As spring paints the Ili River Valley with vivid greens, millions of animals are on the move—and the scene is straight out of a nature documentary. 🌄
Every year, over 3.965 million livestock in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region embark on a seasonal journey from northern winter pastures to southern spring grazing lands. This epic migration, stretching across the rugged terrain of the Ili Valley, blends ancient traditions with modern herd management.
Local herdsmen, many from the Uygur ethnic group, guide their sheep, cattle, and horses through winding mountain paths—a practice passed down for generations. 🐎 Modern tracking tech now helps ensure animal safety, but the rhythmic clatter of hoofbeats remains timeless.
Why does this matter? The migration preserves ecological balance, allowing pastures to regenerate. It’s also a cultural keystone: Families reunite at seasonal camps, sharing stories over steaming bowls of naan bread and milk tea. ☕️
Travel tip: Adventure seekers visiting Xinjiang in April can witness this spectacle firsthand—just bring your camera and a respect for the herdsmen’s tireless work!
