Ili is a charming tourist destination renowned for its magnificent natural scenery and rich ethnic culture. Here are some highlights and suggestions for traveling in Ili:?
I. Natural Scenery?
Sayram Lake:?
Feature: Known as ‘The Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’, the lake water is clear and bottomless. From June to July, the golden lotus flowers bloom by the lake, and the winter ice-pushing spectacle is breathtaking.?
Activities: Cycling around the lake, camping under the stars, driving around the lake, etc.?
Nalati Grassland:?
Feature: One of the four major alpine valley grasslands in the world, with wildflowers covering the mountains in summer and snow-covered in winter.?
Activities: Horseback riding through, Kazakh home visits, overlooking from the Aerial Grassland Viewing Platform, etc.?
Karajun Grassland:?
Feature: Certified by the United Nations as a ‘World Natural Heritage Site’, famous for its human-shaped grassland curves. From May to June, the Flower Terrace transforms into a colorful carpet.?
Activities: Hike through it, overlook the magnificent scenery of the grassland, and experience the ‘Grassland Afternoon Tea’ of Kazak herdsmen, etc.?
Xiata Ancient Road:?
Feature: A steep gorge that Xuan Zang passed through on his pilgrimage to fetch Buddhist scriptures, integrating glaciers, hot springs, and ancient roads.?
Activities: Take a shuttle bus through the Spruce Corridor and hike to the foot of the Muzart Glacier, etc.?
II. Cultural Landscapes?
Yining Six-Star Street:?
Feature: Colorful streets, suitable for photography, where you can taste various Xinjiang cuisines.?
Qiongkushitai Village:?
Feature: Primitive villages hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains, with wooden cabins scattered like a fairy tale world.?
Activities: In-depth hiking and photography, exploring the starting point of the Ancient Wusun Road, etc.?
Guozigou Bridge:?
Feature: ‘The Most Beautiful Viaduct in Xinjiang’, resembling a huge dragon coiled in the valley. The viewing platform offers a breathtaking shot of the bridge framed by snow-capped mountains.?
III. Other Recommendations?
Gongliu County Ski Resort: With complete infrastructure and abundant skiing equipment, it provides comprehensive support for skiing enthusiasts. There are also well-equipped leisure facilities nearby.?
Huocheng Lavender Fields: In mid-to-late June, tens of thousands of acres of purple flowers bloom, earning it the title of the ‘Eastern Provence’. It is suitable for flower field photography and essential oil production.?
IV. Travel Tips?
The tourist season in Ili mainly falls between June and August, when the climate is pleasant and the natural scenery is most enchanting.?
It is recommended to plan your itinerary, book accommodations, and tickets in advance before traveling.?
Pay attention to sunscreen and warmth, as the diurnal temperature variation in Ili is relatively large.?
Respect local ethnic cultures and customs, and treat others politely.?
The beauty of Ili lies not only in its magnificent natural scenery, but also in its profound cultural heritage and unique ethnic customs. Whether tourists prefer natural scenery or cultural landscapes, they can find their own share of beauty in Ili.?