Nanshan Natural Scenic Area

Nanshan Natural Scenic Area

Guide: The Nanshan Natural Scenic Area is located in the mountainous region at the northern foothills of the Kalawucheng Mountain, a branch of the Northern Tianshan Mountains. It is over 60 kilometers from downtown Urumqi and takes about two hours by car. It is an excellent natural pasture.

Introduction: Sheep herds and horse teams dot the green grasslands, while dense spruce forests and wildflowers cover the hillsides; deep in the valley there is also a 20-meter-high small waterfall, offering very beautiful scenery.

What makes visiting this place most interesting is being a guest in the yurts of the Kazakh herders. The hosts invite everyone to sit around a white cloth spread in the center, on which are placed naan, deep-fried sanzi, small oily buns, fresh fruits, various dried fruits, dairy products, and more. The host brings out a large copper kettle to offer guests water for washing hands. After some light snacks, the main dishes are served, including grilled lamb skewers, roasted lamb legs, and sometimes boiled whole lamb. The most fun is the pilaf eaten by hand.

Riding the local fine horses and galloping across the vast grasslands while enjoying traditional performances such as “horse racing,” “sheep snatching,” and “girls chasing” is even more entertaining.

Tip: If you plan to stay overnight here, be sure to bring extra clothing, as it gets quite cold at night.

Xinjiang, Urumqi