Xinjiang Chartered Tour: 0991-8585456 1813962-2229 (WeChat same number)
Yili
When it comes to visiting Xinjiang, many people may recommend places like Kanas, Hemu, Baihaba in Altay, or southern Xinjiang’s Kashgar and the Populus euphratica forest. They would say that you haven’t truly been to Xinjiang if you haven’t been to Kashgar.
However, Xinjiang is so vast, occupying one-sixth of China’s territory. Ruoqiang County alone is equivalent in size to two Zhejiang Provinces. Therefore, it is impossible to traverse Xinjiang in just one trip. I believe that visiting the right place at the right season is the best way to fully experience the beauty of a scenic spot.
It is said that one cannot fully appreciate the beauty of Xinjiang without visiting Yili. Undoubtedly, Yili is the most beautiful place in Xinjiang in June and July. Here are some recommended scenic spots in Yili during June and July.
Bayinbuluke
Sayram Lake
Located in Bole City, Bortala Prefecture, Xinjiang, and adjacent to Huocheng County, Yili Prefecture, Sayram Lake sits in the Tianshan Mountains. It is the largest and highest alpine lake in Xinjiang, known as "the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean".
In June, Sayram Lake is adorned with blooming flowers. The wetlands and marshes by the lake are green, with the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains in the distance and cows, sheep, and horses grazing leisurely nearby, creating a natural oil painting of landscapes.
Sayram Lake
Kalajun Grassland
Kalajun Grassland is located in Tekes County, Yili Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is the transitional zone from the West Tianshan Mountains to the Yili River Valley. It is a typical alpine meadow natural grassland and was once the summer pasture of kings.
In summer, Kalajun Grassland is blooming with colorful wildflowers. In the distance, there are snowy mountains and forest gorges, forming a beautiful alpine meadow grassland.
Kalajun Grassland
Tangbula Grassland
Tangbula Grassland is located in Nilka County, Yili Prefecture, Xinjiang. If you follow the Kashi River upstream from the county seat, the lush mountain and valley grasslands on both bankss are Tangbula Grassland.
In summer, Tangbula Grassland boasts clear waters and green mountains, with rolling hills and lush vegetation. The river flows tirelessly, the riverbanks are covered with green grass, and streams gurgle within the valleys. Spruce trees are verdant and tall. Grasslands, flower blankets, flowing clouds, snowy mountains, and Mongolian yurts form a beautiful picture scroll.
Tangbula Grassland
Nalati Grassland
Nalati Grassland is located in Xinyuan County, Yili Prefecture, Xinjiang. It has been a famous grassland since ancient times. It is a national 5A scenic area, a World Heritage Site, and a subalpine meadow grassland.
In summer, the Nalati Aerial Grassland is lush with green grass, towering mountains, open valleys, dense forests, colorful meadows, and scattered white yurts, resembling a vividly colored oil painting.
Nalati Grassland
Bayinbuluke
Bayinbuluke is located in Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, in the middle of the Tianshan Mountains. Surrounded by snowy mountains, it is the second-largest alpine pasture in China after Erdos.
The surroundings of Bayinbuluke Grassland are dotted with swamps and lakes. The Kaidu River winds through in eighteen bends under the setting sun, creating a dazzling sight. There is also Swan Lake at the foot of the snowy mountains, where swans dance gracefully on the lake, with snow-capped peaks in the distance.
Bayinbuluke
Kuerdining
Among the numerous tourist attractions in Yili, Kuerdining is relatively unknown to tourists due to its inconvenient transportation, but it is no less beautiful.
Kuerdining is located in the eastern mountainous area of Gongliu County, Yili Prefecture, Xinjiang. The Kazakh name Kuerdining means "a gully within a transverse gully"; it is a broad valley that runs north-south and is parallel to the snowy mountains. It is part of the West Tianshan National Nature Reserve.
Kuerdining is surrounded by mountains on all sides, with rivers flowing and valleys crisscrossing. Grasslands, forests, deep gorges, broad valleys, meadows, shrublands, and various other landforms intertwine. The unique landform has nurtured a unique climate, making it possess both the delicate charm of the southern Jiangnan region and the vastness of grassland scenery.
In June and July, the Kurduning Grassland is ablaze with wildflowers, cows and sheep graze leisurely, horses gallop, and lakes are embedded in the grassland, calm like mirrors, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. Halfway up the mountain, among the sea of trees, yurts dot the landscape with curling smoke rising; in the distance, snow-capped peaks stand tall, while nearby, fir trees are lush and green. Under the blue sky and white clouds, eagles soar with outstretched wings.
Qiaxi
It is said that the most beautiful place in Xinjiang is Ili, and the most beautiful part of Ili is Qiaxi. Qiaxi is known as the Little Jiangnan (southern style scenery) of Xinjiang. This beautiful place under the Tianshan Mountains combines the grandeur of Xinjiang with the beauty of Jiangnan.
Qiaxi, located in Gongliu County, Ili Prefecture, Xinjiang, has been a rare summer resort since ancient times and is also a paradise for painting and photography. It is warm in winter and cool in summer, backed by the Tianshan Mountains, surrounded by mountains, ancient trees towering, and rivers flowing green water in the valley.
Qiaxi boasts both the aerial grassland of Nalati and the snow-capped fir forests of Kurduning. It is majestic yet beautiful. It is one of the most beautiful places in Ili with few tourists, almost only known to locals.
Qiaxi
Huocheng Lavender Base
Located in Huocheng County, Ili Prefecture, Xinjiang, the lavender fields of the 65th Regiment are particularly famous, earning it the title of China’s Provence.
In mid-June, the lavender in Ili is in full bloom. The endless purple sea of flowers fills the air with intoxicating fragrance.
Ili Lavender
Zhaosu Rape Flowers
In July, the rape flowers in Zhaosu County, Ili Prefecture, Xinjiang, are in full bloom, covering a vast area. With snow-capped mountains in the distance and green grass all around, the golden rape flowers are particularly eye-catching.
Xiate Ancient Road
Xiate, known as Shatuamantai in the Qing Dynasty, is located at the foot of Mount Hantenggeli in the southwestern part of Zhaosu County, Ili Prefecture, Xinjiang. It was once a transportation post from Ili to Aksu.
The Xiate Ancient Road is a shortcut from northern Xinjiang to southern Xinjiang. It is one of the most perilous ancient passes on the Silk Road. Although it is now abandoned, it has become a favorite among outdoor hiking explorers. With a total length of 120 kilometers, the route requires crossing the fragmented Muzart Glacier, ice crevasses, rivers, as well as the turbulent South Muzart River, posing certain risks and difficulties.
Note: Due to the rapid melting of glaciers caused by high summer temperatures, the Muzart River swells, cutting off the ancient road. Therefore, it is not suitable to cross in July and August. The best exploration time is from early May to early June or from late September to early October each year.
Xiate Ancient Road
Xiate Ancient Road
Recommended Yili Loop Route:
Urumqi – Sayram Lake – (Guozigou Valley, Khorgos Port, Huocheng Lavender Manor) – Yining – Zhaosu (Zhaosu Grassland, Xiate Grand Canyon, Xiate Ancient Road, Xiate Ancient City) – Tekes (Karakjun Grassland, Bagua City) – (Qiaxi, Kurduning) – Nalati – Bayinbrook – Qiaerma (Tangbula) — Urumqi
Suggested duration: 10-15 days
The above attractions and routes are for reference only. If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to add.
Xinjiang Chartered Tour: 0991-8585456 1813962-2229 (WeChat same number)