Basic Overview
Officially named Kubelik Bulak in Kazakh language, Butterfly Valley sits in Kubelik Mountain, northeast of Fuhai County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, around 60 km east of downtown Altay City. Stretching 60 kilometers from north to south, the valley lies at an altitude of about 1,400 meters on the middle mountain belt of the Altai Mountains, designated as a provincial-level natural landscape protection zone of Xinjiang. Surrounded by rolling high mountains, the valley boasts gurgling mountain springs, lush meadows and wild blossoms all year round, with a pleasant cool climate that earns it a reputation as a natural oxygen bar in northern Xinjiang.
Core Landscape & Butterfly Spectacle
The valley’s most stunning charm lies in the grand gathering of millions of colorful butterflies every June to September (peak viewing: June–July). In blooming seasons, the whole valley turns into a fairyland of flowers and butterflies: countless butterflies hover in the air, cluster on wild flowers and cling to tree branches, even covering mountain trails layer upon layer.
Butterflies vary dramatically in shape and size: some are as big as maple leaves while others are tiny as snowflakes, displaying gorgeous hues of white, golden yellow, black, silver grey and metallic iridescence. Dozens of butterfly species inhabit this habitat. Swallowtail butterflies, known as the "king of butterflies", stand out for their large bodies and bright wing patterns. Other mainstream species include hawthorn white butterflies, Apollo butterflies, clouded whites, leopard butterflies and small lycaenids. Walking through the valley, visitors are wrapped in dancing butterflies, creating a dreamlike immersive natural experience.
Travel Practical Information
Admission Fee: 20 RMB per person
Best Visiting Period: June to early September; avoid rainy days in late summer for better butterfly viewing
Recommended Stay Duration: Half a day to one full day
Transport: Self-driving or chartered car from Altay City is the most convenient way to get there
Travel Tips
Do not catch or harm butterflies arbitrarily to protect the local fragile ecological system.
Prepare sunscreen, sun hats and mosquito repellent for outdoor hiking in the mountain valley.
Wear comfortable non-slip sneakers, as mountain paths are damp and uneven near streams.
No open fires or littering are allowed inside the protected valley area.
Closing Remark
Far away from noisy crowds, Butterfly Valley integrates alpine springs, wild vegetation and spectacular butterfly swarms. It is a classic wild natural scenic spot perfect for nature lovers, wildlife photographers and hiking enthusiasts to appreciate the primitive wild beauty of the Altai Mountains.
Enchanting Butterfly Valley is located in Altay, Xinjiang, with a Kazakh local name Kubelik Bulak. This 60-kilometer mountain valley sits at 1,400 meters above sea level, featured with clear springs and luxuriant wild plants.
From June to September each year, millions of butterflies of dozens of species gather here. Magnificent swallowtails and various colorful butterflies fill the whole valley, forming an amazing butterfly ocean. It is a precious natural reserve and a fantastic spot for sightseeing and wildlife photography in northern Xinjiang. The ticket costs 20 yuan, and we suggest you visit in sunny summer days while protecting the local butterfly ecology.
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