Yili Zhaosu Heavenly Horse Cultural Park: Horse Viewing, Racing, and Itinerary

Located in the southwestern Ili River Valley at a high elevation, Zhaosu boasts expansive grasslands and is the primary breeding ground for the famous Ili horse. The Heavenly Horse Culture Park brings together horse herds, equestrian shows, and performances in one place—ideal for families with children and for visitors who want to get up close with horses.

Location & Availability

Cultural Park is located near Zhaosu County, easily accessible by taxi or car. Opening hours and performance schedules vary by season; check official channels or ask your accommodation provider before visiting.

Summer is peak season with frequent performances. In spring and fall, show schedules are reduced, and some days may be open for visits only. Do not assume shows occur daily.

What are you looking at?

The main attraction is a herd of dozens of horses galloping across the pasture, kicking up dust. The equestrian show features skills like picking up coins while riding and archery on horseback. It's short, so arrive early to secure a good spot.

The park also features stables and a breed showcase where you can view the horses up close. Please do not feed or touch them, as their temperaments can be unpredictable. Remain outside the fencing at all times.

Tianma Festival and Horse Racing

Zhao Su typically hosts the Heavenly Horse Festival in summer, with dates varying each year. Please check local announcements for details. During the festival, expect horse racing, goat-grabbing contests, and cultural activities. Due to high crowds and accommodation prices, book your stay well in advance.

Occasional small-scale horse racing events are held at irregular intervals. To watch a race, ask locals or check local tourism and culture information.

How to connect with rapeseed flowers and Xiaata?

July is the peak blooming season for canola flowers in Zhaosu. You can visit the Cultural Park and flower fields in one day: enjoy the flowers in the morning, watch horses in the afternoon, and return to the county town by evening. For bloom timing, refer toZhaosu Rapeseed Flowers and Xia'ta Ancient Trail。

Xiata is located south of Zhaosu and requires a half-day to a full day trip. A three-day itinerary could be: Day 1 – Flowers in Zhaosu; Day 2 – Xiata; Day 3 – Horse viewing, then return to Yining.

Accommodation & Transportation

Accommodation options in ZhaoSu County are moderate, and availability is limited during peak season. Staying in the county makes it convenient to visit the Cultural Park and Flower Fields. There are few lodging options near Xiata, so most visitors take day trips.

Zhaosu to Yining takes about 3 hours; to Tekes, about 2 hours. When driving, observe speed limits and watch for livestock on grassland sections. For the full Ili route plan, refer to the following.Ili Touring Routes。

Note

Do not stand near the track during the show; the horses could charge and cause injury. Do not use flash photography, as it may startle the horses. Keep children under close supervision and do not allow them to chase the horses.

The grasslands have strong UV radiation; bring a hat and sunscreen. When the wind is strong, dust levels rise—wear a mask. Take all trash with you and do not feed wildlife. For overall activities in the Ili Grasslands, please refer to:Nalati Grassland Visitor Guide。

Schedule the horse herd viewing in advance; missed shows require waiting for the next one. The performance area is uncovered—bring a hat and water. Dining options within the cultural park are limited; consider returning to the county town for meals. Horseback riding is a paid add-on; confirm pricing and routes beforehand. Do not approach stables wearing flip-flops. Performances may be cancelled due to rain. Zhaosu has high elevation and gets cool at night. Do not step into rapeseed flower fields for photos. Store mare's milk wine properly. If your return trip is delayed, watch out for livestock on the road.

Horse watching is a must in Zhaosu, but don't pack your schedule too tightly—leave room for the flower fields and grasslands.

Check the performance schedule for the day before deciding when to leave.

Running horses kick up a lot of dust. Standing downwind will leave you covered in dirt. Choose a side angle to capture their gait clearly without getting dusty. Use a fast shutter speed; on your phone, burst mode works well for this.

The stables in the park have a strong odor; step out after a brief visit. To learn about the history of the Yili horse, visit the exhibition hall, which features detailed information on breeds and breeding—far more comprehensive than watching just the performances.

Zhaosu is cooler than Yining in summer; bring a jacket for the mornings and evenings. There are many bees in the canola fields, so avoid wearing perfume and wear long sleeves to prevent stings.

If horse racing is scheduled for the day, confirm the start time in advance. Arriving late means you'll only catch the end. The track has limited shade, so bring a hat and water.

Zhao'suv has strong UV radiation, and there is no shade on the grassland. Bring a hat and sunscreen. Do not use umbrellas during performances, as they will block the view of people behind you.

There are speed cameras on the way back to the county. Obey the speed limits. Cattle and sheep may suddenly enter the road in the grasslands—slow down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there performances every day at Tianma Cultural Park?More sessions during peak season; fewer in spring and fall. Please refer to the daily announcement for specifics.

Can I ride a horse?Some areas are available for a fee; follow staff instructions.

Suzhou is best visited for 2–3 days to see the rape blossoms and Xiata. Plan your trip according to the blooming season; you can...Online SupportSpecify the month.

All destinations mentioned are within Xinjiang. Before departing, please verify your itinerary based on current road conditions, opening hours, and reservation requirements for the season.

Editor's Note: Travel arrangements in the Ili region are highly seasonal. This guide has been verified by China International Travel Service Xinjiang (XJCTS) based on current conditions. For details on itinerary pacing and vehicle arrangements, please contact our local travel consultant or explore more Xinjiang travel guides on this site.