Emin County Travel

Xinjiang Tacheng Emin — Pearl of the Grassland, Secret of the Ancient City. Stroll through Kurustai Grassland, explore the ruins of Yemili Ancient City, and experience Kazakh nomadic culture.

1,000,000 mu
Grassland Area
800 Years
Ancient City History
50+
Wild Fruit Varieties
70%
Kazakh Population Ratio
Panorama of Kurustai Grassland in Emin County
Kurustai Grassland Scenery in Emin County
A harmonious picture of vast grassland and Kazakh herders

Emin County Three-Day Two-Night Essence Tour

Stroll through the grassland, explore the ancient city, experience Kazakh nomadic culture

Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Main Destinations
Kurustai Grassland, Yemili Ancient City, Wild Fruit Forest
Suitable For
Nature lovers, culture explorers, photography enthusiasts
Budget per Person
¥700-¥1000
01
Grassland Pastoral
Kurustai Grassland · Kazakh Home Visit
Highlights

Arrive in Emin County, head to Kurustai Grassland to experience Kazakh nomadic life, and join a grassland bonfire party in the evening.

Attractions
Kurustai Grassland
One of the most beautiful grasslands in Xinjiang, covered with wildflowers and herds of cattle and sheep in summer, an excellent place to experience Kazakh nomadic culture.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Grassland Yurt
  • Emin County Hotel
  • Characteristic Homestay
Food Recommendations
  • Hand-Grabbed Mutton
  • Milk Tea
  • Boortsog
Travel Tips
  • Large temperature difference on the grassland, bring warm clothing
  • Respect herder customs
  • Horseback riding requires a guide
02
Ancient City Exploration
Yemili Ancient City · Emin Museum
Highlights

In the morning, explore the ruins of Yemili Ancient City and learn about Yuan Dynasty history. In the afternoon, visit Emin Museum, and stroll through the county town in the evening.

Attractions
Yemili Ancient City
Ruins of a Yuan Dynasty ancient city, once an important post station on the northern route of the Silk Road, with existing city walls and building foundations holding significant historical value.
Emin Museum
A comprehensive museum showcasing the history, culture, and ethnic customs of Emin County, housing artifacts unearthed from the ancient city and traditional Kazakh items.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • About 40 minutes drive from county to ancient city
  • Chartered car recommended
  • Museum located in county center
Ticket Info
  • Ancient City Ruins: 30 yuan
  • Museum: Free
Travel Tips
  • Digging is prohibited in the ancient city protected area
  • Photography prohibited inside the museum
  • Respect local cultural customs
03
Natural Delights
Wild Fruit Forest · Return
Highlights

Spend the day touring the Wild Fruit Forest scenic area, enjoying natural scenery and experiencing the joy of picking. Purchase specialty products in the afternoon and conclude the wonderful Emin journey.

Attractions
Wild Fruit Forest
A natural wild fruit forest area where apples, apricots, hawthorns and other wild fruit trees grow. In autumn, the trees are laden with fruit and the scenery is delightful.
Practical Info
Tour Route
  • Scenic Entrance → Viewing Platform
  • Picking Area → Picnic Area
  • Return
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Dried Wild Fruits
  • Honey
  • Kazakh Embroidery
Important Notes
  • Be careful when picking
  • Protect the natural environment
  • Purchase specialties from reputable merchants

Must-Try Foods in Emin County

Hand-Grabbed Mutton

A traditional Kazakh delicacy made from quality mutton boiled in plain water and eaten by hand — pure flavor, incredibly delicious.

Milk Tea

A daily drink of the Kazakh people, made by simmering brick tea with milk, adding salt and butter — rich and delicious, highly nutritious.

Boortsog

A traditional Kazakh pastry, deep-fried until crispy on the outside and soft inside, often enjoyed with milk tea, an essential treat for guests.

Emin County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Best grassland season
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Wild fruit ripening season
  • Avoid severe winter cold
Must-Try Experiences
  • Grassland Horseback Riding
  • Kazakh Home Visit
  • Ancient City Exploration
  • Wild Fruit Picking
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 60 yuan
  • Accommodation: 150-250 yuan/night
  • Meals: 50-80 yuan/day
  • Transport: 100 yuan (chartered car)
  • Total: 700-1000 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Best time to visit the grassland? → June-August
  • Can I see Kazakh performances? → Folk performances available during peak season
  • Essential gear? → Sunscreen, comfortable shoes, camera
  • Altitude sickness risk? → Emin County has low elevation, no altitude sickness

Explore Districts & Counties of Tacheng Prefecture