Yili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture is a tourist destination full of natural beauty and cultural customs. Here are some recommended tourist attractions in the area:
Sayram Lake: As a typical alpine lake, Sayram Lake attracts countless tourists with its clear waters and surrounding magnificent mountain scenery. It is a highlight of the Yili region and is known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean”. With a lake surface elevation of over 2,000 meters, the lake water is crystal clear, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, creating a picturesque landscape.
Nalati Tourist Scenic Area: Nalati Grassland, located at the eastern end of the Yili Valley, is a natural ecological tourist attraction that integrates grassland, valleys, and forests. With high vegetation coverage and rich wildlife resources, tourists can experience Kazak folk customs and visit unique attractions such as Tianjie Platform and Nomadic Households here.
The Nalati Tourist Scenic Area has also been rated as a national 5A-level tourist attraction and is a must-visit destination for tourism in Yili.
Kalajun Scenic Area: Kalajun Grassland is renowned for its unique natural landscapes and abundant wildlife resources. As the No.1 attraction in Tekes, Kalajun Scenic Area offers tourists vast grassland scenery and a unique nomadic cultural experience.
Duku Highway: This highway stretches across towering mountains and crosses valleys, serving as an important thoroughfare connecting northern and southern Xinjiang. The Duku Highway attracts numerous self-driving tour enthusiasts with its steep mountain roads and magnificent scenery, making it a must-see attraction in Yili tourism.
Qiongkushitai Grassland, Zhaosu Xiata Scenic Area, Yizhao Highway, Qiaxi Scenic Area, and Xiannv Lake Scenic Area are also attractions worth visiting in the Yili region. They each attract tourists with their unique natural scenery and cultural landscapes.
In addition, from late March to mid-April every year, when the flower season in the regions south of the Yangtze River is coming to an end, the apricot blossoms in Xinjiang are just beginning to bloom. The apricot blossoms in the Yili Valley and Turpan Basin together create the most “apricot-blessed” spring in the country, providing tourists with a visual feast.
In summary, Yili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture boasts abundant tourism resources and unique natural landscapes. Whether tourists prefer natural scenery or cultural customs, they can find their own travel delights here.