Things you must experience when you first visit Ili

There is a saying, that if you haven't been to Xinjiang, you won't know the vastness of China; if you haven't been to Ili, you won't know the beauty of Xinjiang. So, what are the must-experience things in Ili? Let's take a look and you'll know.

Visit Nalati Grassland in Yili

Rated as one of the six most beautiful grasslands in China by 'Chinese National Geography', it is also an 'alpine meadow plant zone' among the four major grasslands in the world. The best travel season is from June to September, when the grassland is lush green, wildflowers are in full bloom, and the climate is pleasant.

Visit the Kalajun Grassland in Ili

Located southeast of the county seat of Tekes County in Ili, the Kalajun Grassland is about 30 kilometers from the county seat. It is one of the most famous grasslands in Xinjiang. The Kalajun Grassland features rolling hills, backed by majestic snow-capped mountains, and includes forests, flower seas, and other landscapes. The scenery is vast and beautiful, making it an excellent destination for tourism and photography.

Visit the Most Beautiful Road in Yili - Duku Highway

Duku Highway is an important passage connecting the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains. Starting from Dushanzi in northern Xinjiang, it winds its way from north to south along the main and tributary streams of the Kuitun River into the depths of the Tianshan Mountains. The terrain of the highway is extremely unstable, bordering mountains and rivers. The Duku Expressway is 561 kilometers long, passing through several 5A-level scenic spots such as Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Nalati Grassland, Bayinbuluke, Tianshan Grand Canyon, and Kuqa Royal Palace. The entire expressway not only offers a dramatic contrast from fiery landscapes to watery vistas but also connects northern and southern Xinjiang, crossing high mountains and traversing canyons, with picturesque scenery all along the way.

Visit Ili for Romantic Lavender

Huocheng County in Xinjiang Ili is a veritable city of lavender. It has the highest density of lavender fields in the country. From June to August, lavender blooms along the nearby roadsides, creating a romantic purple countryside that attracts many tourists for photography.

Visit Sayram Lake in Ili

Backed by snow-capped mountains, Sayram Lake is surrounded by vast grasslands. The lake's water is clear and blue, making it one of Xinjiang's top scenic spots due to its stunning beauty. Every June and July, the grasslands around the lake are filled with various wildflowers, creating a breathtaking view that should not be missed. The best time to visit Sayram Lake is around June each year, when the surrounding area is lush with green grass and blooming wildflowers, reflecting the blue lake under the snow-capped mountains. The scenery is at its best, and it's a great time for photography around the lake.

Visit Kazanqi Folk Village in Yili

The Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area in Yining City, Xinjiang, is the only original ecological and culturally rich scenic area in Northern Xinjiang that reflects Uyghur customs. It serves as a window to the city's image of Yili and is a vivid portrayal of ethnic customs.