Stretching out from the foot of Mount Karawuquntag (喀拉乌成山 Kālāwūchéng Shān) of the Tianshan Mountain range not far from Urumqi, this verdant grassland provides a cool respite from the summer heat among rolling hills, natural springs, meadows of flowers and spruce forests. Between May and October, the Nanshan Grassland, or South Mountain Grassland (南山风景区 Nánshān Fēngjǐng Qū), is dotted with the yurts of Kazakhs grazing their herds and enjoying the cooler temperatures.

Specific areas of the South Mountain Grassland such as Gan Gully (甘沟 Gān Gōu) and Báiyáng Gōu, or White Poplar Gully (白杨沟, are famed locally for their picturesque scenery. Gan Gully is known for the Chrysanthemum Terrace (菊花台 Júhuā Tái), a stretch of natural garden populated by the eponymous flower. White Poplar Gulley is the most well known area in the grasslands, and is often divided into an eastern section and more famous western section. Near the end of White Poplar Gulley, a 40-meter high waterfall (白杨飞瀑 Báiyáng Fēi Pù) drops from a bluff. To the east of the White Poplar Gulley is Shangli Daba, the highest peak in the area.

Its remoteness makes the South Mountain Grassland a great escape from civilization, but it also provides a glimpse into Kazakh culture. You may see traditional song and dance or horse racing, or even be invited to a home cooked meal. Some of the Kazakh herdsmen will rent horses for rides on the grassland as well. It's even possible to stay in the yurts, but make sure to bring warm clothes as the temperature drops quite a bit at night. The grasslands are far from civilization as well, so bring a flashlight for when the sun goes down.

Xinjiang guide | Urumqi guide | Urumqi attractions | Urumqi flights
Urumqi hotels | Urumqi on the China Travel Blog