Traveling in Yili in the summer is a memorable journey of nature and culture. Here are several recommended must-visit attractions:?
1. Sayram Lake: As the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, Sayram Lake showcases its most charming side in the summer. The lake water is as blue as a gem, forming a sharp contrast with the surrounding lush greenery. It is an excellent location for taking photos and camping. You can drive around the lake to encounter the lake and mountains from different angles, or camp by the lake to watch the sunrise and sunset, feeling the tranquility and beauty of nature.?
2. Nalati Grassland: Known as the ‘Aerial Grassland’, Nalati Grassland is a summer pasture for the Kazakhs in the summer. It has a unique terrain and the reputation of ‘three sides of green mountains forming a screen, with a river winding like a jade belt around it’. Here, you can ride horses freely or hike to admire the beautiful scenery where snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands intertwine.?
3. Kalajun Grassland: Combining grasslands, forests, and canyons, Kalajun Grassland showcases its rich natural landscape in the summer. The ridges and gullies here are crisscrossed but gently undulating, earning it the nickname of ‘Human Body Grassland’. While hiking through it, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of the grassland and feel the awesome power of nature.?
4. Huocheng Lavender Field: June is the best time to view the lavender in Huocheng. It is one of the largest lavender gardens in China, with large purple fields of flowers that are romantic and charming, as if you are in Provence, France. Taking photos here is beyond amazing, and it is one of the scenic spots in Yili that cannot be missed in the summer.?
5. Duku Highway: As one of China’s most beautiful highways, the Duku Highway is a paradise for self-driving enthusiasts in the summer. With a total length of 561 kilometers, it stretches from Dushanzi in the north to Kuqa in the south, with picturesque scenery along the way, accompanied by grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and lakes. Although there are many people and cars, the scenery is absolutely worth driving on in your lifetime.?
In addition, scenic spots such as Qiaxi Grassland, Anjihai Grand Canyon, Qiongkushitai, and Xiata Ancient Road are also worth visiting. In the summer of Yili, you can enjoy the bounty of nature to your heart’s content and feel the unique charm of this magical land.?