This Zhaosu travel guide is for travelers heading to the Ili Valley of northwest China. Zhaosu, in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, China, is famous as the “horse town” of the region, home to the prized Tianma (Sky Horse) breed and some of the greenest grassland in Xinjiang, China. In July its plains turn gold with the largest rape-flower fields in the province, backed by snow peaks. It is a calm, open-air counterpoint to the desert cities further east, and a natural add-on to our Xinjiang travel guide.
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- Zhaosu Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit
- Zhaosu Travel Guide: How to Get There
- Top Things to Do in Zhaosu
- Where to Stay in Zhaosu
- Sample Zhaosu Itinerary
- FAQ
Zhaosu Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Zhaosu is June through August, when the Zhaosu grassland is at its greenest and the famous rape flowers bloom across the valley in early to mid-July. Daytime temperatures are a pleasant 18°C to 28°C, cool by Xinjiang standards thanks to the altitude. September brings golden autumn grass and fewer crowds.
Winter is harsh, with temperatures well below freezing and limited access to the high trails. Spring (April–May) is variable, with melting snow and muddy tracks. For a province-wide view of seasons, our best time to visit China guide helps you time the rest of Xinjiang, China.
Zhaosu is a county in Ili; more on the area is on Wikipedia’s Zhaosu County article.
Zhaosu Travel Guide: How to Get There
Zhaosu is reached from Yining (Gulja), the main city of the Ili Valley, about 2 to 3 hours away by road. Zhaosu Airport (ZFL) opened in 2022 with flights from Urumqi and Yining, cutting the trip significantly. From Urumqi you can also take a flight to Yining (about 1 hour) and drive, or a long train/bus combination. Our Xinjiang Nalati Grassland guide covers the neighboring grassland to the east.
| Mode | Route | Time | Approx. Cost |
|——|——-|——|————–|
| Flight | Urumqi → Zhaosu (ZFL) | ~1h 20m | ¥500–1,100 |
| Flight + drive | Urumqi → Yining → Zhaosu | 1h + 2.5h | ¥600–1,200 |
| Train + bus | Urumqi → Yining → Zhaosu | 10h + 2.5h | ¥300–500 |
| Bus | Yining → Zhaosu | ~3h | ¥50–80 |
| Private car | Yining → Zhaosu | ~2.5h | fuel/toll only |
Around Zhaosu, taxis and hired cars are the norm; the grassland loops are best done with a driver who knows the field roads.
Link Zhaosu with the north using our Kanas Lake guide for a full Ili-and-Altay Xinjiang route.
Top Things to Do in Zhaosu
The Tianma Horse Ranch
The Tianma (Sky Horse) ranch is Zhaosu’s signature sight. Hundreds of Kazakh and Mongolian horses graze the plains, and in summer the town hosts horse-racing festivals with bareback races and exhibitions. You can watch training sessions, visit the stud farms, and sometimes arrange a short ride with a local handler.
Zhaosu Grassland and Rape Flowers
The Zhaosu grassland stretches to the horizon, ringed by the Tianshan. In July the interplanted rape fields blaze yellow against the green, a photographer’s dream at sunrise. Drive the valley roads slowly; pull-offs are frequent and free.
Xiata (Xiate) Ancient Pass
The Xiata (夏塔) area, southwest of town, follows an ancient Silk Road pass toward Hantengri Peak. A scenic shuttle takes you into a glacial valley with wooden boardwalks, hot springs, and views of the snow mountain. It is one of the finest day hikes in Xinjiang, China, and needs a half to full day. Bring a picnic, as food options inside the glacial valley are limited.
Shengyou Temple and Grassland Stone Figures
The Shengyou Temple (圣佑庙) is a rare Tibetan-Buddhist wooden monastery in the valley, still active and quietly atmospheric. Scattered nearby are grassland stone figures (草原石人) — carved standing stones left by early nomads, found in open fields a short drive from town.
Local Food and Markets
Zhaosu’s small night market serves laghman noodles, roasted lamb, horse-milk kumys, and fresh dairy from Kazakh herders. It is a gentle introduction to Ili cuisine. For more regional eats, our best things to do in China highlights Xinjiang’s food culture.
Where to Stay in Zhaosu
Zhaosu town has mid-range hotels from ¥180–320 per night and simple guesthouses from ¥90. For the grassland experience, stay at a ranch yurt or a homestay near Xiata (¥120–250 with meals). Book early in July, when the rape bloom draws domestic crowds. Confirm heating for shoulder-season nights.
New to the region? Start with our China travel guide for first-timers for visas, payments, and rail basics.
Zhaosu Travel Guide: Practical Tips
Some practical planning makes your Zhaosu travel guide itinerary easy and stress-free. Get a local SIM at Urumqi or Yining airport for data; coverage in Zhaosu town is decent but the grassland has gaps, so cache your maps and any translation you need before heading out. Carry cash for ranches, markets, and yurt stays, and link Alipay or WeChat Pay to a bank card — foreign cards are hit-or-miss outside bigger hotels, so do not rely on them.
A hired car (¥400–600 per day) is the best way to reach the Tianma ranch, the rape-flower loops, and Xiata, since public buses are few and the field roads are easy to misread without a local. Fuel up in Yining, as rural stations are sparse. Altitude is around 1,800 m, so pace yourself on the first day and drink plenty of water; the dry plateau air is deceptive.
Days are warm but nights drop to 10–15°C even in July, so pack a fleece or light jacket and dress in layers. Wear sun protection — the plateau sun is strong — and bring repellent for the grassland mosquitoes. At the horse ranch, agree on ride prices before mounting, and ask your handler about festival dates. Kazakh and Mongolian herders are welcoming; learning a few Uyghur or Kazakh greetings goes a long way. Try the local horse-milk kumys if you can — it is an acquired taste but very traditional. Confirm hotel heating in shoulder season, and book July stays early for the rape bloom. With these basics, Zhaosu is a relaxed grassland escape.
Sample Zhaosu Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive from Yining or fly to Zhaosu, settle in town, evening at the night market.
Day 2: Morning at the Tianma ranch, afternoon driving the rape-flower grassland loop.
Day 3: Full day at Xiata valley and hot springs; optional Shengyou Temple on the way back.
Day 4 (optional): Drive to Nalati or head north toward Kanas.
FAQ
Is Zhaosu in Xinjiang, China? Yes. Zhaosu is a county in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, China.
When do the rape flowers bloom? Early to mid-July, varying slightly by year.
Can I ride the horses? Short supervised rides are possible at the ranch; long treks need advance arrangement.
How many days? Three days covers the ranch, grassland, and Xiata comfortably.
Is it cold at night? Even in summer, nights dip to 10–15°C; bring a light jacket.
By Karl — Last updated July 26, 2026
Continue your Xinjiang, China journey with our Xinjiang Nalati Grassland guide just east of here.