There are many tourist attractions worth visiting in Ili, Xinjiang. Here are some recommended attractions:
1. Nalati Grassland: As one of the four major alpine valley grasslands in the world, Nalati is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscape. In summer, wildflowers cover the mountains, and in winter, the grassland is covered in snow. You can experience horseback riding, visit Kazakh homes, and overlook the stunning scenery of the snow-capped spruces intertwined with the grassland from the observation deck in the Aerial Grassland.
2. Sayram Lake: Although belonging to Bortala Prefecture, it is a core attraction on the Ili loop route. The lake’s color changes from blue to green with the light, and in June, the golden lotus blooms by the lake. In winter, there are ice pushing wonders. Cycling around the lake and camping under the stars are also special activities here.
3. Karajun Grassland: Certified by the United Nations as a ‘World Natural Heritage Site’, it is famous for its human-shaped grassland curves. From May to June, the Flower Platform turns into a colorful carpet, the Falcon Platform offers a distant view of the main peak of the Tianshan Mountains, and the Crocodile Bay in Kuokesu Grand Canyon is also a geological wonder.
4. Qiaxi Scenic Area: Located in the southeastern mountainous area of Gongliu County, it is a national forest park and a great place for summer retreats, recuperation, and grassland folk tourism. It is backed by snow-capped mountains, surrounded by mountains, adorned with ancient trees, and ringed by green water, earning it the title of ‘The Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze River) outside the Great Wall is in Ili, and the most beautiful place in Ili is Qiaxi’.
5. Xiata Ancient Road: This is the steep and perilous gorge passed by Xuanzang on his pilgrimage to fetch Buddhist scriptures, integrating glaciers, hot springs, and ancient roads. Taking the shuttle bus through the spruce corridor and hiking to the foot of the Muzart Glacier allows you to feel the vicissitudes of the thousand-year-old ancient road.
6. Qiongkushitai Village: A primitive village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains, with wooden houses scattered like a fairy tale world. The grassland in the back mountain, the starting point of the Wusun Ancient Road, and the Kurdai River Forest Trail constitute a trio of secret spots, suitable for deep hiking and photography.
7. Guozigou Bridge: Reputed as the ‘Most Beautiful Viaduct in Xinjiang’, it winds like a huge dragon through the峡谷. The observation deck offers stunning views of the bridge framed by snow-capped mountains. In spring, wildflowers bloom everywhere, while in autumn, the forests turn colorful, and in winter, rime glimmers.
In addition, Huocheng Lavender Field (Chinese Provence), the Kuerdening Snowy Mountain Spruce Gene Bank, and Tekes Eight-Diagram City are also tourist attractions in Ili that cannot be missed.
. Each scenic spot has its unique charm and scenery, and tourists can arrange their itinerary according to their interests and time.