Things to do in Zhaosu
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Top 10 attractions in Zhaosu
Xiata Tourist Attraction
Xiata is located more than 70 kilometers southwest of Zhaosu County. Xiata means "stairs" in Mongolian. It was a transportation station from Ili to Aksu in ancient times. Today, it is a mountain pass, ancient road, and ancient It is a unique ancient cultural tourism area composed of ruins, folk customs and natural landscape. Legend has it that the "Lingshan Mountain" that Tang Xuanzang crossed on his westward journey was the most important channel connecting the North and South Poles on the Silk Road at that time - the ancient Shata Road. The ancient road is basically full of stone steps, most of which are left over from ancient times. Wonderful attractions include grassland stone figures, the large-scale Wusun ancient tombs and the ruins of the ancient city of Xiata, all of which are distributed on the alluvial plain formed by the Xiata River. Cross Muzarte on the main ridge of Tianshan Mountain from Xiata Canyon, more than 30 kilometers away from the mouth of the gorge, is the famous Xiata Hot Spring Sanatorium in Yili. The environment here is quiet and the water temperature is different, which is praised by many tourists.Zhaosu · 73.2 km from downtown
Zhaosu Wetland Park Scenic Area
The total area of Zhaosu Wetland Park is 1.03 million mu, and the Jiefangqiao Wetland is a habitat for migratory birds with a total area of more than 20,000 mu. The wetland is home to a rich variety of biological species, with 143 species of higher plants, including one species of national second-level protected plants, 29 species of national first- and second-level protected animals, and 90 species of birds, including 15 species of national first- and second-level protected birds, such as the great bustard, grey crane, hooded crane, whooper swan, black grouse, ring-necked pheasant, kite, etc.Zhaosu · 24.8 km from downtown
Zhaosu Yuhu Scenic Area
Zhaosu Jade Lake is a magical lake hidden in the heart of the Tianshan glacier. The winding lake water stretches into the distance.Throughout the year, due to different light conditions, the water in the Jade Lake presents different colors, hence the nickname "Color-Changing Lake". The colorful and changing colors of the lake make every tourist who sees it intoxicated, and they all sigh at its magical colors.Zhaosu · 48.4 km from downtown
Xiata Ancient Trail National Forest Park
Xinjiang Xiata Ancient Road National Forest Park is located in Zhaosu County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture. It is located in the majestic and high Harketa Mountains in the western Tianshan Mountains. It is the watershed between the Ili River Valley in northern Xinjiang and the Tarim Basin in southern Xinjiang. It has a variety of landforms such as glaciers, forests, grasslands, lakes, rivers, hot springs, etc., distributed in a stepped manner, with clear layers and very beautiful.Zhaosu · 72.2 km from downtown
Zhaosu Tianma Cultural Park
The Tianma Cultural Park in the Western Regions of Zhaosu, Yili, is a standardized grassland ecological racecourse and a popular place for tourists from Xinjiang and other places to visit grasslands, experience folk customs, and ride horses. With the themes of "China's Green Valley, Jiangnan outside the Great Wall", "Pastoral Zhaosu, the Hometown of Tianma", the Tianma Cultural Park fully explores and displays the grassland culture, Tianma culture, and folk culture of Zhaosu. The park is planned to be built in six parts: the entrance service area, the Tianma core area, the folk experience area, the life service area, the leisure and vacation area, and the grassland civilization inheritance area.Zhaosu · 12.8 km from downtown
Yizhao Highway
Yizhao Highwayis a section of the ancient Silk Road's "Gongyue Road." It starts in the north at the Ili River Bridge No. 2 in Yining City, passes through Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County, crosses the Wusun Mountains, and ends in the south at Zhaosu County, spanning over 100 km across the Ili River Valley. Known for being both rugged and magnificent, it is often called "Little Duku" by self-drive enthusiasts. The thrill of the road is concentrated in the winding mountain section that crosses Baishifeng, the main peak of the Wusun Mountains: the altitude rises to over 3,000 m, with hairpin turn after hairpin turn, a cliff on one side and a deep ravine on the other. Clouds and mist often surge in the valley below, creating the illusion of traveling above the white clouds. As the terrain rises and falls, river valley fields, gentle sloping pastures, spruce forest belts, and snow-capped ridges appear one after another within a single day. Herdsmen's yurts and horses grazing with their heads down occasionally pass by the roadside, peaceful and vibrant.Zhaosu · 1.4 km from downtown
Zhaosu Cloud Grassland
Zhaosu Cloud Grassland is located in Saerkoubu Town, Zhaosu County, covering a grassland area of 200 km². The scenic area features natural landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, pine forests, grasslands, and canyons. The scenery is picturesque all year round, and it offers various activities such as horseback riding, camping, and hiking.Zhaosu · 42.2 km from downtown
Grassland Stone Human Scenic Area
The grassland stone men are an important cultural relic on the Eurasian steppe. In the past hundred years, Chinese and foreign scholars have conducted a lot of research. According to the research of scholars from China, Japan, Britain, France, Germany and other countries, the stone men distributed on the Zhaosu grassland are the tomb stone men of the Turkic nomadic people during the Sui and Tang Dynasties. One of the small Hongnahai stone men is 230 cm tall, facing east, with his hands clasped in front of his chest. His right hand seems to hold something like sulfur or a cup. His hair is braided and parted behind his back. There are ancient ethnic characters engraved on his waist. In 2013, it was announced as the seventh batch of national key cultural relics protection units and a national 2A Attraction.Zhaosu · 6.1 km from downtown
Zhaosu Grassland
Zhaosu Grassland refers to the grassland area in Zhaosu County, Ili Prefecture, Xinjiang. With vast and magnificent mountains and pastures backed by snow-capped mountains, it has always been one of the famous grasslands in China and is an important attraction for tourists visiting Ili. In addition, events such as the Heavenly Horse Festival are held here every year, offering a rich variety of activities. Unlike other grassland attractions such asNalati and Bayanbulak, Zhaosu Grassland is not enclosed as a specific scenic area but is distributed throughout Zhaosu County. When driving here, you can visit and explore along the roadsides. Scattered across the grassland are the Grassland Stone Figures, Shengyou Temple, and the Geden Stele attraction, all of which can be visited and explored one by one. Tourists visiting Zhaosu Grassland usually come from Yining City for photography and sightseeing, staying for about two days. Including the Xiata Tourist Attraction on the southwest side of the county, you can stay overnight in Zhaosu County or within the Xiata Tourist Attraction. The rapeseed flowers here bloom approximately in July every year. At that time, you can see tens of thousands of acres of open rapeseed fields blooming at the foot of the snow-capped mountains, with a boundless sea of golden flowers that is very beautiful for photography. In addition, this is also a famous main breeding ground for Ili horses. Every summer, around July, a grand Heavenly Horse Festival is held on the grassland. There will be many lively activities and performances such as horse racing, equestrian shows, and ethnic song and dance, which you can watch if you happen to be there. Accommodation options When visiting Zhaosu Grassland, tourists often choose to stay in Zhaosu County, where there are many hotels to choose from. Prices may rise slightly during the peak season when the rapeseed flowers are in bloom, so it is recommended to book in advance. If you are also visiting the Xiata Tourist Attraction, some tourists choose to stay near the Xiata Tourist Attraction, where conditions are relatively poor, with only small guesthouses and yurts available. In addition, some tourists will travel to Tekes County or Yining City on the same day to stay, as both are urban areas with relatively more abundant accommodation options.Zhaosu · 5.9 km from downtown
Xiata Tourist Attraction - Jiangjun Bridge
Xiata Tourist Attraction - Jiangjun Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the canyon river, featuring a structure primarily made of steel cables and a wooden deck. Built to follow the natural contours of the mountains, it presents a simple and direct engineering aesthetic. It is located at a key node on the hiking trail and serves as a vital passage connecting the mountain paths on both sides with the valley floor. Standing on the bridge, you can clearly feel the dramatic drop of the canyon and the expansive changes in the terrain. Beneath your feet flows a river formed by glacial meltwater. The water is swift and clear, echoing continuously as it follows the undulating terrain. The bridge sways slightly in the wind, allowing those walking across to more intuitively perceive the power and dynamism of the natural environment. Visually, Xiata Tourist Attraction - Jiangjun Bridge does not seek ornate decoration, prioritizing utility instead. Yet, precisely because it spans such rugged terrain, it creates a tense and unique experience. Pedestrians must slow their pace to maintain balance between stability and movement, making it a popular spot for hikers to pause, observe, and take photos.Zhaosu · 79.4 km from downtown
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Free things to do in Zhaosu
Yizhao Highway
Zhaosu · 1.4 km from downtownZhaosu Cloud Grassland
Zhaosu · 42.2 km from downtown
Xiata Ancient City
Zhaosu · 60.9 km from downtown
Zhaosu Rape Flower Sea
Zhaosu · 6.2 km from downtown
Dream and Starry Sky Camping Base
Zhaosu · 15.2 km from downtown
Kazakh Ethnic Experience Folk Village
Zhaosu · 56.5 km from downtown
Zhaosuxian Tianma Culture Museum
Zhaosu · 2.3 km from downtown
What travelers say about Zhaosu
Anonymous userAugust 13, 2025
5.0
The grasslands of Xiata in August are very beautiful with snow-capped mountains and cattle and sheep. To visit the scenic area, you need to take a bus to the hot spring hotel and then transfer to an electric car to the transfer bridge and the general platform. After that, if you want to go to the flower platform, you need to hike about five kilometers to get a closer look at the snow-capped mountains. It is worth it.
Xiata Tourist Attraction
刘丽琼August 25, 2026
5.0
We came to Zhaosu Wetland specifically to see the "Heavenly Horses Bathing in the River" performance. It was a cloudy day when we arrived, so we hadn't had high expectations. After driving in, we headed to the viewing platform, found a good spot, and waited for over 20 minutes before finally witnessing the spectacular sight of the Heavenly Horses Bathing in the River. Although the performance was short, seeing it in person was still quite breathtaking and very impressive. Afterwards, we drove around the Rainbow Bridge for a long loop. The roads were nearly empty, the scenery was beautiful, and it was a very pleasant drive.
Zhaosu Wetland Park Scenic Area
apherAugust 25, 2026
5.0
Jade Lake is truly beautiful on a clear day, and a road trip there is well worth it. Besides getting a close-up view of the lake, you can also drive into the Aheyazi Valley. If you have time, you can visit the Aheyazi River downstream on the way to the scenic area.
Zhaosu Yuhu Scenic Area
阿基里斯先生January 9, 2026
5.0
Xiatu National Forest Park in Xinjiang is a pristine natural landscape, where mountains, snow-capped peaks, streams, and forests are a comprehensive collection of natural scenery, making it well worth a visit.
Xiata Ancient Trail National Forest Park
M85***97July 27, 2026
4.0
My mom was born in the Year of the Horse, and since it was free, it was a good opportunity for her to see her zodiac animal up close. The "Heavenly Horse Bathing in the River" show was good, but the organization was very chaotic. Those who paid for food received a small stool, while those who didn't had to stand. However, when the performance started, those standing would crowd to the front, leaving those sitting unable to see anything. 😔 After the Heavenly Horse Bathing in the River, we went to see the equestrian show. The performance was great, but it took a very long time to walk to the stands, which was inconvenient. I also saw people parking their cars right under the stands, but I don't know how they managed to get in.
Zhaosu Tianma Cultural Park
Sorrow丶星尘May 20, 2025
5.0
2025年伊昭公路开放很早，5月15日就开了全线，我们在16号自驾到昭苏，景色非常美，路上也有很多停车点可以拍照，弯路和爬坡不少，但是只要小心些并不难开
Yizhao Highway
M33***73April 19, 2026
5.0
I had a chance to visit the Zhaosu Cloud Grassland Scenic Area today, and it was absolutely stunning. The paved road leads directly to the mountaintop, offering views of snow-capped mountains, pine forests, and canyons—it has everything. I think it's much more beautiful than Xiatu, and I highly recommend it.
Zhaosu Cloud Grassland
黄莺萍December 14, 2020
5.0
It is a little distance from the county town, 6 or 7 kilometers, and the taxi costs about 20 yuan. The image of the stone figures is very clear, especially the stone figure called Hongnahai woman, and some others. They are not scattered on the grassland, but seem to have been moved together. The stone figures are very short.
Grassland Stone Human Scenic Area
无敌美麗的小孩May 18, 2023
5.0
Zhaosu grassland belongs to the semi-arid and semi-humid cold climate type in the temperate mountainous area. It is characterized by long winters and no summers, and the continuation of spring and autumn, with no distinct four seasons. The Tekes River runs across the county grassland, which is rich in water resources, lush grass and water, fertile soil, and suitable for farming and grazing.
Zhaosu Grassland
