Ili is a place full of natural beauty and cultural charm, perfect for tourism. Here are some recommended attractions and activities for traveling in Ili:?
Saylimu Lake: This is a very famous attraction in the Ili area. The lake water is clear and azure, contrasting beautifully with the blue sky, white clouds, snow-capped mountains, and flower fields, resembling a stunning painting.?
Saylimu Lake has unique beauty in every season, especially the ice eyes and blue ice wonders in winter, which are particularly spectacular.?
Kalajun Scenic Area: As a must-visit attraction in Tekes, Kalajun is hidden in the hinterland of the Tianshan glaciers. The lake water presents different shades of blue at different times, earning it the name ‘Color-changing Lake’, and the scenery is very enchanting.?
In addition, the Kalajun Grassland is also a place worth visiting, with its vast and picturesque scenery.?
Naladi Grassland: This is one of the four major valley grasslands in the world. The endless grassland extends to the snow-capped mountains, resembling a lush green blanket.?
Naladi Grassland has a unique terrain and is known as the ‘three sides surrounded by green mountains, with a river winding like a jade belt around its waist’. It is the summer pasture of the Kazakhs. Starting from May each year, large numbers of Kazakhs herd their cattle and sheep here, creating a lively atmosphere.?
Xiata Tourist Area: Located in the stunningly beautiful canyon at the most rugged part of the Western Tianshan Mountains, wildflowers, snow-capped mountains, and glaciers complement each other, creating a breathtaking scene.?
Here, you can navigate through the most rugged canyons of the Tianshan Mountains, experiencing the masterpieces of nature.?
Jongkushitai: This is an underexplored pristine village filled with greenery, which requires taking the time to slowly appreciate its beauty.?
Entering Jongkushitai is like stepping into a fairy tale world, making people feel tranquility and beauty.?
Duku Highway: This is one of China’s most beautiful highways, with a total length of 561 kilometers. The scenery changes throughout the four seasons along the way, presenting a continuous feast for the eyes.?
Driving alone on the Duku Highway can give you the amazing experience of ‘four seasons in one day, and different skies every ten li’.?
In addition, Ili has cultural attractions such as Liuxing Street, Hanren Street, the Han Princess Memorial Hall, and the Lin Zexu Memorial Hall, as well as natural landscapes such as the Zhaosu Wetland Park, Qiaxi Forest Park, and Tangbula Fairy Lake, all of which are places worth visiting.?
When traveling in Ili, you can also taste the local specialty foods such as roast whole lamb, hand-grabbed rice, mutton skewers, etc., allowing your taste buds to enjoy a feast as well.?
Hope these recommendations can help you plan an unforgettable trip to Ili!?