Tangbula Grassland: A Hundred-Mile Gallery Along the Duku Highway

🌿 First Encounter with Tangbula: A Romantic Rendezvous of Grassland and Snow Mountains The moment you turn from the Duku Highway into Tangbula Grassland, it's like falling into a flowing oil painting. The Kashi River winds through like a jade ribbon, with a hundred miles of grassland stretching along both banks. Majestic snow mountains rise in the distance, wildflowers sway nearby, and Kazakh yurts dot the landscape with wisps of smoke rising from them. Here, there's no commercial hustle and bustle, only the rustling sound of wind through grass and the crisp echo of hooves crossing streams. Geographic Profile Location: Nileke County, Ili, Xinjiang, 91 km southeast of the county town (20 km north of Zeketai Town) Features: Upper Kashi River canyon grassland landscape, named "Tangbula" (meaning "seal" in Kazakh) after a rock formation on the eastern ridge resembling an imperial seal Admission: Free entry, open 24 hours 🐎 Must-Try Experiences: Understanding the Soul of the Grassland on Horseback 1. Horseback Riding Through the Hundred-Mile Gallery Tangbula's horses are gentle and sturdy, and herdsmen will help you select a suitable mount. Recommended route: Classic Loop: Starting from Tangbula Summer Resort, ride upstream along the Kashi River, passing through forests, streams, and ancient paths, finally reaching Fairy Lake (called "Jaslekuler" in Kazakh). The emerald green lake reflects the snow mountains, making you feel like you've entered a fairyland. Tips: Round-trip horseback riding takes about 3 hours, costing 150-200 yuan per person; best to visit in early morning or before sunset when the light is soft and the lake is most beautiful. 2. Folk Home Visits: Step into a Kazakh Yurt Enter a herder's yurt, sit cross-legged on a colorful felt carpet, drink a bowl of hot milk tea, and bite into freshly baked Baoersake (fried pastry). The hospitable herders will play the dombra and sing traditional folk songs, while children bring little lambs for you to pet. If you visit during the migration season (June), you can witness vast herds of cattle and sheep pouring down from the mountains, raising clouds of dust. 3. Photography Spots: Capturing the Magic of Light and Shadow Observation Decks: Multiple viewing platforms on the grassland offer panoramic views—snow mountains like a screen, grassland like a carpet, and the river like a silver chain. Flower Paradise: June-July is the peak blooming season, with golden lilies, asters, and irises covering the grassland. With snow mountains as a backdrop, every casual shot becomes a wallpaper-worthy image. ⏰ Best Time to Visit: June-September June: The grassland is lush green, wildflowers begin to bloom, herds migrate, and Kazakh gatherings are abundant. July-August: More tourists; consider visiting during off-peak times (late June or mid-to-late August). September: Autumn colors deepen, the grassland turns golden, and snow mountains appear more sacred. 💡 Travel Tips Stay Warm: Large temperature differences between day and night; bring a light down jacket even in summer. Safety: Wear a helmet when horseback riding and follow herders' guidance; wear non-slip shoes when hiking to Fairy Lake. Respect Customs: Remove hats when entering yurts, and don't photograph herders' faces without permission.