Tangbula is located in Nilek County, Ili Prefecture, stretching along the Kashi River (locally called Kashi River; unrelated to Kashgar City in Southern Xinjiang). A road winds through the valley, flanked by grassy slopes, spruce forests, and snowlines, earning it the nickname "Hundred-Mile Gallery."
It's not a fenced scenic spot with an entrance fee, but rather a road winding through pastures. The charm lies in the pace of the journey; stopping and starting along the way is far better than rushing ahead.
1. How to enter from both directions
Depart from Yining and enter the valley via Nileke County, a drive of about three hours. Entering from Dushanzi requires taking the northern section of the Duku Highway over Hashaligan Pass; road conditions are seasonal, typically open from June to October.
Link the two routes to create a cross-country itinerary from Yining to Dushanzi, covering both Tangbula and the northern section of the Duku Highway in one trip.
- Yining Direction: Approximately 3 hours drive, accessible year-round
- Dushanzi Direction: Via Duku Highway North Section, open from 6 to 10.
- Along the route: primarily yurts and pastoral homestays; standard hotels are scarce.
- Suggested duration: 1 days, including scenic stops and hiking
II. What to See Along the Route
The river valley features a wide water surface and slow current, with meadows on both banks turning their greenest from June to August. As you move inland, the elevation rises, the spruce forests become denser, and wildflowers concentrate on grassy slopes in July.
At the end of the road, near the Duku Highway junction, you'll find hot springs and a pastoral settlement. On clear days, distant snow-capped peaks are visible; when clouds hang low, the valley fills with fog, offering a completely different experience.
3. Accommodation and Dining
Accommodations along the route are mostly yurts and farm stays, with varying conditions. Check in advance for private bathrooms and hot water. Standard hotels are available in Nilek County and near the bee-breeding station, ideal for those not used to staying in yurts.
The local cuisine features mutton, dairy products, and noodles, with limited vegetable options. Travelers with sensitive stomachs should bring common medications.
IV. Why Is It Called the "Hundred-Li Gallery"?
This valley stretches about 50 miles, with its terrain shifting along the way: open river valleys at the entrance, dense spruce forests in the middle section, and areas near the snowline deep inside. The scenery changes naturally as you walk, creating a smooth rhythm without needing to search for specific photo spots.
June through August offers the most comfortable weather, with lush meadows, abundant wildflowers, and mild temperatures. By September, grass turns golden while spruce trees remain deep green, creating striking color contrasts. After October, nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing, making yurt stays increasingly chilly.
Along the route, you can buy yogurt and dried cheese curds at livestock stations. Prices are affordable, and tasting before purchase is allowed. Ask if sugar is added beforehand, as local yogurt tends to be quite tart.
The Yining-in, Dushanzi-out route takes a full day. Staying overnight in Tangbula is the most relaxed option. You can also go in reverse, but access to the northern section of the Duku Highway is more weather-dependent—check conditions before booking.
See the overall route for Ili.Ili RouteFor Duku Highway access arrangements, seeSelf-driving tour on Duku Highway。
There are no gas stations inside the valley; fill up your tank in Nilek County before entering. You can stay at pastoral homestays along the route, but hot water supply is unreliable—confirm availability and usage times beforehand.
When hiking, stay on the grassy slope outside the road and do not enter fenced grazing areas. Yield to herds; do not drive them away. Be aware that herding dogs are wary of strangers—keep your distance.
Hot springs deep in the valley require confirmation of operating status. For overall activities on the Ili grasslands, seeKalaqian Scenic AreaFor accommodation and itinerary coordination, please inquire.Contact customer service to confirm current arrangements。
Mobile signal in the ravine is intermittent; agree on a meeting point with your companions beforehand. Carry all trash and batteries out of the ravine—grazing areas lack waste treatment facilities. Nighttime temperatures in the ravine are low, and yurt bedding is usually self-provided. If you're sensitive to cold, bring a fleece sleeping bag for extra comfort. If time permits after hiking through the valley, visit the honey stalls near the bee farm; local black honey is a popular souvenir.
Large temperature fluctuations between day and night in mountainous areas; nighttime temperatures can drop below 10°C even in summer. Pack both a sleeping bag and a thick jacket. See the full itinerary for Ili below.Ili RouteFor the Duku Highway North Section's traffic status, please seeDuku Highway Self-Drive Itinerary。
