There are numerous best destinations for tourism in Ili, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some recommended attractions:?
Nalati Grassland: As one of the four major alpine valley grasslands in the world, Nalati Grassland is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscape and rich vegetation. In summer, wildflowers cover the mountains and the grasslands are lush, making it an excellent destination to experience grassland customs and Kazak folk culture. Visitors can ride horses, shoot arrows, and enjoy the fun on the grasslands here.?
Sayram Lake: Sayram Lake is known as ‘The Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’. Its water is clear to the bottom, surrounded by snowy mountains and grasslands, making it a great place for bird watching and photography. The color of the lake water changes with the light, presenting layers of blue and green hues. In June, the golden lotus flowers bloom by the lake, adding to its beauty.?
Kalajun Grassland: Kalajun Grassland is a ‘World Natural Heritage’ site certified by the United Nations, famous for its human-shaped grassland curves and lush primitive spruce forests. From May to June, Xianhua Tai (Flower Terrace) transforms into a colorful carpet, while Lieying Tai (Falcon Terrace) offers a distant view of the main peak of the Tianshan Mountains, displaying magnificent natural scenery.?
Qiaxi Scenic Area: Located in the mountainous area in the southeast of Gongliu County, Qiaxi Scenic Area is backed by snowy mountains and surrounded by mountains and ancient trees, with green water encircling it. The scenic area has four distinct seasons and varied landscapes, earning it the reputation of ‘The Jiangnan (regions south of the Yangtze River) beyond the Great Wall lies in Ili, and the most beautiful place in Ili is Qiaxi’. It is an ideal destination for summer vacations, recuperation, and folk tourism in the grasslands.?
Xiata Tourist Scenic Area: This area integrates natural scenery, historical culture, and folk customs. It boasts magnificent snowy mountains, dense forests, and clear rivers, as well as abundant wildlife resources, constituting a beautiful natural picture scroll.?
In addition, Ili boasts numerous attractions worth visiting, such as Qiongkushitai Village, Guozigou Bridge, Huocheng Lavender Base, and Tekes Eight Trigrams City. Each attraction has its unique charm and story, whether natural scenery or cultural landscapes, all of which make people reluctant to leave. Therefore, the best choice of attraction depends on personal interests and preferences. During a trip to Ili, it is advisable to wander around and take in as much as possible, feeling the boundless charm of this magical land.?