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Xinjiang can offer you the best horseback travel itineraries as it is China’s top horse-raising region, with its horse stock accounting for about 26% of the country’s total. It is home to fine native breeds including Ili horses and sturdy Kazakh horses, together with other fine steed varieties. These horses are well-adapted to Xinjiang’s diverse landscapes, from vast grasslands to alpine areas, with docile temperaments and strong stamina, making them ideal for riding. When riding in Xinjiang, you can choose from various scenic spots such as Zhaosu Grassland and Nalati Grassland, where you can ride through beautiful natural scenery, experience local ethnic horse culture, and get professional guidance to ensure safety.
Enjoy Natural Scenery: No matter the season, Xinjiang presents pleasant scenery all year round. Imagine riding and galloping freely across vast grasslands. Nalati Grassland, Kalajun Grassland, Zhaosu Grassland and Bayinbulak Grassland are all perfect destinations for horseback riding. Feel the fresh breeze brushing your face, overlook the endless grasslands, rolling mountains in the distance and flocks of cattle and sheep. Escape from daily tiredness, roam at will, and truly experience the vastness and healing power of Xinjiang’s grasslands.
Enjoy Profound Horse Culture Heritage: Xinjiang boasts a horse civilization with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Dating back to the Han Dynasty, the fertile Ili River Valley served as a pivotal royal horse breeding base. The legendary Wusun horses, hailed as "heavenly horses" by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, originated here and became vital witnesses of ancient Silk Road trade, military development and cultural integration. For generations, horses have been the soul of nomadic life for local ethnic groups. Rooted in daily life, folk rituals and traditional celebrations, the profound horse culture has been well-preserved and passed down, forming an enduring horse-centric civilization on the grasslands.
Enjoy High-Quality Horse Resources: Endowed with superior natural grazing conditions, Xinjiang features abundant and high-quality horse resources and it has six main horse breeds—four local primitive breeds (Kazakh, Yanqi, Barkol, Kyrgyz horses) and two cultivated breeds (Yili, Yiwu horses). These horses are well-bred, gentle in temperament, robust and enduring, perfectly adapted to complex plateau and grassland terrains. Well-trained for tourism, they deliver a steady, safe and comfortable riding experience for travelers of all ages and skill levels.
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Peak Season: June to October
June: The grasslands begin to turn green, wild flowers bloom one after another, the temperature is mild (20-28°C), and the lavender fields in Yili are in full bloom, which is suitable for beginners to ride and enjoy the fresh grassland scenery.
July-August: The peak of summer grasslands, with lush grass and pleasant climate. It is the best time to visit grasslands such as Nalati, Bayanbulak and Kalajun. During this period, the Yili Tianma International Tourism Festival is held, with grand horse shows, horse races and other activities, allowing tourists to experience the grand occasion of "ten thousand horses galloping".
September-October: The autumn scenery in Xinjiang is charming. The grasslands turn golden, the poplar forests in southern Xinjiang are dyed golden, and the temperature is cool (15-25°C). It is suitable for riding to enjoy the autumn scenery, with fewer crowds and a more peaceful travel experience.
Off-Season: November to May
November-February: Xinjiang enters winter, with snow-covered grasslands and mountains. Horseback riding in the snow is a unique experience, and there are activities such as snow horse racing and snow sheep snatching. But the temperature is low (-15°C to 5°C), and warm keeping and safety protection are required.
March-May: The spring recovery period, the grasslands gradually turn green, the temperature rises slowly, and the number of tourists is small. It is suitable for tourists who like quiet and want to avoid the peak season, but it is necessary to pay attention to the changeable weather.
Zhaosu Grassland (Yili): "Hometown of Heavenly Horses"
Zhaosu has a long history of horse breeding and is known as the "Hometown of Heavenly Horses" in China. The Zhaosu Tianma International Tourism Festival, which started in 1992, has become a grand event to display horse culture, with horse shows, speed horse races and other wonderful activities. You can ride Yili horses, visit the Tianma Culture Museum to appreciate ancient horse gear, horse bone fossils and other cultural relics, and experience the life of Kazakh herders.
Bayanbulak Grassland (Hejing): Horseback by the "Nine-Bend Eighteen Turns"
Bayanbulak Grassland is the second largest grassland in China, with a long history of nomadic culture. It was once an important pasture for the Western Xia Dynasty and the Mongolian army. Genghis Khan’s Western Expedition iron cavalry once passed through here, leaving traces of horses. The horses here are mainly Kazakh horses and Yanqi horses, which are strong and durable, and can adapt to the cold and windy environment of the grassland. The local herders have a deep feelings for horses, and horse riding is an indispensable part of their life, from herding to transportation and entertainment. Ride along the Kaidu River, which is the prototype of the Tongtian River in "Journey to the West", and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the "Nine-Bend Eighteen Turns" at sunset.
Nalati Grassland (Yili): "Cradle of Grassland Herders"
Nalati Grassland is one of the four major grasslands in China, with a long history of nomadic culture. Horses have been an important partner of Kazakh herders here for thousands of years, and there is a Kazakh proverb: "The saddle is the cradle of grassland people". The Kazakh people here have rich experience in horse breeding and riding, and horse racing, sheep snatching and other activities are an important part of their daily life and festivals. The horses here are mainly Kazakh horses and Yili horses, which are docile and have strong endurance, adapting to the alpine grassland environment. You can ride through the spruce forests and wild tulip fields and interact with local Kazakh teenagers to learn riding skills.
Urumqi Ancient Ecological Park (Urumqi): Close to Precious Horses
This park is a characteristic scenic spot integrating horse culture, ecology and tourism, raising more than 400 precious horses of 18 breeds, including Ferghana horses (blood-sweating horses). It has held activities such as "Urumqi Horseback Tourism". Here, you can understand the history of Ferghana horses and their connection with ancient Silk Road trade, and appreciate the elegance of precious horses from all over the world. It has professional coaches to guide riding, and you can take photos with precious horses. It is a good choice for a short horseback experience in the urban area.
Before riding, listen carefully to the guidance of the coach or herdsman, learn the correct mounting, dismounting and riding posture, and do not rush to gallop without authorization.
Do not approach or stand behind the horse, so as not to scare the horse. Do not shout loudly or make sudden movements during riding.
Drunk people, pregnant women, people with heart disease, hypertension and other diseases are not suitablefor riding. Children must be accompanied by adults and ride on small horses.
Wear appropriate riding clothes and shoes like avoid sandals and high heels, and fasten the safety belt ifnecessary. It is recommended to wear a helmet to protect the head.
It is recommended to buy travel insurance in advance to ensure the safety of the trip.
Yili-Tangbula
We are delighted to introduce the Tangbula horseback riding tour, a magical horseback riding tour through rolling green hills, crystal-clear waters, and blooming alpine flowers that will enchant your spirit and leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Altay-Kanas
Experience the Kanas Horseback Riding Tour, exploring Xinjiang's pristine wilderness, serene lakes, and lush meadows. Ride through forests, discover Kanas Lake and Black Lake, and immerse in Kazakh nomadic culture with yurt stays and authentic cuisine. Let Kanas' beauty inspire you.
Kurdening-Qiaxi
Embark on a 6-day horseback riding tour in Kuerdening and Qiaxi, Xinjiang. Ride through forests, valleys, and grasslands, galloping across stunning landscapes. Traverse Qiaxi's snow-capped mountains and lush terrains, capturing breathtaking views.
Kashgar-Pamir
This tour promises not just a journey, but an experience of a lifetime, filled with breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and the thrill of horseback riding in one of the world’s most remote and stunning regions. Get ready to create memories that will last forever!
