[2025 Zhaosu Attraction] Travel Guide for Tianma Cultural Park (Updated Jul)

Zhaosu is rich in Pegasus horses and nomadic culture is popular here. Emperor Wu of Han was so happy after obtaining the Pegasus that he gave the horse, which originally had no name, the reputation of Pegasus. This is also the birthplace of the idiom "unconstrained imagination". ⭕️Tour guide: The Tianma Imperial River is very spectacular in summer, and you can also see Tianma walking on the snow in winter. If you want to watch Pegasus stepping on the snow, you need to make a reservation 2-3 days in advance. Generally, only groups can enjoy this treatment. You can see the spectacular scene of several or even hundreds of horses rushing out. ⭕️There is no food and accommodation in the scenic area in winter, mainly because winter is the off-season and there are not many tourists. ⭕️There are no toilets along the way from Tekes County to Tianma Cultural Park (many service areas are closed in winter), and there is a restroom only at Baima Service Area (almost at the scenic spot). It is recommended to go to the restroom in the morning before departure. There are also toilets in the scenic area. ⭕️When watching the horses stepping on the snow, people can only stand outside the fence, so it is very safe. 📍Zhaosu Tianma Cultural Park Address: 20 km west of Zhaosu County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang along National Highway 218 ⌚️Opening hours: 10:30-18:30 ⚠️Horse Stepping on Snow requires the team to make an appointment 2-3 days in advance

How can you miss Zhaosu, this hidden gem in Xinjiang! Zhaosu is incredibly beautiful—with grasslands, lakes, and majestic horses, every shot you take is postcard-worthy 📸. This itinerary lets you experience both historical culture and natural scenery—definitely worth saving 🌟 📍Recommended Attractions: 1️⃣ Wusun Tombs These are the ruins of the ancient Wusun Kingdom from the Han Dynasty, exuding a strong grassland cultural atmosphere. You can see many ancient stone figures and burial sites. Recommended visit time: about 1 hour. 📌 Address: Along Provincial Highway S237, Zhaosu County 2️⃣ Zhaosu Jade Lake Scenic Area The lake is a pure emerald green, like a giant piece of jade embedded in the grasslands. On sunny days, the view is breathtaking! You can ride horses around the lake for an amazing experience. 📌 Address: About 60km from Zhaosu County ⏰ Recommended visit: 2-3 hours 3️⃣ Zhaosu Heavenly Horse Cultural Park The hometown of the "Ili Horse," one of China's four famous horse breeds. You can admire these magnificent horses up close and even try horseback riding (reservations recommended!). The equestrian performances are also spectacular, with scheduled shows daily. 📌 Address: Western outskirts of Zhaosu County 🎫 Ticket: 80 RMB/person 🍽️ Food Recommendations: Local hand-pulled rice and grilled meat are must-tries. We recommend "Uncle Kurban's Grill," where the skewers are made from high-quality local lamb—exceptionally delicious! 📌 Address: No. 82, Tianma Road, Zhaosu County 🚗 Transportation Tips: - Self-drive: About 3 hours from Yining City, with beautiful scenery along the way. - Bus: Direct buses available from Yining Bus Station. ⏰ Recommended stay: 1-2 days ✨✨✨ For accommodation, we recommend the newly opened Zhaoshu Wenzhou International Hotel. When traveling far from home, Wenzhou natives staying at a Wenzhou hotel 🏨 brings a unique sense of nostalgia. "Da Gu Nang Ha, happy to visit Wenzhou for fun and food," Wenzhou people's footprints 👣 are all over the world, and Xinjiang is no exception. [Love][Love]

🌾 Zhaosu 2 Days 1 Night: Into the Golden Flower Sea, Riding at the Foot of the Tianshan Mountains! A Thrilling Journey of Galloping Horses! Tired of the city's hustle and bustle? Craving a double shock for your eyes and soul? Zhaosu, a hidden gem in the Ili Valley, offers you the wildest and most romantic summer feast with its endless golden rapeseed flower fields and galloping horses! Two days and one night to unlock the essence of Zhaosu! --- **📅 Day 1: Ride in Zhaosu, Feel the Galloping Bloodline of the Heavenly Horses’ Hometown** * **Morning: Head to Zhaosu, First Encounter with the City of Flower Seas** * Depart early morning from Yining City (about 2.5 hours by car), with scenery improving along the way. When the car window starts to pass by the rolling waves of **millions of acres of golden rapeseed fields**, the magnificent overture of Zhaosu has already begun! Get your camera ready and stop anytime to capture this overwhelming golden romance. (**Highlight alert: In July, Zhaosu’s rapeseed flowers are in full bloom, an absolute peak of beauty!**) * **Noon: Zhaosu County, Authentic Local Cuisine to Soothe Your Taste Buds** * Arrive in Zhaosu County and head straight to a local specialty restaurant. **Tender hand-pulled lamb**, fragrant **wild mushroom noodles**, and rich **mare’s milk** will awaken your energy with the most authentic flavors. * **Afternoon: Tianma Tourism and Culture Park, Witness the “Heavenly Horse” Legend (Core Highlight!)** * This is the absolute highlight of the trip! Visit the **Tianma Tourism and Culture Park** to get up close to the tall and handsome Ili horses. The main event is the afternoon equestrian show (usually starts around 5:00 PM, be sure to confirm the time in advance)! Watch riders display breathtaking skills on horseback, feeling the perfect blend of speed and power. When **herds of horses thunder past like lightning**, kicking up dust and shaking the ground with their hooves, the raw wildness and freedom will surely ignite your passion! (**Core highlight: The scene of thousands of horses galloping, a double visual and spiritual impact!**) * **Evening: Zhaosu Wetland Park, Encounter the “Heavenly Horse Bathing in the River” Wonder** * At sunset, head to **Zhaosu Wetland Park**. If lucky, you can witness the dreamlike scene of **“Heavenly Horses bathing in the river”**: herds of horses stepping into the shimmering river to play and drink, with golden sunlight shining on their muscular bodies and splashing water, like a flowing oil painting. (**Photography highlight: Heavenly Horses bathing in the river under dusk light, a high chance of stunning shots!**) * **Overnight:** Choose a comfortable hotel in Zhaosu County or a unique guesthouse near the scenic area for a good rest. --- **📅 Day 2: Explore Ancient Trails, Wander Through Flower Seas, Return Fully Satisfied** * **Morning: Adventure on the Xiata Ancient Trail, Touch the Coolness of the Glacier** * After breakfast, head to the mysterious **Xiata Tourism Area**. Take the shuttle deep into the canyon, where magnificent snow-capped mountains, rushing Xiata River, and dense spruce forests unfold one after another. **Take a light hike** toward the **Muzart Glacier** to feel the coolness of the snowfield and breathe the purest air. This was once a perilous passage on the ancient Silk Road, blending history and natural beauty. (**Highlight: A three-dimensional landscape of snow mountains + forest + valley, strong hiking experience**) * **Noon: Simple meal in the scenic area or return to the county for lunch** * **Afternoon: Millions of Acres of Rapeseed Flower Sea, Drunk in a Golden Dream** * Carrying the cool memory of Xiata, dive once again into Zhaosu’s **iconic millions of acres of rapeseed flower sea** (there are many places to stop along the way, such as near the **Lighthouse Zhiqing Museum** with wide views). **Walk deep into the flower fields**, letting the boundless gold surround you. The breeze stirs the waves of flowers, the fragrance fills the air—this is the ultimate romance of Zhaosu summer! (**Core memory point: Vast rapeseed flower sea, a photo paradise!**) * **Evening: With a heart full of gold, happily return** * Around 5:00 PM, with your camera full of “golden memories” and your soul deeply moved, set off back to Yining, concluding this short but incredibly rich Zhaosu journey. --- **🔥 Expert Tested Highlights Summary:** 1. **Thousands of Horses Galloping (Tianma Culture Park):** The live experience is far more shocking than videos! Hooves pounding, heart racing. 2. **Millions of Acres of Golden Flower Sea (July Only):** Vast scale, intense colors, every shot is a masterpiece. 3. **Heavenly Horses Bathing in the River (Wetland Park):** A rare natural and living harmony scene, best at dusk. 4. **Xiata Ancient Trail Scenery:** Snow mountains, glaciers, forests, rivers in one frame, great hiking fun. --- **📌 Super Practical Tips:** * **Best Season:** July! Peak rapeseed bloom + greenest grasslands + good weather. * **Transportation:** Self-driving or chartered car is most convenient and flexible. Road conditions from Yining to Zhaosu are good. * **Clothing:** Comfortable hiking shoes are a must! Large temperature difference between day and night, thin jacket + sun protection clothing + hat and sunglasses are standard. * **Accommodation:** Book early in peak season! Many good options in the county. * **Horse Riding Experience:** Pay attention to safety, choose a reputable horse team, and follow the coach’s instructions. * **Respect Local Customs:** Protect the environment, do not trample flower fields, respect herders and their horses. --- **Two days and one night, Zhaosu writes an unforgettable summer rhapsody for you with its most blazing gold and most galloping vitality! 🏇 Don’t hesitate any longer, rush to Zhaosu, run wild in the flower sea, and dance with the heavenly horses!**

| Crossing the grassland leads to the glacier. Shata Glacier Travel Guide **(Xinjiang · The Secret Corridor at the Foot of the Tianshan Mountains)** **Shata** (also known as "Xiate") is located in Zhaosu County, Ili, Xinjiang. It is an epic canyon in the Tianshan Mountains, combining glaciers, snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands, and is praised as "one of China's most beautiful ancient trails." This is the place where Xuanzang traveled westward to obtain scriptures and a hiking paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. 🌄 1. Best Travel Time** ✅ **June to September** (Best season): - **June to July**: Wildflowers bloom across the grasslands, and the climate is cool. - **August to September**: Snow mountains are clearly visible, autumn colors begin to show, and hiking is most comfortable. **October to May (next year)**: - Winter sees heavy snow closing the mountains and the scenic area; spring thaw makes roads muddy. ⚠️ Note: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, bring rain gear. 🚗 2. How to Get There?** ### **1. Major Transportation** - **Plane/Train**: First arrive in Yining (capital of Ili Prefecture), then charter a car or take a bus to Zhaosu County (about 3 hours). - **Self-driving**: - Yining → Zhaosu (via "Yizhao Highway," accessible for vehicles under 7 seats, with stunning scenery). - Zhaosu → Shata Scenic Area (about 1.5 hours, good road conditions). 2. Transportation within the Scenic Area** - **Ticket + Shuttle Bus**: 80 RMB (includes the route from the scenic area entrance to the hot spring hotel). - **Electric Cart**: Hot spring hotel → Frog Spring (optional, 50 RMB/person). - **Hiking/Horse Riding**: Frog Spring → Glacier foot (one way about 12 km). 📸 3. Core Attractions & Activities** ### **1. Shata Canyon Easy Hike** - **Route**: Frog Spring → General’s Bridge → Flower Terrace → Glacier foot (round trip 6-8 hours). - **Highlights**: - **Flower Terrace**: Wildflowers everywhere in summer, with Muzart Snow Mountain as the backdrop. - **Glacier Terminus**: Get close to the millennia-old ice tongue (beware of falling rocks). 2. Muzart Snow Mountain** - One of the main peaks of the Tianshan Mountains (altitude 6,998 meters), a landmark of the Shata Ancient Trail, best photo spot at **General’s Bridge**. 3. Shata Ancient Trail (Adventure Level)** - 120 km long, running through the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, requires professional guides and equipment (casual tourists are advised to only experience a small part). ### **4. Hot Spring Hotel** - Natural hot springs under the snow mountains, the top choice for relaxation after hiking (reservation required). 🏠 4. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Inside the Scenic Area**: - Hot Spring Hotel (the only official accommodation, about 400 RMB/night, includes hot springs). - Nomad Yurt (near Frog Spring, about 150 RMB/person, experience nomadic life). - **Zhaosu County**: Better facilities, suitable for non-hiking visitors (e.g., Zhaosu Hotel). 🍖 5. Food Recommendations** - **Must-try**: Hand-pulled lamb, roasted buns, big plate chicken, yogurt dumplings. - **Hidden Delicacy**: "Horse Meat Naren" at Zhaosu Tianma Cultural Park (local specialty noodle dish). ⚠️ 6. Precautions** 1. **Safety First**: - Glacier areas are prone to falling rocks, do not climb without permission. - Bring enough water and snacks for hiking; no supply points inside the scenic area. 2. **Unpredictable Weather**: - Daily temperature difference can reach 20°C, bring a windbreaker and sun protection. 3. **Environmental Protection**: - Take all trash with you, protect the fragile alpine ecosystem. 4. **Border Pass**: - If planning to go deep into the ancient trail, apply for a pass at your place of residence (destination fill in "Zhaosu County"). 🗺️ 7. Itinerary Suggestions** **Classic 2 days 1 night**: - **Day 1**: Yining → Zhaosu → Shata Scenic Area (stay at hot spring hotel/yurt). - **Day 2**: Easy hike to the glacier → return to Zhaosu. **In-depth 3 days 2 nights**: Add Qiongkushitai or Kalajun Grassland for a combined trip. Shata is a "geometric symphony of snow mountains and grasslands," perfect for travelers who love off-the-beaten-path wilderness. If your stamina is limited, take the electric cart to Frog Spring to experience the essence of the scenery. Be sure to check the weather before departure! 🏔️

- Money-saving tips: All A-class scenic spots in Zhaosu County are free from May 1–5. The Nalati cable car + aerial grassland combo ticket is only CNY 118, and the Tianshan Flower Sea ticket in Yining County is half price. - Transportation tips: The Yining tourist bus costs CNY 5 and covers attractions such as the Sixth Star Street and Kazanqi. The bus from Yining to Tekes costs CNY 35/person, and the special line from Tekes to Kalajun scenic area costs CNY 35/person. - Accommodation recommendations: The average cost of the Magpie Bridge Homestay in Yining City is CNY 50 per person, and it offers free airport pick-up and a barbecue courtyard. A bed in the Sixth Star Street Youth Hostel starts from CNY 30. - Itinerary reference: Day 1: Yining Sixth Star Street (free) → Kazanqi Folk Village (carriage ride CNY 20) → Gelandam Ice Cream (CNY 25) Day 2: Yili River Bridge (free sunset) → Hanren Street Night Market (CNY 20/serving of Mian Fei Zi) Day 3: Sayram Lake (CNY 70 for admission) → Carpool to Yining (CNY 80 per person) Day 4: Tekes Bagua City (free) → Kalajun Grassland (CNY 140 for admission + shuttle bus) Day 5: Zhaosu Tianma Cultural Park (free) → Xia Taa Ancient Road (CNY 40 for admission, free for hiking)

If there is one place you must visit in 2024, it definitely has to be the summer in North Xinjiang and Ili, where wildflowers bloom unrestrained, and everywhere you look is an ocean of flowers. Strolling through the grasslands with cattle, sheep, and steeds, the outlined fir forests, the sacred and pure azure lake waters, and the vast mountains and seas, the unfiltered beauty of Xinjiang is truly captivating. D1: Arrive in Urumqi and pick up from the airport. D2: Urumqi → S101 → Kuitun D3: Kuitun → Sayram Lake → Yining Liuxing Street D4: Yining → Zhaosu Wetland Park → Tianma Culture Park → Zhaosu D5: Zhaosu → Aqtas D6: Aqtas → Kuerdening → Qiaxi → Gongliu D7: Gongliu → Nalati Grassland → Nalati D8: Nalati → Duku Highway → Urumqi D9: Departure from Urumqi airport, ending the tour.

Known as the 'Hometown of Heavenly Horses', Zhaosu presents a different visual effect in winter. Visiting Zhaosu in winter, you must not miss the sight of heavenly horses trotting in the snow. The herdsmen drive the steeds to gallop on the snowy field, the horse hooves stir up the flying snow fog, presenting a magnificent scene of thousands of horses galloping in the snow, which is incredibly shocking to the viewers! How beautiful can the lake water in Zhaosu be in winter? Yuhu gave the answer! Arrived at Yuhu at 5 pm, the leader said this is the most beautiful time of the day, the sunshine on the golden mountain and Yuhu echo each other, it's really heart-stirring! The boundless deep azure, when it appears before your eyes, it makes me addicted at first sight, quietly falling asleep in a pool of blue star river.