Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang is a tourist attraction that integrates natural beauty and cultural customs.?
Located in the northwest of Xinjiang, Ili Prefecture is known as the ‘Jiangnan (south of the Great Wall) beyond the Pass’. It integrates snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and canyons, boasting numerous heart-stopping tourist attractions. Among them, Nalati Grassland is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscape, with wildflowers blooming all over the mountains in summer, making it an excellent place to experience horseback riding and visit Kazak homes. Sayram Lake is a core attraction on the Ili loop route, with its water changing colors from blue to green depending on the light, and cycling around the lake and camping under the stars are highly recommended.?
Furthermore, Karajun Grassland, a UNESCO-recognized World Natural Heritage site, attracts countless tourists with its unique human-shaped grassland curves and abundant natural landscapes. The Xiata Ancient Road is a steep gorge once traveled by Xuanzang on his pilgrimage for Buddhist scriptures, integrating glaciers, hot springs, and ancient trails, providing an excellent place for hiking adventures. Qiongkushitai Village is a primitive village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains, with wooden houses scattered like a fairy tale world, suitable for deep hiking and photography.?
In addition to natural landscapes, Ili Prefecture also boasts rich cultural customs. Tourists can experience the traditional nomadic life of the Kazak people here, taste authentic dairy products and roasted whole sheep. The Sixth Star Street and Hanren Street in Ili Prefecture are also great places to taste local cuisine and buy souvenirs.?
When traveling in Ili Prefecture, tourists can also choose to take a self-drive tour along highways such as G318 and G219, crossing the Himalayas, embracing sacred mountains and lakes, encountering the secret garden of apricot blossoms in southern Xinjiang, and experiencing an unforgettable spring journey.?
In general, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang is a charming tourist destination that is worth exploring and experiencing for both its natural landscapes and cultural customs.?