Tangbula Scenic Area

　　   Tangbula is the general term for the grassland landscapes within the Kash River canyon in Nileke County. It gets its name from a valley situated 105 kilometers southeast of the county seat. There are several massive rock formations on the eastern ridge of the valley that resemble a jade seal, hence the name “Tangbula,” which means “great seal” in Kazakh. The area boasts stunning scenery, including forests, grasslands, waterfalls, and rock formations. The movie *The Red Flowers of Tianshan* was filmed here on location, bringing fame to Tangbula. Generally, the vast mountain grasslands in the upper reaches of the Kash River are referred to as Tangbula Grassland, one of the five most renowned grasslands in Ili. Tangbula Grassland has 113 valleys, each forming a unique scenic spot. The Kash River runs east to west, with towering ridges to the north and south, and numerous small streams fanning out like feathered wings. The shifting waters reveal changing vistas, revealing many hidden valleys. Many of the valleys are home to natural hot springs, distributed at a density rarely seen in other mountain ranges, making it promising for the development of mineral spring bathing.

　　   During the Qing Dynasty, Tangbula Grassland was a hunting and summer retreat ground for the Ili General. In spring and summer, the mountains burst into colorful blooms—red, yellow, blue, white, and purple. Scattered yurts, drifting smoke, the sounds of horses, and layers of herding songs, together with snow-capped peaks, dense forests, clear waters, and peculiar rocks, all create an enchanting atmosphere. Especially noteworthy are the many natural hot springs found in Tangbula’s valleys, whose abundance and wide distribution are very rare.

　　   Arsalan, meaning “lion” in Mongolian, was named by the Qing scholar Xu Song, who came here for hunting. He spotted a rock resembling a lion, and the name has been used ever since.

　　   Arsalan is located on the northern edge of the front mountain range along the northern bank of the Kash River in Nileke County. Its unique and striking rock formations were shaped through natural weathering of Tertiary conglomerate rocks. Some are as large as houses, peaks, or arched bridges, while others are as small as millstones or mushrooms. On the eastern side, there is a giant rock that looks like a resting double-humped camel, known as Camel Rock. In the Queku River flowing under the bridge, another spectacular sight unfolds where massive rocks seem to be swallowing and spitting water—some like a heavenly steed galloping, some like a red deer drinking, and one in particular resembles a giant lion. From another angle, it looks like a soaring eagle, and from yet another, like a giant human head. These uniquely shaped stone forests are breathtakingly beautiful and can be described as a naturally sculpted paradise—a perfect destination for sightseeing.