Urumqi Southern Pasture (乌鲁木齐南山牧场)
The Southern Pasture is where Kazakh nomads still live in yurts, ride horses across alpine meadows, and host visitors for tea and horse milk.
Duration
Half day
Cost
¥30-50 ($4-7) entry
Hours
09:00-19:00
Booking
No booking needed
Urumqi Southern Pasture (乌鲁木齐南山牧场) is a Kazakh nomadic area just 75km from Urumqi, where you can experience traditional Kazakh culture — yurts, horseback riding, and alpine meadows.
What to See & Do
Kazakh Yurts — Visit a Kazakh family in their yurt. They'll serve you tea,奶疙瘩 (dried cheese), and teach you about their nomadic lifestyle.
Horseback Riding — Rent a horse and ride across the meadows. The Kazakhs are expert horsemen and will teach you the basics.
Alpine Meadows — The grasslands stretch to the horizon, with mountains in the background. Perfect for hiking and photography.
Kazakh Food — Try beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles), horse milk yogurt, and fresh lamb.
Getting There
Tour bus — From Urumqi, take the tour bus from the train station (¥15/$2 one-way, 1.5 hours).
Private car — Hire a car for ¥200-300 ($28-42) round trip. More flexible.
Organized tour — Many hotels offer half-day tours.
Practical Tips
- The pasture is cooler than Urumqi — bring a jacket
- Horseback riding is the main activity — budget ¥50-100 ($7-14) per hour
- The Kazakh families welcome visitors but don't overstay — 1-2 hours is appropriate
- Best time: June-August when the meadows are green
Practical tips
- Horseback riding costs ¥50-100 ($7-14) per hour. The best time is morning when the light is good for photos.