The Yili Prefecture boasts numerous desirable tourist destinations. Here are some recommendations for major attractions:?
Nalati Grassland: Located in Xinyuan County, Yili Prefecture, Xinjiang, it is known as the ‘Green Island of the Tianshan Mountains’ and ‘Green Homeland’. Here, the grass is lush, dotted with wildflowers, and distant snow-capped mountains stand tall, forming a beautiful picture. Visitors can experience horseback riding, visit Kazak homes, and ascend to the viewing platform of the Aerial Grassland to overlook the stunning view of snow-capped fir trees intertwined with the grassland.?
Kalajun Grassland: This is a ‘World Natural Heritage’ site certified by the United Nations, located in Tekes County, Xinjiang’s Yili River Valley. Kalajun is famous for its human-shaped grassland curves. In May and June, the Flower Terrace transforms into a colorful carpet, displaying magnificent natural landscapes. Additionally, Falcon Viewpoint offers a distant view of the main peak of the Tianshan Mountains, and Crocodile Bay in the Koksu Grand Canyon is also one of the geological wonders.?
Sayram Lake: Located in the western section of the Tianshan Mountains in Yili, about 160 kilometers from Yili City. Sayram Lake is known as ‘The Last Drop of Tears from the Atlantic Ocean’, with its azure and clear lake water, like a dream. Cycling around the lake and camping under the stars are special activities here, where visitors can fully enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the lakeside.?
Qiaxi Scenic Area: Located in the mountainous southeastern region of Gongliu County, Yili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, it is a national forest park. Qiaxi is backed by snow-capped mountains, surrounded by peaks, adorned with ancient trees, and embraced by clear waters. It is hailed as ‘The south of the Great Wall is in Yili, and the most beautiful place in Yili is Qiaxi’. The waterfalls, yurts, songs, and dances, and other primitive, fairy-like scenery await visitors’ exploration.?
Xiata Tourist Scenic Area: Located in the Xiata Kirgiz Ethnic Township of Zhaosu County, at the northern foot of the towering Tianshan Mountains. This is an ancient cultural scenic route composed of mountain passes, ancient trails, ancient ruins, and natural landscapes. Visitors can take shuttle buses to traverse the spruce corridor and hike to the foot of the Muzart Glacier to feel the vicissitudes of the thousand-year-old trail.?
In addition, Guozigou Bridge, Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery, Kuerdining Nature Reserve, Tekes Eight Trigrams City, and Yili River Scenic Area are also unmissable tourist attractions in the Yili Prefecture.?
. These scenic spots each have their own unique characteristics, and both natural scenery and cultural landscapes make people reluctant to leave.?