Shata | Crossing the Grassland Leads to the Glacier

| Crossing the grassland leads to the glacier. Shata Glacier Travel Guide **(Xinjiang · The Secret Corridor at the Foot of the Tianshan Mountains)**
**Shata** (also known as "Xiate") is located in Zhaosu County, Ili, Xinjiang. It is an epic canyon in the Tianshan Mountains, combining glaciers, snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands, and is praised as "one of China's most beautiful ancient trails." This is the place where Xuanzang traveled westward to obtain scriptures and a hiking paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
🌄 1. Best Travel Time**
✅ **June to September** (Best season):
- **June to July**: Wildflowers bloom across the grasslands, and the climate is cool.
- **August to September**: Snow mountains are clearly visible, autumn colors begin to show, and hiking is most comfortable.
**October to May (next year)**:
- Winter sees heavy snow closing the mountains and the scenic area; spring thaw makes roads muddy.
⚠️ Note: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, bring rain gear.
🚗 2. How to Get There?**
### **1. Major Transportation**
- **Plane/Train**: First arrive in Yining (capital of Ili Prefecture), then charter a car or take a bus to Zhaosu County (about 3 hours).
- **Self-driving**:
- Yining → Zhaosu (via "Yizhao Highway," accessible for vehicles under 7 seats, with stunning scenery).
- Zhaosu → Shata Scenic Area (about 1.5 hours, good road conditions).
2. Transportation within the Scenic Area**
- **Ticket + Shuttle Bus**: 80 RMB (includes the route from the scenic area entrance to the hot spring hotel).
- **Electric Cart**: Hot spring hotel → Frog Spring (optional, 50 RMB/person).
- **Hiking/Horse Riding**: Frog Spring → Glacier foot (one way about 12 km).
📸 3. Core Attractions & Activities**
### **1. Shata Canyon Easy Hike**
- **Route**: Frog Spring → General’s Bridge → Flower Terrace → Glacier foot (round trip 6-8 hours).
- **Highlights**:
- **Flower Terrace**: Wildflowers everywhere in summer, with Muzart Snow Mountain as the backdrop.
- **Glacier Terminus**: Get close to the millennia-old ice tongue (beware of falling rocks).
2. Muzart Snow Mountain**
- One of the main peaks of the Tianshan Mountains (altitude 6,998 meters), a landmark of the Shata Ancient Trail, best photo spot at **General’s Bridge**.
3. Shata Ancient Trail (Adventure Level)**
- 120 km long, running through the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, requires professional guides and equipment (casual tourists are advised to only experience a small part).

### **4. Hot Spring Hotel**
- Natural hot springs under the snow mountains, the top choice for relaxation after hiking (reservation required).
🏠 4. Accommodation Recommendations**
- **Inside the Scenic Area**:
- Hot Spring Hotel (the only official accommodation, about 400 RMB/night, includes hot springs).
- Nomad Yurt (near Frog Spring, about 150 RMB/person, experience nomadic life).
- **Zhaosu County**: Better facilities, suitable for non-hiking visitors (e.g., Zhaosu Hotel).
🍖 5. Food Recommendations**
- **Must-try**: Hand-pulled lamb, roasted buns, big plate chicken, yogurt dumplings.
- **Hidden Delicacy**: "Horse Meat Naren" at Zhaosu Tianma Cultural Park (local specialty noodle dish).
⚠️ 6. Precautions**
1. **Safety First**:
- Glacier areas are prone to falling rocks, do not climb without permission.
- Bring enough water and snacks for hiking; no supply points inside the scenic area.
2. **Unpredictable Weather**:
- Daily temperature difference can reach 20°C, bring a windbreaker and sun protection.
3. **Environmental Protection**:
- Take all trash with you, protect the fragile alpine ecosystem.
4. **Border Pass**:
- If planning to go deep into the ancient trail, apply for a pass at your place of residence (destination fill in "Zhaosu County").
🗺️ 7. Itinerary Suggestions**
**Classic 2 days 1 night**:
- **Day 1**: Yining → Zhaosu → Shata Scenic Area (stay at hot spring hotel/yurt).
- **Day 2**: Easy hike to the glacier → return to Zhaosu.
**In-depth 3 days 2 nights**: Add Qiongkushitai or Kalajun Grassland for a combined trip.
Shata is a "geometric symphony of snow mountains and grasslands," perfect for travelers who love off-the-beaten-path wilderness. If your stamina is limited, take the electric cart to Frog Spring to experience the essence of the scenery. Be sure to check the weather before departure! 🏔️