[2025 Yining County Attraction] Travel Guide for Tohulasu Grassland (Updated Jul)

Today is our 7th day traveling in Xinjiang. Considering the severe traffic jam on the Yizhao Highway due to the Eid al-Adha festival, we decided to stay a few more days in Yining. We have become tourists stranded in Yining because of the festival! 😅 (It seems quite a few have had the same experience, see you in the comments! 🤫) 🗺️ Today's Travel Route: Tohulasu Scenic Area → Jingyi Pastoral Road → Hulejia Hotel (Kazanchi Street Branch) 1️⃣ Tohulasu Scenic Area Experience We originally did not plan to visit Tohulasu Scenic Area, but since we needed to pass through it to get to Jingyi Pastoral Road, the ticket was basically a toll fee. Fortunately, the ticket price is not expensive, only 20 yuan per adult, and it remains valid for the return trip, which is quite considerate and worth praising! 👍🏻 Due to limited time and a clear destination, we barely stopped along the way in Tohulasu Scenic Area, but the scenery was still nice. The area is mainly visited by local tourists, which to some extent reflects its off-the-beaten-path nature. 🐏 Jingyi Pastoral Road Experience Jingyi Pastoral Road connects Jinghe and Yining, with a total length of about 160 kilometers. True to its name, after entering from Tohulasu Scenic Area, we saw herds of cattle, horses, and sheep along the way. They grazed on tender grass and drank snowmelt water, enjoying nature’s gifts. After driving for about half an hour, we stopped at a place covered with a sea of flowers. This spot is truly picture-perfect, and the best part is that there are few people, so you can basically have the entire flower sea to yourself. The terrain is flat with thick grass, where children can run, chase, and play freely without worrying about getting hurt, and they can also observe the grazing animals. Even if you don’t take photos, setting up a canopy and camping here for a day is very comfortable. Travel Tip: Pay attention to the signs. Jingyi Pastoral Road is unpaved, mainly dirt and gravel roads. It is recommended for off-road vehicles and SUVs. Make sure to fill up your gas tank and prepare food before setting off. 🏨 Hulejia Hotel Stay Experience This hotel is a well-established upscale hotel in the area, with a prime location convenient for dining, shopping, and transportation. Due to the Eid al-Adha festival, accommodation prices soared and rooms were scarce, so we booked a deluxe twin room. The room has a water dispenser but no bottled water. The bathroom has a clothesline, which is quite thoughtful. Currently, the hotel’s breakfast is outsourced to a noodle shop next door, offering only three simple meal options, which somewhat lowers the standard for a well-established upscale hotel. Although the hotel parking lot has charging stations, they are slow chargers. 🤣 Driving with kids on Jingyi Pastoral Road, although the journey was a bit bumpy, the kids really enjoyed the gentle shaking feeling. 😆 The bumpy dirt road became an adventure in their eyes. The stones they picked up and the lambs they fed have all become unforgettable memories for us.

All the grasslands in Yili turn green in summer, but which one should you choose for your limited itinerary? After visiting Xinjiang three times, I've ranked the 6 grasslands I've been to based on personal preference and experience for your reference~ 1️⃣ Xiate (Xia Tala) ★★★★★ Highly Recommended I believe Xiate is the most beautiful scenic spot in Yili. The grassland stretches through valleys carved by glacial meltwater, ending at the Muzart Glacier and towering snow-capped mountains. The entire area has a strong three-dimensional feel, with distinct layers of snow mountains, forests, and grasslands. Xiate is relatively far from Yining City and other grasslands. If time permits, I highly recommend dedicating a full day to Xiate. In summer, the Yining-Zhaosu Highway will open, offering breathtaking views as you drive through the Tianshan Mountains! 2️⃣ Tohulasu ★★★★★ Highly Recommended Tohulasu Grassland was the most delightful discovery in Yili! Unlike other famous grasslands, Tohulasu is very niche—even during the May Day holiday, the crowds are sparse, making it an excellent escape from tourist crowds. Compared to other grasslands, Tohulasu still features distant snow-capped mountains and vast wildflowers, but the lack of forests makes the scenery slightly less layered. The Tohulasu scenic area is vast, with excellent road conditions, allowing you to easily find your own private stretch of grassland, making the experience exceptional! 3️⃣ Qiaxi ★★★★ Recommended Qiaxi Grassland is located in Gongliu County. In early May, the Qiaxi-Ta Loop Road was not yet open, so the scenery was mostly concentrated at the Qiaxi Panorama Viewing Platform. In my opinion, the view from the platform is stunning—the distant snow mountains and nearby forests live up to its "panorama" name, making it the most beautiful viewing platform after Xiate. If the Qiaxi-Ta Loop opens, there are even more breathtaking sights deeper inside—definitely worth it! The downside is that the road into the scenic area is very narrow, making it difficult for vehicles to pass each other. It’s prone to traffic jams during holidays, and the road to the Qiaxi Panorama is unpaved and in poor condition. 4️⃣ Ku’erdening ★★★★ Recommended Ku’erdening’s scenery is similar to Qiaxi, featuring a three-dimensional landscape of snow mountains, forests, and grasslands. On the way to the Qimengde Viewing Platform, it’s easy to take photos with the grand snow-capped mountains. We encountered heavy rain during our visit, but the scenery was still magnificent! Like Qiaxi, it gets crowded during holidays, so I recommend entering early in the morning to avoid peak times~ 5️⃣ Kalajun ★★★ Average My impression of Kalajun Grassland is its massive size, complicated shuttle buses, the "Human Body" grassland, and Kuokesu Grand Canyon. The large scale means expensive tickets and shuttle fees, but the grassland scenery isn’t as layered as Qiaxi or Ku’erdening, and the distant snow mountains aren’t as majestic as Xiate’s. While the "Human Body" grassland has a unique shape, similar rolling hills can be found in other grasslands. 6️⃣ Aketas ★★★ Average A high-altitude grassland near Tekes County, Aketas has distant snow-capped mountains and relatively monotonous scenery. Aside from its vast views, there isn’t much that stands out.

Tuohulasu, a name as poetic as its scenery, exudes an ethereal beauty. As you ascend the mountain path, scenes of alpine meadows interspersed with glacial streams unfold like a slideshow. The air here is so crisp and refreshing that you can't help but take deep breaths, savoring the invigorating freshness that lingers in your memory. In summer, wildflowers spread across the grasslands like vibrant strokes of paint, infusing the landscape with dazzling vitality. Standing at the highest vantage point, the view is vast and expansive, yet it doesn't feel desolate. The tents of herders and leisurely grazing cattle and sheep dot the scenery, creating a tranquil tableau of life. In that moment, I felt as though time had slowed down, allowing me to reflect and find peace. Tuohulasu is not just a place of natural beauty; it is a sanctuary for the soul, a retreat from the clamor of the world to rediscover purity.

Jingyi Herdsmen Road, also known as the Suyab Road, is a road that carries a thousand years of history and beautiful scenery. It is located in Xinjiang, starting from Daheyanzi in Jinghe County (some say the 83rd Regiment of the 5th Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps) and ending at Gongyue City in Yining County, with a total length of about 160–180 km. It has a profound historical background. It was once an important passage on the northern route of the ancient Silk Road, and it was the main route connecting the outside world with Yili from the Western Han Dynasty to the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties. During the Western Han Dynasty, Princesses Xijun and Jieyou traveled to Wusun via this road, bearing the mission of promoting ethnic exchange and peace. When the Tang Dynasty army put down the Western Turkic, they also marched along this road, witnessing many key historical moments. It was not until the 27th year of Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, when General Yili Agui rebuilt the old "Taleqi" (Guozigou) road, that the Jingyi Herdsmen Road was gradually abandoned and hidden in the years. Today, with its unique charm, the Jingyi Herdsmen Road has become a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts. The terrain along the way is rich and diverse. The first half may be slightly desolate, with a gravel road winding along the river, and occasional houses scattered by herdsmen. After going deeper, the style of painting changes suddenly, as if stepping into a paradise. The majestic snow-capped mountains come into view, and the snow on the top of the mountains does not melt all year round, shining with a holy light under the sunlight. The canyons are deep and the cliffs are steep, showing the magic of nature. The vast Tuohulasu Grassland is like a green ocean, with an average altitude of 2,300m. The 45 km long Five Daughters-in-Law Gully Grand Canyon is embedded in it, with a maximum drop of 200m. The river in the valley is gurgling, the vegetation is lush, and the ancient cedar forests on both sides of the canyon are lush and verdant. There are also towering spruce trees, clear rivers, and sparkling glaciers. Herds of cattle and sheep graze leisurely on the grassland, outlining a peaceful and idyllic pastoral picture. However, when driving on the Jingyi Herdsmen Road, you should also pay attention to the fact that except for a small section of asphalt road at the beginning and end, most of the middle section is dirt road and gravel road, which requires higher vehicle performance. It is recommended to drive an SUV or off-road vehicle. Be sure to fill up with gas in Jinghe County before departure, and prepare dry food and water, because there is a lack of gas stations and supply points along the way.

#2024TravelReview The Tohulasu Scenic Area is located deep in the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang. It is a paradise that combines grasslands, snow-capped mountains and streams. The grasslands here are spread out like a green carpet, dotted with cattle and sheep. In the distance, snow-capped peaks stand tall, surrounded by clouds and mist, as if the fairyland has been left behind in the human world. The mountain stream meanders down, clear to the bottom, against the backdrop of lush trees and abundant flowers and plants on both sides, full of vitality and charm. The scenic area has both magnificent natural wonders and tranquil original beauty. Each season has a different charm: you can enjoy flowers in spring, escape the heat in summer, watch yellow leaves in autumn, and watch snow in winter. With its purity and vastness, Tohulasu has become a dream paradise in the hearts of explorers and tourists.

| Tohulasu Grassland, encounter a paradise on earth. Dear friends, you must come to Tohulasu Grassland in Yili! This is the grassland closest to the city, as if it is a piece of jade left by nature in the world. It is surrounded by mountains, lush grass, and herds of cattle and sheep. Any shot you take will create a beautiful picture. Standing on the grassland, the breeze blows gently, bringing the fragrance of green grass. The snow-capped mountains in the distance sparkle silver in the sun, forming an intoxicating beauty with the blue sky, white clouds and green grass. You can run freely on the grassland and feel the free wind; you can also choose to ride a bike and travel through the picturesque scenery. Camping is also a good choice. Looking up at the starry sky at night, it seems as if you can touch the mysteries of the universe with your hands. There are also attractions such as the "Yijing" Ancient Road and the Tohulasu Grand Canyon, each of which is full of mysterious charm. The ancient tombs of Wusun bear witness to the vicissitudes of history, making people recall the glory of the past. There are also lovely "mobile police stations" on the grassland. They are like the "safety lights" of the grassland, guarding this beautiful land and people. Come to Tohulasu Grassland, in this picturesque place, you will encounter the most beautiful scenery and leave the most unforgettable memories.

🌈 Xinjiang, that distant and mysterious place, always has a magical charm that moves people's hearts. 🌟 Discover an unknown paradise — Tuhulasi Grassland, a place that can rival the beauty of Kanas. 📍 Location: Tuhulasi Grassland, Xinjiang 🚗 Self-drive navigation: Tuhulasi Scenic Area 🎫 Ticket: 30 yuan, an absolute bargain! 🌈 Tips: ◾️ 🏃‍♂️ In Tuhulasi Grassland, you can run and shout to your heart's content, feeling the vastness and freedom of the grassland. 😍 ◾️ 📖 Don't miss the beautiful legend of Wuxifu Gully, where touching stories await your listening. ◾️ 📸 Bring your camera to capture every beautiful scene here, each frame will become a precious memory. ◾️ 🌌 At night, lie on the grass, gaze at the starry sky, and let your soul be truly released. 📷 Travel Tips: 1⃣️ 🚙 This developing scenic area has overall good road conditions, but the roads within are gravel. It is recommended to drive an SUV or off-road vehicle for a more enjoyable experience. 2⃣️ 🌞 The summer days in Xinjiang are long. We chose to set off after lunch, and an afternoon is enough for a visit. However, be sure to descend the mountain early, as it may be unsafe after dark. 3⃣️ 🐂 Cows, sheep, and camels can be seen along the way, adding liveliness to the grassland. Drive deeper to Wuxifu Gully, where there are restaurants to taste authentic cuisine, and you can also go down the mountain to enjoy the beautiful scenery of rivers and fir forests. 4⃣️ 📵 The signal in the scenic area is weak, remember to plan ahead and be ready for surprises and discoveries along the way.

Tuo Hu La Su, a niche grassland that 99% of people will overlook! 💖 In Kazakh, it means 'crossing straight over.' By late May, the green grassland is covered with a variety of small flowers competing in beauty, blooming like a tapestry, densely packed and rolling over the hills, like an immensely huge and exquisitely beautiful tapestry that you can't see the end of at a glance! 🎊 It's not as commercialized as the other popular grasslands in Yili, and there are hardly any tourists~ Few people, beautiful scenery, there's really nothing more to say, hurry up and rush! 📍Address: Tuo Hu La Su Grassland, Xinjiang 🎫Ticket: 30 yuan 🕐Best time to visit: May - September 🚧Road condition: Asphalt road, the road condition is very good ⛰Attractions: Tuo Hu La Su Grassland, Base Camp, Wuxifu Grand Canyon, General Usun's Tomb and Princess Tomb, Snow Leopard Discovery Site, and Kaxi Lake, etc. ⛺️Accommodation: There are yurts and hotels, and arrangements can also be made in the city of Yining 🧚🏻Here's how you can enjoy yourself: 🧩Run freely on the roads between the grasslands (have fun on the grassland) 🧩Explore the mountains and forests (go on a hiking adventure) 🧩Look for the Tuo Hu La Su snow leopard discovery site (find the snow leopard monument) 🧩Camp on the grassland (enjoy the snowy mountains and starry sky) 💡Tips for visiting: 🌟It's advised to prepare warm clothing, as the weather in the mountains can change unpredictably, and the temperature difference between morning and evening can be quite large. 🌟Bring plenty of your own food, as there are few shops and restaurants along the way. 🌟There are many viewing platforms in the scenic area, and they are generally equipped with wooden walkways and pavilions for a better view. 🌟There's not much signal in the scenic area, so it's a good idea to bring some cash. 🌟There can be a lot of mosquitoes, so if you're sleeping in a tent, remember to zip it up when entering and exiting.

As the season changes, the pasture is transferred to the pasture, which is called the transition. In the vast grasslands and alpine pastures in Xinjiang, because the pastures are zoning with the altitude of the mountains, the herdsmen have formed migratory nomadic ways of using different heights of grassland in different seasons. During the transition, the herdsmen brought their children and relatives to form a horse team, with tents and daily necessities, rushing along with the herds to move together and returning to the water. Herders have a certain time, order and route. Generally speaking, in the spring, the dry grasslands in the mountainous slopes of the mountains are used for grazing in spring pastures. Gradually rise again and go to the middle of the meadow steppe for a period of time. Summer transitions to high mountain forests, meadows, grasslands and mountains, subalpine pastures, generally between 2000 and 3,500 meters above sea level. The climate here is cool, the scenery is beautiful, and the water and grass are beautiful. It is a good place for livestock to grow and grow. After the summer, the weather quickly cooled down, the mountains began to snow, the animals had to move down, and the transition to the autumn nest, the herders called this "falling snow and sheep." In the winter, return to the desert steppe zone of the plain basin. There is no thick snow on the ground, livestock can eat forage, and Xinjiang people are also known as Dongwozi. Because of the improvement of conditions