Qiaxi Grassland Travel Guide

Ili Valley’s Most Comfortable Way to Enjoy Summer

Compared with the well-known Nalati and Kalajun grasslands, Qiaxi is remarkably low-key.
Yet anyone who has visited once usually agrees on one thing:
this is one of the most comfortable places to experience summer in Xinjiang.

Snow-capped mountains, dense forests, rolling grasslands, cattle and sheep, clear streams and waterfalls—nothing is missing. The difference is that Qiaxi feels quiet, spacious, and almost privately reserved, especially if you arrive at the right time.

This guide brings together everything you need to know—from access routes and driving conditions to activities, photography spots, and honest pros and cons—so you can decide whether Qiaxi fits your travel style.

Chaxi Grassland

1. Why Qiaxi Grassland Is Special

Qiaxi sits deep in the Ili River Valley and is among the first grasslands in Ili to turn green each year.
From mid-April onward, following the Tekes River uphill, you’ll see soft, velvety slopes dotted with wildflowers—locals like to say they look like “an elephant’s knees.”

What sets Qiaxi apart is not dramatic scale, but atmosphere:

• Fewer visitors than major grasslands

• Minimal commercial development

• Compact yet diverse scenery

• Ideal for self-driving, camping, and photography

That said, Qiaxi is not perfect.
Road conditions, limited facilities, and holiday congestion can strongly affect the experience. Timing matters more here than in larger scenic areas.

2. Essential Visitor Information

📍 Location: Jiergelang Township, Gongliu County, Ili Prefecture, Xinjiang
(Navigation: “Qiaxi Forest Park” or “Qiaxi Scenic Painting Viewpoint”)

🎫 Entrance Fee: 30 RMB per person
🕐 Opening Hours: 09:00–20:00

🚘 Transportation:

• No public transport

• Access by self-drive or chartered vehicle only

• SUV or off-road vehicles recommended

• Some sections are restricted during peak season

⚠️ Important:
Tickets cannot always be purchased on site. During busy periods, vehicles must be pre-registered via the official “Qiaxi Forest Park” WeChat account.

Chaxi Grassland

3. How to Explore Qiaxi

🏕 Camping

Qiaxi is one of the few places in Ili that still feels truly suitable for camping.

• Flat grassland with open views

• Sunset skies are a highlight

• Bring your own gear

• Some guesthouses offer paid shower access

Note: Nights can be cold—warm clothing is essential.

🐎 Horse Riding

Horse riding routes follow traditional pastoral trails through forests and meadows.
You’ll often pass grazing cattle and sheep.

However:

• Elevation gain is noticeable

• Routes can be physically demanding

• Best suited for short experiences rather than long rides

🚶 Hiking

Marked hiking paths lead through changing landscapes of forest, streams, and open grassland.
This is a good option for travelers who prefer a slower pace or are not driving.

🚗 Self-Driving (Key Experience)

Driving itself is a major part of the Qiaxi experience.

• Qiata Loop Road: approx. 30 km

• Best driven clockwise

• Gravel roads and shallow water crossings

• Some sections currently closed due to road construction

⚠️ Sedans are not recommended, especially after rain.

4. Best Photography Spots 📸

📍 Qiaxi Scenic Painting Viewpoint

The signature view of Qiaxi: snow peaks, grassland, and valley in one frame.

📍 Forest Log Bridge

Located deep along the Qiata loop.
A photogenic mix of stream, grass, and wooden structures.

📍 Spruce Corridor

About 10 km toward the Tarim direction.
Dense spruce forest with distant mountains—perfect for “mountain-style” photography.

📍 Two-Tree Meadow

A pair of old trees standing alone on the grassland edge.
Excellent for storytelling portraits.

📍 Panoramic Bend Overlook

Near the entrance viewpoint, where mountains, forest, and water align naturally.

Chaxi Grassland

5. Real-World Experience: Holiday Crowds

During the May Day holiday, traffic conditions were challenging.
A departure at 11:00 a.m. from Gongliu resulted in seven hours of congestion due to narrow single-lane mountain roads and a surge of camping vehicles.

By the time the boardwalk area was reached:

• Restrooms required long waits

• Food lines were crowded

• Total boardwalk hiking time: about 2 hours

Lesson learned:
If visiting during holidays, start early. Otherwise, traffic frustration can easily outweigh the scenery.

6. Where to Stay

🏨 Khorgos / Huocheng Area (Highly Recommended)

• Better hotel quality

• Prices around 300 RMB for well-equipped hotels

• Convenient base for visiting Sayram Lake

A standout option offers smart rooms and surprisingly good service at a reasonable price.

🏕 Inside the Scenic Area

• Traditional yurts: basic conditions

• Newer lodges and campsites have improved facilities

• Best for travelers who value scenery over comfort

Chaxi Grassland

7. Is Qiaxi Worth Visiting?

✔ Worth It If:

• You have flexible time

• You enjoy nature and quieter landscapes

• You can avoid major holidays

• You prefer a relaxed, less commercial environment

For 30 RMB, Qiaxi offers snow mountains, grasslands, forests, streams, horse riding, and camping—excellent value if conditions are right.

❌ Maybe Skip If:

• Your schedule is tight

• You only want Xinjiang’s top-tier landmarks

• You can only travel during peak holidays

In terms of iconic impact, Qiaxi does not surpass Sayram Lake, Nalati, or Kalajun.

8. Clothing & Supplies

• Windproof jacket or shell

• Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen

• Plenty of water and snacks

• Limited food options inside the park