Things to do in Zhaosu

We came to Zhaosu Wetland specifically to see the "Heavenly Horses Bathing in the River" performance. It was a cloudy day when we arrived, so we hadn't had high expectations. After driving in, we headed to the viewing platform, found a good spot, and waited for over 20 minutes before finally witnessing the spectacular sight of the Heavenly Horses Bathing in the River. Although the performance was short, seeing it in person was still quite breathtaking and very impressive. Afterwards, we drove around the Rainbow Bridge for a long loop. The roads were nearly empty, the scenery was beautiful, and it was a very pleasant drive.

The grasslands of Xiata in August are very beautiful with snow-capped mountains and cattle and sheep. To visit the scenic area, you need to take a bus to the hot spring hotel and then transfer to an electric car to the transfer bridge and the general platform. After that, if you want to go to the flower platform, you need to hike about five kilometers to get a closer look at the snow-capped mountains. It is worth it.

Zhaosu Jade Lake, nestled deep in the Aheyazi Valley of Zhaosu County, Ili Prefecture, is a rare alpine lake in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains, known as the "Sapphire Lost by the Tianshan Mountains." Formed by glacial meltwater, the lake's suspended glacial rock powder constantly changes color with the seasons and sunlight. In spring and summer, it's a vibrant green, gradually transforming into a deep blue in autumn, its appearance changing daily. Climbing to the Yujingtian Peak viewing platform, one can overlook the long, narrow, turquoise lake nestled quietly among majestic mountains. In the distance, snow-capped peaks stretch endlessly, cliffs are rugged, and the lakeshore is covered in open meadows where cattle and horses roam freely, creating a tranquil yet awe-inspiring atmosphere. The scenic area allows self-driving entry, with a route that follows the valley in a round trip, allowing for frequent stops for scenic views. The deeper into the valley, the more pristine the natural environment becomes. Compared to the more popular tourist destinations in Ili, this area is much less crowded and less noisy, perfect for quietly appreciating the lake and mountains. Temperatures are low in the high-altitude valleys; even in the height of summer, the mountain winds remain chilly, so be sure to bring a thick jacket. The ultraviolet radiation is also strong, so sun protection is essential. If you visit Yuhu Lake after your trip to Xiatu, you can fully experience the unique tranquility and vastness of Zhaosu, making it a hidden gem on the Yili loop that you shouldn't miss.

Xiatu National Forest Park in Xinjiang is a pristine natural landscape, where mountains, snow-capped peaks, streams, and forests are a comprehensive collection of natural scenery, making it well worth a visit.

My mom was born in the Year of the Horse, and since it was free, it was a good opportunity for her to see her zodiac animal up close. The "Heavenly Horse Bathing in the River" show was good, but the organization was very chaotic. Those who paid for food received a small stool, while those who didn't had to stand. However, when the performance started, those standing would crowd to the front, leaving those sitting unable to see anything. 😔 After the Heavenly Horse Bathing in the River, we went to see the equestrian show. The performance was great, but it took a very long time to walk to the stands, which was inconvenient. I also saw people parking their cars right under the stands, but I don't know how they managed to get in.

2025年伊昭公路开放很早，5月15日就开了全线，我们在16号自驾到昭苏，景色非常美，路上也有很多停车点可以拍照，弯路和爬坡不少，但是只要小心些并不难开

I had a chance to visit the Zhaosu Cloud Grassland Scenic Area today, and it was absolutely stunning. The paved road leads directly to the mountaintop, offering views of snow-capped mountains, pine forests, and canyons—it has everything. I think it's much more beautiful than Xiatu, and I highly recommend it.

It is a little distance from the county town, 6 or 7 kilometers, and the taxi costs about 20 yuan. The image of the stone figures is very clear, especially the stone figure called Hongnahai woman, and some others. They are not scattered on the grassland, but seem to have been moved together. The stone figures are very short.

Zhaosu grassland belongs to the semi-arid and semi-humid cold climate type in the temperate mountainous area. It is characterized by long winters and no summers, and the continuation of spring and autumn, with no distinct four seasons. The Tekes River runs across the county grassland, which is rich in water resources, lush grass and water, fertile soil, and suitable for farming and grazing.