How to Watch the Yili Zhaosu Heavenly Horses Trampling Snow: Winter Viewing & Itinerary

Zhaosu is famous for its Heavenly Horses. In summer, you can watch horse races; in winter, there's a chance to see herds galloping across snow-covered plains. These sightings depend on local organization and snowfall conditions—they don't happen daily. Treat this as an optional opportunity within your itinerary, not a must-see attraction.

Where can I find it?

Tianma Cultural Park is a regular viewing area. During winter, horse shows or performances are scheduled; please check the park's announcements for specific showtimes. Horses in nearby pastures roam more naturally, but access requires guidance from local residents. Self-entry into pastures is not recommended.

The herd on the snowfield is far away; a telephoto lens is more practical than a wide-angle. Stand within the designated area and do not chase the horses.

Time and Weather

December to February offers stable snow conditions and the best viewing window. Morning and evening light is soft, and horse activity is more concentrated. Activities may be canceled during heavy snowstorms; please confirm before departure.

Zhaosu sits at a higher elevation with winter temperatures lower than Yining city center. Pack for colder conditions. Roads may be icy; hiring a private car is safer than self-driving.

Transportation & Accommodation

The route from Yining to Zhaosu includes mountain roads, and winter travel times may vary due to road conditions. We recommend staying overnight in Zhaosu County and heading to the viewing spot early the next morning to avoid long-distance driving in the dark.

See the overall Ili winter itinerary below.Winter self-drive in IliFor accommodation options in the county seat, seeHow to book accommodation in Xinjiang during winter。

Photography and Etiquette

Horses run fast; increase shutter speed and use burst mode to capture sharp shots. Snow reflects strongly, so add exposure compensation as needed. Do not chase the herd with a drone, as it may startle the animals.

Greet locals before taking photos; put your camera down if they decline. Pastures are working areas—do not enter fenced zones without permission.

Connect with other winter attractions

Zhaosu can be part of a 2–3 day loop connecting to Tekes and the Kalajun snowfields, or you can return to Yining to see the Swan Spring. The Sayram Lake route is also ideal for winter travel—plan accordingly.When is the best time to view the blue ice at Sayram Lake?。

Don't overpack your itinerary. In snowy conditions, roads can be slippery—allowing buffer time is more important than squeezing in one extra stop.

Other Winter Attractions in Zhaosu

Besides Maqun, the snow-covered plains, river valleys, and Bagua City in the direction of Tekes all lie on the same route. After a snowfall, villages are quiet with thick snow on rooftops; you'll see cattle and horses grazing in the snow along the roadside. These everyday scenes require no tickets—just drive slowly to encounter them.

The Bazi City of Tekes features a unique street layout. From the observation tower, you can clearly see the eight radiating streets. Winter brings fewer tourists, so you won't have to wait for photos. The drive from Zhaosu to Tekes is short, making it easy to combine both into one day trip.

Zhaosu has a high altitude and is colder than Yining. Limit outdoor time for seniors and children. Have lunch at a heated restaurant, then head out in the afternoon.

Snow driving precautions

The snow-covered roads in Zhaosu are wide but form hard ice shells from the wind, making tires prone to slipping. Stay within the tracks of the vehicle ahead and avoid leaving the road. When meeting oncoming traffic, slow down and pull over to give them space.

Park on a wide shoulder and turn on your hazard lights. Avoid stopping on curves or at the crest of a hill where following drivers can't see you.

Cell service is unreliable on the prairie. Before departing, inform your accommodation of your route and expected return time. Keep a tow rope and thermal blanket in the vehicle.

Winters in Zhaosu are quiet. Occasionally, you'll spot herders guiding their flocks across the snowfields, leaving long trails of hoofprints in the snow. These moments don't need planning—just being there is luck. Put your camera away and watch from the roadside; it's more peaceful than chasing shots. Leave some gaps in your itinerary to catch these unplanned experiences.

Call the local cultural park or travel agency beforehand to confirm the day's schedule—it's more reliable than waiting until you arrive. Snow activities are highly weather-dependent; strong winds or deep snow can lead to cancellations. Keep your itinerary flexible: if plans fall through, head to Tekes or Yining instead of wasting a whole day waiting.

Related reading

• Winter Self-Drive Tour in Ili
• Zhaosu Heavenly Horse Cultural Park
• Xinjiang winter aircraft positions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you see herds of horses treading on snow every day?

Not necessarily. Such experiences are typically reserved for specific events or appointments, so they may be limited for general visitors. It's best to confirm with local providers before you depart.

Is the Zhaosu Road drivable in winter?

Roads may be icy; snow tires or chains are required. If you lack winter driving experience, we recommend booking a private car.

Supplement: This article is compiled by a tour consultant from Xinjiang China International Travel Service (Xinjiang CITIC). Travel information for Ili and Xinjiang, including ski resort selection, course arrangements, and equipment planning, is subject to seasonal changes and road conditions. Please consult with a local travel agency advisor online for the latest details.