most popular time to visit Snow Lotus Valley.
Tickets and Fees Overview
| project | cost |
|---|---|
| Scenic area ticket (valid for two days) | 95 yuan/person |
| Aerial Grassland Shuttle Bus | 40 yuan per person |
| Panlong Ancient Road shuttle bus | 40 yuan per person |
| River Valley Grassland Shuttle Bus | 24 yuan per person |
| Snow Lotus Valley Shuttle Bus | 60 yuan per person |
| Self-driving park admission package (including entrance ticket) | 200 yuan per person (limited to 300 vehicles per day) |
The attraction tickets are valid for two days, meaning you can enter an unlimited number of times on the day of purchase and the following day. If you plan to stay longer than one day, this policy allows you to explore all the attractions over two days without having to rush.
When is the best time to visit Nalati?
The scenery of Narat Grassland changes significantly with the seasons, and the best time to visit is from June to September, with July and August being the recognized peak season: wildflowers are in full bloom, the grass is at its greenest, the migration activities are most active, and it is also the best time for photography.
After mid-September, the grasslands begin to turn golden, autumn colors appear, and the number of tourists decreases significantly, making it a good time for those who want a quiet visit. After October, the scenic area enters the off-season, and the frequency of some shuttle buses will be reduced, so it is necessary to confirm in advance.May is early summer; the grass isn't fully green yet, but the temperature is comfortable and there are fewer people, making this a popular time for travelers. In winter, there are almost no tourists, and some areas of the scenic area are closed.
How to get to Nalati
airplaneNalati has its own airport, with direct flights mainly originating from Urumqi, taking approximately one hour. Some cities also have seasonal direct flights; please check flight information during peak season.
Train + transferTake a train from Urumqi to Yining City, then take a bus from the Ili Prefecture Bus Station to the Nalati Scenic Area. The journey takes about four hours. This is the most common and cheapest route for backpackers.
Self-drivingFrom Urumqi, take the Lianhuo Expressway to Yining, then connect to the Dunna Expressway to reach Nalati, a total distance of approximately 550 kilometers. You can stop at places like Gongliu and Zhaosu along the way, offering great flexibility. However, please note that scenic areas only allow 300 self-driving vehicles per day, so advance planning and ticket purchase are necessary.
Kazakh culture is another reason why Narat is worth staying for.
The Kazakh population in the Narat Grassland is the largest in China, accounting for one-tenth of the total Kazakh population nationwide. Here, Nomadism is not a cultural exhibition, but a real life that happens every year: every summer, herders move their livestock from winter pastures to summer pastures, their yurts are their homes, their horses are their means of transportation, and their dombras are their entertainment.
Within the scenic area, nomadic families showcase Kazakh life, allowing visitors to step into yurts to drink milk tea, sample baursak (a type of fried dough made with mutton oil), and listen to dombra music. Most of these experiences are free or very inexpensive, making them more worthwhile than horseback riding and taking photos.
There are also several Kazakh restaurants in the nearby town of Narat that serve Kazakh cuisine with great care. Big plate chicken, hand-pulled rice, baked buns, and grilled cold fish are the most common choices. Many travelers say that having a meal here is more memorable than the scenic area itself.
How to choose accommodation in Narat
The scenic area offers a variety of accommodations, from large, mid- to high-end hotels to privately run Kazakh-style guesthouses, with significant price differences. During the peak summer season, reservations must be made at least one to two weeks in advance.
Staying inside the scenic area has the advantage of allowing direct entry in the early morning, avoiding long queues; staying in Narat Town outside the scenic area is relatively cheaper and offers a more authentic feel for local life. Here are a few consistently rated options:
Narat Sky Grassland HotelThe most complete accommodation in the scenic area, with full facilities, convenient location, higher price, and often fully booked during peak season.
Xi Yi Xia HomestayLocated at the southern end of the town, facing the Sky Grassland, it has a large lawn and a stronger sense of design than typical guesthouses. It offers freshly ground coffee and meals.
That Boundless Beauty InnLocated about a three-minute drive from the scenic area, the panoramic terrace offers views of the snow-capped mountains. It features central air conditioning and parking, and its designer-style layout is perfect for travelers with cameras.
Several things you need to know before entering the scenic area
Located deep in the Tianshan Mountains, Nalati experiences temperature differences of over 15 degrees Celsius between day and night, even in summer, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. A lightweight windproof jacket and waterproof rain gear are essential items, not just "just in case," but a high-probability necessity.
The scenic area is large, and shuttle buses run approximately every 10 to 15 minutes. It is recommended to confirm the departure and last bus times at the visitor center before planning the duration of your stay on each route; otherwise, you may get stuck on the mountain and unable to get down. Mobile phone signal is unstable in some grassland areas, so download offline maps in advance as a backup.High-altitude areas have strong ultraviolet radiation, so sun protection needs to be more thorough than at low altitudes. The Snow Lotus Valley section is close to 3,000 meters high. If you are a traveler who is sensitive to altitude sickness, it is not recommended to go straight up on the first day. Instead, spend a day acclimatizing in the low-altitude river valley grasslands.
For the latest information on the opening status and preferential policies of the Narat Scenic Area, please refer to [link/reference].Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture Government WebsiteOfficial announcements from scenic spots are the most accurate source of information.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tourism in Narat
How much are the tickets for Narat Sky Grassland? What does it include?
When is the best month to visit Nalati?
How many tour routes are there in the Narat Scenic Area? How do I choose one?
How is the process arranged for Nalati Submission? How do I get there from Urumqi?
Is accommodation expensive in Narat? Where is a good place to stay?
How many days are needed to visit the Narat Scenic Area?
Is Narat at a high altitude? Is there a risk of altitude sickness?
What makes the Narat Grassland unique is its authenticity: the herders truly live here, the seasonal migrations are real, and the milk tea is genuinely made from fermented mare's milk. Most people go to Xinjiang to see the scenery, but Narat offers an extra layer of human depth. Whether this depth is worth flying halfway across China is a matter of personal opinion. But most people who have been there say: it's bigger and quieter than they imagined.
Further reading: For information on pre-trip preparations for Nalati and overall tourism planning in Xinjiang, please refer to [link/reference].Narat Tourist Scenic Area Official WebsiteOr consultCtrip Nalati Travel GuideandZhihu Nalati Tourism Discussion ForumGet the latest firsthand experiences from travelers.
