Although Xinjiang is part of China politically; it is geographically, ethnically and historically distinct. The Southern Pastures in the Tian Shan mountains, about 75km south of Urumqi, are summer grazing grounds for local Kazakh herders. The West White Poplar Gulley, in the Southern Pastures, is a summer resort area for holiday makers from Urumqi and further afield. This meeting places provides opportunities for herders to provide tourists with services - food, accommodation and riding horses.