Xia Valley Travel Guide | A Date with the Snowy Mountains

| A Date with the Snowy Mountains. Xia Valley, located in Zhaosu County, Ili, Xinjiang, boasts magnificent snowy mountains, deep valleys, vast grasslands, and ancient trails bearing the marks of millennia of history—a truly enchanting tourist destination. If you yearn for the grandeur of nature, follow this guide to embark on your Xia Valley adventure! 📅 Best Time to Visit • June - August: Summer is the golden season for visiting Xia Valley 🌞. The grasslands are lush and green, wildflowers bloom in abundance, and temperatures range between 15 - 25°C, making it pleasantly comfortable. Especially in June, the valley is carpeted with wild peonies, golden lotuses, and other colorful wildflowers, creating a breathtaking floral landscape perfect for photography and hiking. • September - October: Autumn in Xia Valley paints the forests in vibrant hues 🍁. The golden leaves contrast beautifully with the distant snowy peaks, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. However, temperatures gradually drop, so remember to pack warm clothes! 🚗 Transportation Guide External Transportation • Flight ✈️: First, fly to Yining Airport, then rent a car or take a bus to Zhaosu County (about 200 km, 3 - 4 hours by car). From Zhaosu to Xia Valley Scenic Area is approximately 70 km, a 1.5-hour drive. • Self-drive 🚙: Starting from Urumqi, the total distance is about 900 km, passing through Dushanzi and Yining. It's recommended to split the drive over two days to enjoy the stunning views along the Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway (Yizhao Highway is only open from June to October)! Internal Scenic Area Transportation • Shuttle bus 🚌: From the scenic area entrance to the Hot Spring Hotel (about 40 minutes), tickets cost 40 RMB per person. • Electric cart 🛺: From the Hot Spring Hotel to Flower Terrace, you can take an electric cart (20 RMB one-way) to save energy for hiking. • Hiking/Horseback riding 🚶‍♀️🐎: Starting from Flower Terrace, you can choose to explore on foot or rent a horse to venture deeper into the valley (horse rental costs about 300 - 500 RMB per day). 🏞️ Must-Visit Attractions • Xia Valley Canyon: Take the shuttle bus and enjoy the steep mountain peaks, dense forests, and babbling streams along the way—every scene is a masterpiece! • Flower Terrace: The final stop for the electric cart, this is the perfect spot to overlook the Xia Valley grasslands. In summer, the wildflowers bloom like a colorful carpet 🌼. • Muzart Glacier: The ultimate goal for hikers, about 20 km from Flower Terrace. The towering glacier shimmers with blue light under the sun, a truly awe-inspiring sight! But safety is paramount—consider hiring a professional guide ❄️. • Ancient Trail Relics: Along the way, you'll find remnants of ancient post stations and stone steps, transporting you back in time to experience the weight of history. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations Inside the Scenic Area • Xia Valley Hot Spring Hotel: The only accommodation within the scenic area, convenient for early sunrise views and hiking, but prices are higher during peak season (800 - 1500 RMB/night). • Kazakh Yurts: An excellent way to experience Kazakh culture, priced around 200 - 400 RMB/night, offering a unique grassland lifestyle. Outside the Scenic Area About 20 km from the scenic area, Xia Valley Township has guesthouses and farm stays with budget-friendly prices (200 - 400 RMB/night), though conditions are simpler. 🍖 Food Recommendations • Zhaosu Horse Meat Naren: A local specialty noodle dish featuring horse meat with onions—its unique flavor is unforgettable! • Grilled Lamb Skewers: A Xinjiang classic. Tender lamb sizzles on charcoal, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder—utterly addictive! • Yogurt Curds: A traditional Kazakh dairy product, tangy and refreshing, full of ethnic charm 🥛. 📌 Travel Tips • Tickets: Peak season 80 RMB/person (includes the first shuttle bus ride), off-season 40 RMB/person. Book tickets in advance on official platforms to avoid queues. • Weather: Mountain weather is unpredictable. Even in summer, bring a windbreaker, raincoat, and other gear for warmth and rain protection. • Altitude Sickness: Elevation ranges from 2000 - 3000 m, so altitude sickness is rare, but avoid strenuous exercise. • Safety: For remote areas like Muzart Glacier, always hire a professional guide. Respect local herder customs—don’t trample on the grasslands. • Connectivity: Weak signal in the scenic area—download offline maps in advance 📱. The beauty of Xia Valley must be experienced firsthand. Pack your bags and set off on an impromptu adventure 🧳! For more Xinjiang travel guides, visit the mini-program "Jiangtu Guide"—plenty of practical tips to unlock more of Xinjiang’s wonders!