Against a backdrop of snow-capped Tianshan peaks, Zhaosu County's famed Ili horses are thundering through winter landscapes this February, offering visitors a breathtaking fusion of natural beauty and living cultural heritage. Known as 'Heavenly Horses' in historical texts, these majestic animals have become central to Xinjiang's strategy to position itself as Asia's premier winter cultural destination in 2026.
In Zhaosu's high-altitude basin, where temperatures regularly plunge below -20°C, local herders continue centuries-old traditions of breeding and training the muscular equines. Standing nearly 1.5 meters tall with distinctive arched necks, the horses' winter migrations across frozen grasslands have drawn record numbers of domestic and international tourists this season.
"This year's snowfall has created perfect conditions to showcase our equestrian heritage," said Ablimit Yusuf, a fifth-generation horse breeder. "When 300 horses charge through fresh powder, the ground literally shakes – it's like watching living history."
The county's winter tourism revenue has increased 40% year-on-year through January 2026, with authorities investing in new visitor centers that explain the horses' role in Silk Road history. Adventure tourism operators now offer everything from photography expeditions to immersive homestays with nomadic families.
