Yili grassland strategy! Come here, it's all about visiting these grasslands

The scenery in Ili is so beautiful, it goes without saying. But the most important thing when coming here is to experience the vast grasslands.

Zhaosu Canola Flower Grassland

Zhaosu is the only county in Xinjiang without a desert. Apart from mountains, rivers, forests, and arable land, the rest is all grassland. August alone covers more than 10,000 square kilometers, making it one of the four major grasslands in China. No wonder locals proudly say, 'Once you've seen Zhaosu, other grasslands pale in comparison.' Zhaosu Grassland is the largest production area of canola flowers. Every July, the canola flowers and perilla create a picturesque scene, turning Zhaosu into a paradise of colors.

Kalajun Grassland

Located in Tekes County, Ili River Valley, Xinjiang, Kalajun Grassland is a transitional zone from the Western Tianshan Mountains to the Ili River Valley. This area is rich in precipitation, has a cool climate, and fertile soil, making it very suitable for growing high-quality forage grass, with hundreds of species growing here. Kalajun, meaning 'King of Grasslands' in Kazakh, is gentle and beautiful. Every year, one can see the vast and boundless grasslands, and the people here live the happiest lives! However, beautiful places always have stories, and Kalajun has its own. You might not imagine that this land was once the largest nomadic state in the Western Regions, the Wusun State, and also the largest ancient horse racing ground in the Western Regions—the Khan Grassland. It is also the place with the most nomadic tribes' royal camps.

Nalati Grassland

Nalati Grassland, also known as 'Gongnaisi Grassland', means 'White Sun Slope' in Turkic. It is located in the eastern part of Nalati Town, Xinyuan, about 70 kilometers from Xinyuan County in Ili. Situated on the northern slope of Nalati Mountain, it is a mid-mountain grassland growing on the ancient Tertiary alluvial layer. The vast grassland has an attractive name; when you first hear it, it feels as if the sky and the grassland are closely connected. Being there, you will feel that the name lives up to its reputation. It is an expansive, boundless scene with wildflowers blooming, scattered yurts, and cattle and sheep dotting the small hills. A large expanse of lush green grass, nearly 3000 meters above sea level, is astonishingly flat like a mirror, stretching out like the sky and the sea.

Bayanbulak Grassland

Bayanbulak Grassland, which means 'rich spring' in Mongolian, is vast and spectacular, surrounded by continuous snow-capped mountains. Many people came to know this grassland because of the popular movie 'Pegasus' at the beginning of the year. The howling wind, the setting sun, the green grass, the cattle and sheep, the cheers of the shutter, all bring a refreshing fragrance that is invigorating.