Nanshan Pastures (West Baiyang Valley)
南山牧场
Spruce forests and alpine meadows on the northern slope of the Tian Shan, with Kazakh yurts, horseback rides to a waterfall and whole roast lamb. It is the closest Tian Shan grassland to Urumqi.
Nanshan Pastures is a general name for a series of valley pastures and scenic areas on the northern slope of the Tian Shan in Urumqi County, about 60–80 km from the city centre at an elevation of 1,500–2,500 m. The main areas are West Baiyang Valley, East Baiyang Valley, Juhuatai, Banfanggou and Shuixigou, and West Baiyang Valley is the most developed. This is classic northern Tian Shan scenery: steep slopes of Schrenk spruce forest, green meadows and streams on the valley floor, and in summer Kazakh herders graze their animals here, with white yurts scattered across the valley.
Things to do: From the scenic entrance to West Baiyang Valley, ride a horse or walk about 3 km to the waterfall deep in the valley (roughly 40 m high), with spruce and meadow views along the way. Herders' yurts serve milk tea, yogurt curds, grilled mutton and whole roast lamb (reservation required). You can also watch horse racing, buzkashi (goat polo) and Kazakh song and dance performances. East Baiyang Valley is known for its alpine meadows and pine forests. Juhuatai is a flat meadow above 2,000 m with wide open views.
Admission is roughly 30–60 yuan, and horse riding costs about 100 yuan per ride. Getting there: a day tour or chartered car from the city takes about 3 hours each way. There is no convenient public bus, so many visitors split Nanshan and Heavenly Lake into two separate days.
Tips: Mountain temperatures are 8–10°C lower than in the city, and afternoon showers are common, so bring a jacket and rain gear. Horses are led by herders, and riders should wear helmets. Negotiate prices before eating at the yurts. UV is strong. The coordinates mark the location of West Baiyang Valley.
Opening hours
Peak season 09:00–19:00
Nearby sights
- Tianshan Grand Canyon (Zhaobishan)
- Silk Road International Ski Resort
- Geographical Centre of Asia
- Wulabo Ancient City
- Urumqi Glacier No. 1
- Xinjiang Geological and Mineral Museum
- Memorial of the Eighth Route Army Office in Xinjiang
- Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar