Xiata scenic spot

Chinese name: 夏塔旅游区（Xia Ta Lv You Qu）
Location: Xiata Township, Zhaosu County, Yining City, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang.
Ticket: Entrance ticket CNY40.00, sightseeing bus CNY40.00,electric cart CNY50.00
Estimated time of tour: 4-6 hours
Recommended time of visit: Jun to Aug
Nearby attractions: Zhaosu Wetland Park, Qiongkushitai Village, Kalajun Scenic Area, Sayram Lake, etc.

Xiata is a valley 70km southwest of Zhaosu County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Xiata scenic spot is the site of ancient trail connecting Ili and Aksu region. Xiata valley is also called Tangseng Route, named after the famous Tang Dynasty monk Tangseng who travel westwards to India and brought back Buddhism classics to China. His journey is depicted in the famous novel, Journey to the West, in which the character of Monkey King is known to every Chinese.

This trail was one of the important routes on ancient Silk Road. There are still man made stone steps remained along the valley. They are the tale tell sign of that ancient route. Stone carved statues, old tombs and relics of ancient residence scattered on the vast alluvial plain of Xiata river, enriching the historical and cultural significance of this region.

Along the Turks River, the beauty of Xiata began to present at the entrance of the scenic area. At present, private cars are not allowed to enter this vast area and shuttle buses are used as alternative to move around this region and ride up to the river.

The first sight that jumps into your eyes is the Quicksand Falls. After getting off the bus at the terminal station of the spot, the true beauty of Xiata slowly unveil itself. Xiata is a dream pasture under the snowy peaks of icebergs. In the distance lies the mighty Muzhalte Snow Mountain. This mountain is said to be the Lingshan which Tang monk traversed during his epic journey west. The Turks River tumbles down from the snowy mountains. On both sides of the river are grasslands decorated with seas of seasonal flowers. Traditional Kazakh herders still take their herds to graze this vast grassland.

The beautiful of Xiata is the translated in three colors: blue, white, and green. The blue is the clear sky, the white is the snow-capped mountains in the distance, and the green is the grassland dotted with grazing cows and sheep. At the drop-off point of the shuttle bus, you can opt for the battery car and take the car to the foot of the snow mountain, or you can walk directly along the plank road or river valley to the foot of the snow mountain. It is recommended to go trekking as the scenery on both sides of the plank road are enough to make your trip worthwhile.

For those who are not used to long distance walk, at the end of the plank road, you can find herdsmen to take you on a horse and walk to the sea of flowers closer to the snow-capped mountains.