Tens of thousands of sheep took to a highway in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region on Sunday as shepherds moved their herds to fresh pastures, in an annual migration with a difference.

The nomadic shepherds from Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture were allowed access to a 23 km stretch, during what is an important time when they move their flock from winter to spring pastures.

Police were on hand to make sure the traffic was stopped, as the sheep passed by.