Muchang Grassland
Ranch Grassland, located in Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang, is a sprawling 800-square-kilometer pastoral region at the edge of the Kunlun Mountains. Known locally as "Muchang Caochang," it serves as a summer grazing ground for Uyghur nomads and a cultural hub blending Silk Road history with nomadic traditions. The grassland, dotted with wildflowers and snow-fed streams, offers visitors equestrian adventures, yurt homestays, and insights into Uyghur pastoral life.
Historical Overview
The grassland’s history dates to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), when it was a rest stop for Silk Road caravans. Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) records mention Uyghur tribes herding livestock here, while 19th-century explorers noted its role in regional trade. In 1990, it was designated a protected cultural landscape, preserving nomadic heritage. Today, it remains a symbol of Uyghur resilience, with annual festivals celebrating equestrian skills and traditional pastoralism.
Geographical Layout
The grassland spans 2,000–2,500 meters above sea level, bordered by the Kunlun range to the south and the Taklamakan Desert to the north. Its ecosystem includes:
- Alpine Meadow Zone: Lush pastures with wildflowers (June–August).
- River Valley: The Ranch River winds through willow and tamarisk groves.
- Nomadic Camps: Seasonal Uyghur settlements with felt yurts and livestock pens.
Key landmarks include the "Eagle Rock" viewpoint and the reconstructed 18th-century caravan serai.
Major Attractions
- Nomadic Yurt Stays: Experience Uyghur hospitality in traditional felt yurts, with meals of kumis (fermented mare’s milk) and nang (flatbread).
- Horseback Treks: Guided rides to Kunlun Mountain peaks (3–5 hours).
- Wildflower Trails: Hike through carpets of gentian and edelweiss (July–August).
- Silk Road Relics: Visit the ruins of a Tang Dynasty caravan stop.
- Local Markets: Purchase handmade Uyghur carpets and nomadic tools in nearby villages.
Suggested Itineraries
-
Half-Day Classic Route (3–4 hours):
Hotan City → Ranch Grassland Entrance → Nomadic Yurt Village → Wildflower Fields → Return
Highlights: Cultural interaction and scenic photography. -
Adventure Route (Full Day):
Morning: Horseback trek to Eagle Rock viewpoint.
Afternoon: Rafting on Ranch River and visit to Silk Road serai ruins.
Evening: Sunset yurt dinner with Uyghur music. -
Cultural Immersion (2 Days):
Day 1: Learn yurt-building and wool-weaving with nomadic families.
Day 2: Attend a sheep-herding demonstration and explore nearby jade mines.
Ticket Purchase
- Admission: Free entry; horseback tours ¥150–300/person (2–4 hours).
- Guided Tours: ¥250–500/group (includes transportation and nomadic homestay).
- Permits: None required for day visits; overnight stays require local village approval.
Transportation
- By Car: 1-hour drive from Hotan City via G315; parking ¥10/day.
- By Bus: Take Bus 6 from Hotan to Ranch Grassland (¥10, 40 minutes).
- By Taxi: Direct ride from Hotan Airport (50 minutes, ¥80–100).
Best Time & Tips
- Optimal Season: June–August (wildflower bloom); avoid October–April (cold, snow).
- Essentials:
- Sun protection (hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen).
- Warm layers for evening temperatures (10°C–15°C).
- Cash for nomadic crafts (no card payments).
- Cultural Sensitivity: Ask permission before entering yurts; avoid pointing at livestock.
- Prohibited Items: Drones (require permits), loud music near camps.
Contact Us
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
