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Explore the stone-figure group of ancient stone men on the grassland, appreciating their forms and cultural meaning. Walk on the surrounding grassland to experience the nomadic Kazakh herdsmen culture, perhaps see yurts, grazing animals and enjoy wide open views. Take photography of the stone figures with the grassland backdrop and mountain scenery. Combine this with a visit to the grassland itself for a relaxing nature stroll or picnic in scenic surroundings.
The Agonggaiti Grassland Stone Figures are located on the Agonggaiti Grassland in Zhaosu County, Ili Prefecture, Xinjiang. Seventeen stone figures dating from the Bronze Age to the Sui and Tang Dynasties are found here. Despite weathering and wind erosion, their forms and faces are still faintly discernible. Facing east, their eyes reflect the vicissitudes of life, as they have stood watch for millennia. These figures represent the spirit of the nomadic peoples of the grasslands, characterized by their endless vitality and harmony with nature. Visitors can experience the vibrant traditions of Kazakhs and explore the millennia-old heritage of their nomadic ancestors, including the stone figures, rock carvings, and rock paintings.
Temperate continental climate, summer
Grassland stone figures, rock carvings and petroglyphs, Agonggeti Grassland, half a day
50-180 yuan
09:30-18:00 (Monday-Sunday, January 1st-December 31st)
The site features a group of stone figure sculptures (stone “men”) on the grassland in Zhaosu Grassland in the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. Some are dated over a thousand years old and reflect ancient shamanic and nomadic traditions including ancestor or hero worship of grassland peoples. These stone figures symbolise the spirit of the nomadic peoples and their connection with the grassland environment.
The site is located on the Agonggeti Grassland in Zhaosu County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. To get there:
Opening hours for the scenic area are stated as approximately 09:30 to 18:00 daily. The best time to visit is during the summer months and into early autumn (June to September) when the grassland is lush, weather is favourable and the stone figures contrast well with the landscape. The regional guide suggests June-October as optimal.
The ticket price is quoted at around 50 – 180 RMB for the site. Tickets may be bought offline (at entrance) though online booking could be available via local travel platforms. No guaranteed dedicated online booking info was found.
Advance booking is not strictly required, but during peak season (summer weekends, holidays) it may be wise to secure tickets or transport in advance. The site is less formal than major theme parks, so booking a day ahead should suffice if staying in Zhaosu or nearby.
Allow 1-2 hours to visit the stone figure area and the immediate grassland surroundings. If you plan to stroll more widely on the grassland, take photos, interact with herdsman culture, then allocate half-a-day (3-4 hours).
Key highlights:
No specific information was found regarding formal audio guides or structured guided tours at the stone figure site. If you book a local guide (Mandarin and possibly some English), they may interpret the cultural and archaeological significance for you, but independent exploration is typical.
For photography:
A recommended simple route:
No widely documented evening light shows or special night tours are known for this site. The remote grassland setting and open landscape suggest most visitors visit during daylight hours. Visiting at dusk might be possible but basic facilities may be limited after dark.
The site is relatively less crowded compared to major tourist hotspots, especially given its more remote grassland setting. To experience fewer crowds, visit on a weekday and earlier in the season (June) or later in autumn (September) rather than peak weekends or national holidays.
Facilities are basic given the grassland environment and remote location. Expect some rest areas and possibly simple toilets near main viewing areas. Food and water may be limited — plan to bring water, snacks, and ensure you have access to rest stops. Booking a tour with local support can ensure slightly better amenities.
Walking around the grassland and near the figures is reasonably gentle terrain but not heavily developed. For elderly or children, the walk should be manageable if moderate mobility is okay. For visitors with disabilities or mobility challenges, terrain may pose some difficulty (uneven ground, slopes). Consider arranging a vehicle drop-off nearer the sculpture area if available.
Tickets may be purchased offline and local vendors may accept mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) in Xinjiang cities. However, for more remote grassland vendors and small shops, carrying some cash (RMB) is advisable.
Near the grassland in Zhaosu and related areas you will find local restaurants offering Kazakh or Uyghur cuisine. At the immediate sculpture site, dedicated cafés may be limited — plan your main meals in Zhaosu town or as part of a grassland excursion.
Halal food options are common in the region due to local ethnic groups (Kazakh, Uyghur). Vegetarian or vegan options may be more scarce especially in remote grassland eateries, so plan accordingly if you have dietary restrictions.
Accommodations are found in Zhaosu County and possibly on the grassland in yurts or grassland-lodges for a more immersive experience. Booking ahead is wise during peak season. Use Zhaosu town as your base for access to the stone figure site.
Nearby attractions include:
In Zhaosu town you can find souvenir shops selling local handicrafts, felt or wool products, Kazakh and Uyghur ethnic crafts, local dried dairy products, nuts or honey. On the grassland site itself the shops may be limited.
After visiting the stone figure site, you can continue your journey by car or charter vehicle to other grassland sites, mountain scenery, or return to Zhaosu town. Public transport is limited in remote areas, so having a private driver or rental car offers flexibility and ease for onward travel.
