Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture is a tourist destination in Xinjiang, boasting rich natural landscapes and cultural customs.?
Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture is located in the northwest of Xinjiang, bordering Kazakhstan. It has relatively abundant rainfall and mild weather, earning it the name ‘Wet Island in the Vast Desert’. With high vegetation coverage in grasslands and forests, it is an important tourist region in Xinjiang. The following is a detailed introduction to tourism in Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture:?
Major Attractions:?
Nalati Tourist Scenic Area: Located in Xinyuan County, deep in the Tianshan Mountains and at the eastern end of the Ili Valley. The scenic area integrates grasslands, valleys, and forests, with high vegetation coverage and rich wildlife resources. It is known as the ‘Green Island of Tianshan’, ‘Green Homeland’, and ‘Colorful Grassland’. Major attractions include Tianjie Platform, Nomadic Families, and Tawusani.?
Sayram Lake: A typical alpine lake with clear and azure waters, it is known as ‘If there is only one blue in the world, it is the blue of Sayram Lake’. It is beautiful in every season, especially in winter when ice holes and blue ice wonders are particularly spectacular.?
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. The scenery varies greatly, with the northern section crossing Hashilagen Pass where snow can be played with in summer, the middle section blooming with flowers, and the southern section featuring Gobi deserts. It has been described as ‘experiencing four seasons in a day and different weather every ten li’.?
Unique Experiences:?
Lavender Garden: From June to August each year is the lavender blooming season. The Lavender Garden of Princess Jieyou in the Ili Valley is filled with a faint lavender aroma, making it a great place to take romantic photos.?
Grassland Grazing: The Nalati Grassland is the summer pasture for the Kazakhs. Starting from May, large groups of Kazakhs herd their cattle and sheep here for grazing, allowing tourists to experience the joy of grassland grazing.?
Cultural Customs:?
Ethnic Cuisine: The cuisine in Ili has a strong ethnic flavor. Popular snacks include milk tea, pilaf, and flour soup. The area with the most local snacks is around Jiefang Road Passenger Transport Center and the Food City on Hongqi Road.?
Historical Culture: Ili was historically a strategic location on the Northern Route of the Ancient Silk Road. It boasts historical and cultural relics such as the Gedeng Mountain Monument inscribed by Emperor Qianlong, the Ili General’s Office, Huiyuan Bell and Drum Tower, and Lin Zexu Memorial Hall.?
In summary, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture attracts numerous tourists with its unique natural landscapes, rich cultural customs, and diverse travel experiences.?