75 kilometers (46 miles) south of Urumqi, in the Southern Mountain, the area at the northern foot of Karawuquntag Mountain, a spur of the Tianshan Mountains, lies Nanshan Grassland( South Mountain Grassland), also known as West White Poplar Gully. Traveling through this narrow verdant gully is a unique experience for sightseers who love natural scenery like snowcapped peaks, dragon-spruce trees and wild flowers to name just a few of the beautiful things to see.

It is also home to a 2,100 meters (6888 feet) wide waterfall which cascades down, above sea level. The valley has an annual precipitation of 500 to 600 millimeters. Screened by snow-capped peaks and dotted with tall and straight dragon spruce trees, it is an ideal place for an excursion. The Kazakhs usually spend summer here between May and October and graze their herds. Visitors can take a horseback tour guided by local Kazakhs. In a traditional yurt, the hospitable host will welcome you in with fragrant milk tea, mare's milk, cheese and roasted lamb. The horse-racing and traditional Kazakh dancing are equally amazing.

More spectacular landscape come at the far end of the valley - a 2-meter- (6.6-feet-) wide waterfall cascades 40 meters (131 feet) down, roaring with mist. It makes you feel refreshed and relaxed.

How to get there: Transport to this area can be a bit inconvenient, but there are some buses from the north end of Renmin Park off Guangming Lu.

(travelchinaguide)