Some great hiking if you can find the trails. These views are a little east of the ski slopes.
1 / 10

Gangou Grassland

4.4
·5 reviews·Ürümqi, China

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Xinjiang's Nanshan Pasture, with its lush green hills, stunning waterfalls, and rich nomadic culture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Coolest air, best light

CrowdMedium
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Some great hiking if you can find the trails. These views are a little east of the ski slopes.

Gangou Grassland

Best Time

Summer mornings

Coolest air, best light

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Xinjiang's Nanshan Pasture, with its lush green hills, stunning waterfalls, and rich nomadic culture.

4.4
(5 reviews)

"Truly scenic and refreshing, Nanshan Pasture offers a serene escape with vibrant nature and cultural insights."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Waterfall Transport

Take a car to Shenbulake Waterfall for 20 RMB/trip. Saves energy for exploring!

📱 iPhone Camera Friendly

Great natural beauty, photos look amazing straight from your iPhone camera.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Shenbulake Waterfall

Shenbulake Waterfall

Nanshan Pasture

A stunning natural cascade offering a refreshing escape. The journey there is as scenic as the destination itself.

Nomadic Cultural Experience

Nomadic Cultural Experience

Nanshan Pasture Villages

Step into traditional homes and experience the authentic lifestyle of local pastoral communities.

Expansive Green Pastures

Expansive Green Pastures

Nanshan Pasture

Vast, rolling hills covered in vibrant green, perfect for leisurely strolls and soaking in the fresh mountain air.

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Planning Your Visit

Best Time for Fresh Air

Visit during summer for lush greenery and pleasant temperatures. Avoid peak tourist seasons for a more serene experience. Pack layers as mountain weather can change quickly.

Getting Around Nanshan

While walking is an option, consider local transport like cars for longer distances, especially to attractions like Shenbulake Waterfall. This saves time and energy for exploring.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Coolest air, best light
Crowd
Medium
When
July afternoons
Why
Lush greenery at its peak
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚗 Waterfall Transport

Take a car to Shenbulake Waterfall for 20 RMB/trip. Saves energy for exploring! Reddit

📱 iPhone Camera Friendly

Great natural beauty, photos look amazing straight from your iPhone camera. Reddit

🧥 Pack Layers

Mountain weather is unpredictable; it can be cool or even freezing. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

Enjoy the fresh air and scenic surroundings by walking through the pastures. :athletic_shoe:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Waterfall Transport

Take a car to Shenbulake Waterfall for 20 RMB/trip. Saves energy for exploring! Reddit

📱 iPhone Camera Friendly

Great natural beauty, photos look amazing straight from your iPhone camera. Reddit

🧥 Pack Layers

Mountain weather is unpredictable; it can be cool or even freezing. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

Enjoy the fresh air and scenic surroundings by walking through the pastures. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(5 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Nanshan Pasture for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the lush green hills and refreshing waterfalls. The opportunity to experience nomadic culture adds a unique dimension to the visit. While the scenery is a major draw, some find the facilities basic and the journey a bit remote.

"Urumqi: Nanshan Pasture

History:
Nanshan Pasture was once a summer migration area for the Dzungar and Hui pastoral communities. Since the Qing Dynasty, it has become one of the most renowned grazing and summer retreat regions around Urumqi, and it still retains a strong nomadic cultural atmosphere today.

Shooting Info:
- Date: July 11
- Time: 12:03 PM

Statement:
All photos in this note were taken directly with the iPhone's native camera without editing."

Cheng Qian (Neko)

"This was also another of our tour destinations in our itinerary of our Xinjiang tour. This place seems very remote. It is truly quite scenic. We were up in the mountains and it was very cool. For some people, it was freezing cold. The air was fresh and the surroundings green. Nearby was a village where tourists sampled what a home looked like. It was an interesting trip."

Andrew Yeoh

"You can walk or take a car to Shenbulake Waterfall, and the car fee is 20 RMB per trip."

洪景暐

What People Like

Beautiful green pastures
Refreshing waterfalls
Nomadic culture experience

What People Dislike

Basic facilities
Remote location

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Nanshan Pasture is a popular day trip from Urumqi. You can hire a private car or join a tour group. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, offering scenic views as you ascend into the mountains. Reddit

Public transport options are limited. Hiring a car or joining an organized tour is generally the most convenient way to reach Nanshan Pasture. Reddit

Within Nanshan Pasture, you can walk to explore the immediate surroundings. For longer distances, like to Shenbulake Waterfall, local car services are available for a fee. Reddit

While the pasture itself is vast, specific attractions within might have small fees. It's advisable to check locally upon arrival for any applicable charges. Reddit

Nanshan Pasture is located about 60-70 kilometers southwest of Urumqi. The journey offers a transition from urban landscapes to mountainous terrain. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, there isn't a strict ticketing system for entering the main Nanshan Pasture area. However, specific attractions or facilities within might require tickets. Reddit

Nanshan Pasture is a natural landscape and is generally accessible throughout the day. However, visitor centers or specific facilities might have set operating hours. Reddit

Information on discounts is not widely available. It's best to inquire locally or with your tour operator if you are part of a group. Reddit

Yes, Nanshan Pasture can be visited on weekdays. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier with local visitors. Reddit

Absolutely! Nanshan Pasture is a perfect destination for a day trip from Urumqi, offering a refreshing escape into nature. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Don't miss the scenic Shenbulake Waterfall and the opportunity to experience the nomadic lifestyle in the local villages. The vast green pastures are also a major draw. Reddit

Enjoy hiking, photography, and simply breathing in the fresh mountain air. You can also visit local homes to learn about nomadic culture. Reddit

Yes, Nanshan Pasture offers stunning natural landscapes, making it a photographer's paradise. The scenery is beautiful year-round, especially in summer. Reddit

Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers. The mountain weather can be unpredictable, so bring a jacket even in summer. Reddit

Basic facilities are available, especially near popular spots and villages. It's always a good idea to carry your own tissues and hand sanitizer. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, you can find local eateries and restaurants, particularly in the villages, offering Xinjiang cuisine. Reddit

Expect traditional Xinjiang dishes, often featuring lamb, noodles, and local produce. Some places might offer home-style meals. Reddit

Yes, picnicking is a great option. You can bring your own food or purchase some local snacks from vendors. Reddit

While meat is prevalent in Xinjiang cuisine, you can usually find vegetable dishes and bread. It's best to inquire about options. Reddit

Prices can vary, but generally, dining in Nanshan Pasture is moderately priced, especially in local eateries. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The rolling green hills, the Shenbulake Waterfall, and the traditional nomadic dwellings offer fantastic photo opportunities. Reddit

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for landscape photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones. Reddit

No, a smartphone camera is perfectly adequate. The natural beauty is stunning, and even iPhone photos can look amazing without editing. Reddit

While dedicated photography tours might be rare, many general tours will stop at scenic viewpoints ideal for photos. Reddit

It's ideal for landscape, nature, and cultural photography, capturing the vastness of the grasslands and the local way of life. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nanshan Pasture offers a refreshing outdoor adventure for families. The wide-open green spaces are perfect for children to run around and explore safely. The cool mountain air provides a pleasant environment, especially during summer. Consider visiting the Shenbulake Waterfall for a bit of natural wonder that can captivate younger minds. Reddit

To make the trip smoother, bring snacks and drinks, as dining options might be limited or basic. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for everyone. While the scenery is beautiful, keep an eye on children near any water bodies or uneven terrain. The opportunity to see a traditional village can also be an educational experience for kids, offering a glimpse into a different way of life. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Nanshan Pasture is a dream destination for photographers, offering stunning natural landscapes that are largely untouched. The rolling green hills, dramatic waterfalls, and the vast skies provide endless opportunities for breathtaking shots. Photographers will appreciate that the natural beauty is so profound that photos taken with a simple iPhone camera can look incredible without any editing. Reddit

The best times for photography are typically early mornings and late afternoons when the light is softer and creates beautiful shadows. The summer months showcase the most vibrant greenery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions by bringing appropriate gear, and consider hiring a local car to access more remote viewpoints for unique perspectives. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Nanshan Pasture's Natural Beauty

Nanshan Pasture, also known as Nanshan Mu'er, is a breathtaking natural landscape located southwest of Urumqi. Famous for its lush green rolling hills and fresh mountain air, it offers a welcome respite from the city. The area is particularly renowned for its waterfalls, with Shenbulake Waterfall being a prominent attraction that draws visitors seeking natural beauty and tranquility. The scenery is often described as truly scenic and provides a stark contrast to the urban environment. Reddit

The best time to experience the full splendor of Nanshan Pasture is during the summer months, when the grasslands are at their most vibrant. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, photography, and simply immersing themselves in the serene environment. The cool temperatures in the mountains make it an ideal escape during warmer periods. Remember to pack layers, as mountain weather can be unpredictable and change rapidly. Reddit

For those looking to explore further, transport options within the pasture are available. While walking is enjoyable for shorter distances, hiring a car can be beneficial for reaching specific points of interest like the waterfall, with fees typically around 20 RMB per trip. This allows visitors to maximize their time and energy for sightseeing. Reddit

Cultural Immersion in Nanshan Pasture

Beyond its natural beauty, Nanshan Pasture holds significant historical and cultural value. It was historically a summer migration area for the Dzungar and Hui pastoral communities, and this strong nomadic cultural atmosphere is still palpable today. Visitors have the unique opportunity to experience what life was like for these communities by visiting nearby villages and sampling a traditional home. Reddit

This cultural aspect adds a rich layer to the Nanshan Pasture experience, offering a glimpse into a way of life that has been sustained for generations. Interacting with locals and learning about their traditions provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the region's heritage. It's a chance to connect with the authentic spirit of Xinjiang. Reddit

While the primary draw might be the landscapes, the cultural encounters are equally rewarding. These experiences offer a more holistic view of Nanshan Pasture, blending the awe-inspiring natural scenery with the enduring traditions of its people. It's a reminder of the diverse tapestry of life in this part of the world. Reddit

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