Tangbula Grassland Travel Guide
Hundred-Mile Gallery: Spruces and Mountain Flowers of the Kashgar Valley
The Tangbula Grassland stretches for over a hundred kilometers along the Kashgar River Valley and is called the 'Hundred-Mile Gallery': the grasslands, spruces, hot springs, and mountain flowers along both sides of the road continually change scenes, offering another option for self-driving in Ili besides the Duku Highway.
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Destination Details
Tangbula Grassland is located in Nileke County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, stretching eastward along the Kashgar River Valley for over a hundred kilometers. The Kazakh word "Tangbula" means "seal," named so because the shape of the mountains on the east side of the valley resembles a seal stamp. Unlike the "scenic area" nature of Nalati and Kalajun, the essence of Tangbula lies in the road itself—driving is like being in a painting, stopping whenever you like to take photos.
Things Worth Including in Your Itinerary
- Hundred-Mile Gallery Self-Drive: G218 winds through the valley, offering the best compositions of grasslands and snow-capped mountains at the curves.
- Tangbula Hot Springs: There are multiple hot spring spots in the valley, reachable by an hour of horseback riding or hiking.
- Fairy Lake: This high-altitude lake is hidden among spruce forests. Its reflections are stunning in summer and it’s suitable for a half-day hike.
Best Time to Visit
From June to August, mountain flowers and green grass are at their peak; September brings autumn colors. From November to April, the mountains are closed.
Transportation and Connecting Routes
It’s about a 3-hour drive from Yining; when the northern section of the Duku Highway (towards Qiaerma) is open, it can form a loop with Tangbula, making it a classic supplementary section of the Duku route.
