Ili’s boutique tourist routes cover natural scenery, cultural landscapes, and unique experiences. Here are some recommended must-visit attractions:?
1. Nalati Grassland:?
As one of the world’s four alpine valley grasslands, Nalati Grassland is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscape. In summer, wildflowers cover the mountains, and in winter, the landscape is wrapped in snow. Visitors can experience activities such as horseback riding and visiting Kazakh families. The Aerial Grassland Viewing Platform is an excellent spot to overlook the stunning scenery of snow-capped fir trees intertwined with the grassland.?
2. Sayram Lake:?
Sayram Lake is a core attraction on the Ili loop route, with crystal-clear blue water that changes colors from blue to green with the light. The winter ice push phenomenon is particularly spectacular. Cycling around the lake and camping under the stars are recommended experiences. Sayram Lake is known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean,’ with breathtaking lake and mountain scenery.?
3. Kalajun Grassland:?
The Kalajun Grassland, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, is famous for its human-shaped grassland curves. With forests, flower fields, and other landscapes, the expansive and beautiful scenery makes it an excellent spot for sightseeing and photography. It is also known as China’s most beautiful ‘human-shaped grassland’.?
4. Qiongkushitai:?
Qiongkushitai is a primitive village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains, with wooden houses scattered like a fairy tale world. Here, there are secret spots such as the Houshan Grassland, the starting point of the Wusun Ancient Road, and the Kurdai River Forest Trail, suitable for in-depth hiking and photography. Visitors can feel the primitive beauty of nature here.?
5. Xiata Ancient Road:?
The Xiata Ancient Road is a perilous gorge traversed by Xuanzang on his pilgrimage to India, integrating glaciers, hot springs, and ancient roads. Visitors can take a shuttle bus through the Spruce Corridor and hike to the foot of the Muzart Glacier, feeling the vicissitudes of the millennia-old road. It is also a paradise for light hikers.?
6. Guozigou Bridge:?
The Guozigou Bridge is one of the most beautiful viaducts in Xinjiang, resembling a huge dragon coiled in the valley. The viewing platform offers stunning photos of the bridge framed against snowy mountains. In spring, the mountains are covered with wildflowers; in autumn, the forests are painted in vibrant colors; and in winter, the rime adds a sparkling touch. It is an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts.?
In addition, Ili boasts winter tourist attractions such as the Gongliu County Ski Resort, as well as self-drive routes like the Duku Highway, providing tourists with a rich variety of travel experiences. Visiting Ili not only allows you to admire the magnificent natural scenery but also to deeply experience the local culture and folk customs.?