Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture is a famous tourist destination in Xinjiang, with abundant natural scenery and human history and culture. Here are some recommended tourist attractions and activities:?
Nalati Tourist Scenic Area:?
Located in Xinyuan County, deep in the Tianshan Mountains, it is known as the "Green Island of Tianshan", "Green Homeland", and "Colorful Grassland".?
The scenic area integrates grasslands, valleys, and forests, with high vegetation coverage and rich wildlife resources.?
The main attractions include Tianjie Platform, Nomadic Families, and Tawusani, making it a national 5A-level tourist attraction.?
Grassland Scenery:?
Ili boasts various grassland landscapes such as the Gongnais Grassland, Tangbula Grassland, Nalati Grassland, and Zhaosu Grassland.?
Nalati Grassland is the summer pasture of the Kazakhs, with a unique terrain and the reputation of "three sides surrounded by green mountains, with a river winding through like a jade belt".?
Bayinbrook Grassland is famous for its nine-bend sunset and is a paradise for photographers.?
Sayram Lake:?
A typical alpine lake with clear and blue water, known as the "Last Tear of the Atlantic".?
Each season has its unique beauty, especially the winter ice holes and blue ice wonders.?
Duku Highway:?
One of China’s most beautiful highways, with a total length of 561 kilometers, it stretches from Dushanzi in the north to Kuqa in the south, offering diverse scenery.?
In the northern section, you can experience playing in the snow in summer; in the middle section, flowers bloom; and in the southern section, there are Gobi deserts.?
Human History and Culture:?
Ili was historically a strategic location on the Northern Route of the ancient Silk Road and today is a gateway to the west, known as the "South of the Great Wall, Resembling Regions South of the Yangtze".?
There are historical and cultural relics such as the Gedengshan Monument inscribed by Emperor Qianlong, the Ili General’s Office, and Huiyuan Bell and Drum Tower.?
Special Experiences:?
The cuisine in Ili has a strong ethnic flavor, such as milk tea, pilaf, and noodle soup, among other local snacks.?
You can visit the lavender field. From June to August each year is the lavender blooming season, and the entire park is filled with a faint lavender fragrance.?
While traveling in Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, you can enjoy magnificent natural scenery, experience rich ethnic cultures, and taste authentic local cuisine. Whether you are a tourist who loves natural landscapes or a traveler interested in human history, you can find your own fun here.?