Southern Mountain Scenic Area南山风景区
Southern Mountain (Nanshan) Scenic Area lies on the northern slopes of the Tianshan range about 40 km south of downtown Urumqi. Its subalpine meadows — Baiyang Gou, Juhuatai and pastures grazed by Kazakh herders for generations — run about 10 degrees cooler than the city in summer, while winter brings the Silk Road International Ski Resort, one of Xinjiang's largest.
Urumqi · Visitor Guide2026-10-19
Quick Answer
Is Southern Mountain Scenic Area worth visiting?
Natural pasture area about 40 km from Urumqi at 2000-3000 m elevation; entry 45 yuan with sights ticketed separately, 10 degrees cooler than the city in summer, open 9:00-19:00.
Quick facts
| Ticket | ¥45 entry (sights ticketed separately); ski resort charged separately |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open all day; sights 9:00-19:00 |
| Recommended duration | 1-2 days |
| Best time to visit | June-September (cooling off); December-February (skiing) |
| How to get there | Scenic-area shuttle from the rear gate of People's Park; by car take the Nanshan tourist road direct |
| English signage | Partial |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Distance from Urumqi | About 40 km |
| Main community | Kazakh herders |
| Elevation | About 2,000-3,000 m |
| Summer temperatures | Roughly 10 degrees cooler than the city |
| Winter ski resort | Xinjiang's largest ski base |
| Main sights | Baiyang Gou, Juhuatai, Muxitai |
What to expect
Southern Mountain Scenic Area is Urumqi's weekend back garden and one of Xinjiang's best-known resorts. Subalpine meadow is the core scenery: from late spring through summer the grass is thick with wildflowers, flocks and herds graze among the spruce, and Kazakh yurts dot the slopes, their chimney smoke giving the area a pastoral air.
Baiyang Gou (Poplar Gully) is the most famous sight, a valley of tall poplars and streams where you can ride horses and camels and watch Kazakh horsemanship shows. Juhuatai (Chrysanthemum Terrace) is named for the wild chrysanthemums that blanket the hillsides, at their best June-August. Muxitai (Alfalfa Terrace) is the highest viewpoint, overlooking the entire Nanshan pasture.
In winter the area wears a thick coat of snow. The Silk Road International Ski Resort here is Xinjiang's largest and best equipped, with varied runs and full facilities — a paradise for skiers, with floodlit night sessions under the stars.
How to get there
Take the scenic-area shuttle from the rear gate of People's Park (about 1 hour), or drive the Nanshan tourist road — the road surface is in good condition.
Best photo spots
- The Baiyang Gou lookout
- The wildflower seas of Juhuatai
- Kazakh yurt camps
- The winter ski resort
Tips
- Agree horse-riding prices and duration in advance to avoid on-the-spot markups
- Mountain weather changes fast — always carry a jacket
- Yurt stays are a signature experience but basic; set expectations accordingly
- Book ski trips ahead; gear can be rented at the resort
Scams to avoid
- Horse and camel rides sometimes carry extra charges — confirm the total price up front
Frequently asked questions
Nanshan or Tianchi — which is more worth visiting?
They are different styles: Tianchi is an alpine lake while Nanshan is grassland pasture. If time allows, visit both.
Can you stay overnight in Nanshan?
Yes — the scenic area has Kazakh yurts and resorts to stay in.
What to wear in summer?
Long sleeves are enough by day; add a jacket for mornings and evenings. UV is strong in the mountains, so bring sun protection.
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Other things to do in Urumqi
Heavenly Lake Tianchi
Alpine lake at 1,980 m in the Tianshan Mountains, 110 km from Urumqi. Kazakh yurt stays. ¥125 entry. Half-day boat or full-day hike. Best June–September.
Heavenly Lake of Tianshan
Alpine moraine lake at 1,980 m on the north slope of Bogda Peak (5,445 m), 110 km east of Urumqi. Plan a full day — 2 hours each way by road plus 4–6 hours at the lake; entry is ¥125 plus a mand.
Tian Shan Tian Chi (Heavenly Mountain Heavenly Lake)
An alpine lake in the Tian Shan at 1,980 m, covering 4.9 sq km with depths to 105 m. Admission CNY 155 with shuttle; about 120 km from Urumqi. Best May-October; allow 4-6 hours.
Shanshan Ancient City
An ancient Silk Road town of the Jushi Kingdom near Turpan, founded around the 1st century BC; 60 yuan entry (120 yuan combo with Kumtag Desert), open 8:30-18:30.
Taklamakan Desert Edge
China's largest desert and the world's second-largest shifting-sand sea — 330,000 sq km crossed by the 522 km Desert Highway. Highs hit 67°C in summer; September-November is best. Allow 2-3 days.
Xinjiang Grand Bazaar
One of the world's largest bazaars, opened in 2003 in Urumqi with 3000+ shops and about 100,000 visitors a day; free entry, shops 10:30-23:00, 100-metre Silk Road tower.
Xinjiang Museum
Xinjiang's largest comprehensive museum, with more than 50,000 artifacts telling the story of the region's history and Silk Road civilizations.
Xinjiang Regional Museum
The Xinjiang Regional Museum in Urumqi holds the 3,800-year-old Tarim mummies — the Beauty of Loulan and the Beauty of Xiaohe — alongside Silk Road textiles, Tang silk, Persian glass, and Uyghur.
Museums in Urumqi
Xinjiang Regional Museum
China's westernmost major museum — the definitive collection of Silk Road Buddhist art, Uyghur culture, and the ancient Kucha and Khotan kingdom archaeology. Free; 2–3 hours.
Xinjiang Silk Road Museum
Silk Road crossroads: Tarim mummies (3,800-year-old Caucasoid bodies preserved in desert sand), Sogdian letters, Buddhist cave art, and Uyghur textiles — all in central Urumqi. Free.