Kawas, a sweetly addictive local brew made from honey and grain to help wash down succulent mutton kebabs equally ubiquitous in this part of Xinjiang. [Wang Chongzhi / for China Daily]

Marmots dot the prairies of the Xiate Ancient Trail. [Wang Chongzhi / for China Daily]

The Tianshan mountain range forms the backdrop for Zhaosu's pastures. [Teng Xue / for China Daily]