Climatic conditions of Xiate Ancient Road

The 12km-long Xiate Ancient Road spans two climatic zones in the north and south of Tianshan Mountain. Both Zhaosu and Xiate Hot Springs are located on the northern slope of Tianshan Mountain, with humid climate and rainy summer. However, Baicheng County and Nanmu Sarter Valley, located on the southern slope of Tianshan Mountain, have dry climate and high summer temperature, which leads to the rapid melting of Muzalte Glacier and flash floods. The climate of the ancient road is the coldest in January, and the monthly average temperature near Daban is-16 ~-25℃. The highest temperature is in July, with an average monthly temperature of 1-12℃. A large amount of precipitation is concentrated in July and August in summer, accounting for two-thirds of the annual precipitation. From late October to the end of May of the following year, it is a snow-covered period, and the thickness of snow can reach 65 cm, so it is not suitable for crossing. The high temperature in midsummer caused the glaciers to melt rapidly, and the Muzalte River surged, cutting off the ancient road, making it impossible for people and animals to pass. The best exploration time is from mid-May to mid-June or from October to November every year.