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Located in Hami Prefecture in northeastern Xinjiang, the Barkol Grassland boasts eight scenic spots and historical sites, including "Tianshan Snow," "Aocheng in the Vast Sea," "Mirror Springs and Moonlight," and "Yuetai Liusheng." It is Xinjiang's second-largest grassland. With lush cattle and sheep, abundant pasture, fresh air, and lush green grass, the Barkol Grassland is a great place to escape the summer heat and relax in the winter.
Legend has it that the Tianshan snow was a piece of silk embroidery presented by Emperor Yao of Tang, Emperor Yu of Xia, and King Mu of Zhou during their western tours to the "Kingdom of the Queen Mother of the West" after the founding of the Yellow Emperor in ancient times. The Queen Mother of the West later transformed the silk embroidery into a "Heavenly Horse" pasture. To this day, the Barkol Grassland is still known as the "Hometown of the Heavenly Horse."
Barkol is a vast grassland, but unlike the grasslands of Inner Mongolia, where the horizon stretches as far as the eye can see, where the grass meets the sky, Barkol is a basin. Looking out into the distance, you'll see a continuous chain of mountain peaks, all connected to the blue sky. These mountains belong to the Eastern Tianshan Mountains. The South Mountain, in particular, stands tall and majestic, with perpetual snow on its summit and evergreen forests along its slopes.
Around mid-May, when the weather is fine and the grass sprouts up one after another, growing taller and taller in the gentle breeze and drizzle. In June and July, when butterflies flutter, birds sing, and green waves roll, the grassland is at its most beautiful.
There are eight scenic spots and historical sites here, including Tianshan Snow, Aocheng in the Vast Sea, Mirror Spring in the Moonlight, and Yuetai Liusheng. The busiest time is August, when traditional Kazakh activities such as horse racing, sheep grabbing, girl chasing, and Aken singing are held.
Recommended play time: half a day to 1 day
free
All day
Barkol Grassland has been an important pasture for centuries, supporting nomadic herding cultures. It plays a crucial ecological role in maintaining local biodiversity and soil stability, and it is culturally significant as a center of Uyghur and Kazakh traditions.
Entrance fee: approximately 30–50 CNY; tickets are purchased onsite, with limited online options.
Advance booking is generally not necessary; however, guided tours can be booked 1–2 days ahead for convenience.
3–5 hours for the main grassland areas; a full day if including cultural experiences, horse riding, and nearby attractions.
Guided tours are usually in Chinese; English-speaking guides can be arranged in advance.
Night visits are generally not allowed; stargazing and overnight camping can be arranged with local guides.
Generally not crowded; weekdays and non-holiday periods are the quietest.
Basic facilities include restrooms, water points, and shaded rest areas; shops and restaurants are limited.
Accessible for most visitors, though some areas may be uneven and less suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Cash is recommended; mobile payment is increasingly accepted at main entry points or local vendors.
Local eateries in Barkol town serve traditional Xinjiang cuisine; options near the grassland itself are minimal.
Halal options are widely available; vegetarian dishes include noodles, rice, and vegetable-based meals.
Accommodations are primarily in Barkol town, including small hotels, guesthouses, and homestays.
