Yeqitashi Grassland Scenic Area

Yeqitashi Grassland Scenic Area

Yeqitashi Grassland Scenic Area is a cultural tourism attraction.

Yeqitashi Grassland Scenic Area

Yeqitashi Grassland Scenic Area is located approximately 200 kilometers west of Wuqia County and about 300 kilometers from Artux, centered at longitude 74

35

53, latitude 40

14

04. It extends about 7.5 kilometers westward and 2 kilometers northward, with its northwest boundary roughly formed by the foothills of the national border and its southeast ending at the Yirisu River, Bie’erxiaolurugou,

Yeqitashi Grassland River, and Xieyiteari, covering an area of about 18 square kilometers. With an altitude of over 3,000 to 4,000 meters, the area features low, gently sloping mountains, open terrain, numerous clear springs, murmuring streams, lush grasslands stretching as far as the eye can see, cool climate, and fresh air. Known for its idyllic pastoral scenery, it has been included in the book "A Grand View of China’s Scenic Spots and Historical Sites."

In Kyrgyz, Yeqitashi means “three stones.” It actually refers to three massive peaks. Some say there are three red stones in the grassland, but accounts vary with different interpretations and legends. The White Mountain theory claims the three snow-capped peaks stand like a tripod, serving as the heavenly pillars of the Queen Mother of the West; the Red Mountain theory says they are three red mountains—stones used by Goddess Nüwa when mending the sky, their red color scorched by the divine fire of her alchemy; others say these three stones are closely related to the Kyrgyz national hero Manas.

Regardless, surrounded by majestic mountains and covered in endless green, lush grass as far as the eye can see, Yeqitashi resembles a green velvet carpet stretching toward the distant horizon. On this carpet bloom numerous white, yellow, red, and purple wildflowers, competing in beauty and adorning the frontier of the motherland in stunning splendor.

In the early morning, the entire pasture is shrouded in milky white mist, with dewdrops clinging to the grass blades. The air is fresh and moist, making a stroll through the dawn-lit grassland truly intoxicating. When the sun rises in the east and golden rays spill across the pasture, the red glow, green grass, and wisps of white smoke rising from Kyrgyz yurts make the landscape even more enchanting. The meandering streams that cut through the grassland, flowing gently down from distant glaciers and snow-capped mountains, play a delightful melody, and the fish in the water seem to dance to the tune. These streams bring vitality to

the grassland and joy to the herders. They also carry the laughter and cheer of the pasture quietly toward the distance. Here,

people can fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of nature.

Yeqitashi Grassland boasts abundant vegetation, ample water, and lush grass, making it a treasured site for pastoral areas and the main venue for annual ethnic gatherings. Every summer, the mild climate, clear skies, bright sunshine, and abundant livestock create a vibrant scene. Snow-capped peaks surround the area, blending with the white clouds in the sky and flocks of sheep on the grassland, making it hard to distinguish between heaven, earth, clouds, and sheep. Herders from surrounding villages drive their animals joyfully, gathering here as if for a bustling market. Yurts dot the hillsides and valleys, while tens of thousands of livestock roam the grassland—flocks of sheep, herds of yaks, and groups of horses. The sheep bleat as they graze on tender green grass, horses gallop and seek mates, and yaks wander and forage. Shepherds crisscross the herds with their whips, and hearty songs echo across the pasture. Inside the Kyrgyz herders’ yurts, you can sit cross-legged, drink mare’s milk wine, savor fragrant meats, enjoy the melodious sounds of the komuz, and listen to deep, ancient heroic epics and pastoral ballads. Here, you can experience ethnic culture, taste traditional flavors, watch folk dances and events like eagle hunting and horse racing, explore local handicrafts, and fully appreciate the enchanting scenery of the highland grasslands.