Traveling in Yili allows you to experience rich natural scenery and cultural customs. Here are some detailed introductions to traveling in Yili:
Main Attractions
Nalati Grassland: One of the world’s four alpine valley grasslands, Nalati Grassland is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscape. In summer, wildflowers cover the mountains, and in winter, it is cloaked in snow; experience horseback riding and visits to Kazakh homes. The Aerial Grassland Viewing Platform offers an overhead view of a stunning painting of snow leopard spruces intertwined with grasslands
Sayram Lake: Xinjiang’s largest alpine lake, with water as blue as a gemstone, known as "The Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean". The grassland by the lake is covered with colorful flowers, contrasting with the lake to form a picturesque scene. Cycling around the lake and camping under the stars are highly recommended
Kalajun Grassland: Certified by the UN as a "World Natural Heritage Site", famous for its human-like grassland curves. From May to June, Huaxian Tai transforms into a colorful carpet, while Falcon Viewing Tai offers a distant view of the main peak of the Tianshan Mountains; the Crocodile Bay in the Kuokesu Grand Canyon is a geological wonder
Xiata Ancient Road: A perilous gorge once traveled by Xuanzang in search of Buddhist scriptures, integrating glaciers, hot springs, and ancient roads. Take a shuttle bus through the spruce corridor and hike to the foot of the Muzart Glacier to feel the vicissitudes of the millennia-old road
Qiongkushitai Village: A primitive village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains, with wooden huts scattered like a fairy tale world. The grassland in the back mountains, the starting point of the Ancient Wusun Road, and the Kurdai River forest trail form a trio of secret scenic spots, suitable for in-depth hiking and photography
Guozigou Bridge: "The Most Beautiful Viaduct in Xinjiang", resembling a dragon coiled in the valley. From the viewing platform, you can capture a stunning photo of the bridge framed by snow-capped mountains
Huocheng Lavender Fields: From mid- to late June, ten thousand acres of purple flowers bloom, transforming this place into China’s Provence. The vast sea of purple flowers is romantic and charming, perfect for photos
Kuldining: A gene bank of snow leopard spruces, the most biodiverse area in the western Tianshan Mountains. The Qimengde viewing platform offers a reflection of Kabanbay Peak, while wild apple groves coexist with spruces in the valley; autumn scenery is like a painting
Tekes Eight Trigrams City: The world’s largest ancient city laid out in the shape of the Eight Trigrams, a mysterious city without traffic lights. Ride the ferris wheel for an overhead view of the Yi Jing八卦-inspired streets; the folk culture district of Lijie Street is full of Uyghur charm, best viewed by drone aerial photography
Yili River Scenic Area: A major Central Asian river that flows through the city, the sunset over the Yili River Bridge is praised as the "Most Beautiful Dusk in the Western Regions". Birdwatching in the wetland park, ethnic dances by the riverbank, and winter swan habitats showcase its vitality