There are many attractions in Ili worth visiting. Here are some main recommendations:
1. Nalati Grassland: Located in Xinyuan County, Ili, Xinjiang, it is known as the ‘Green Island of Tianshan’ and ‘Green Homeland’. Here, the grass is lush, dotted with wildflowers, and forests are embedded in the land like emeralds, with snowy mountains towering in the distance,构成a beautiful picture scroll. Visitors can experience activities such as horseback riding and Kazakh home visits here.
Sayram Lake: Although belonging to Bozhou, it is a core attraction on the Ili loop route. The lake water is azure and clear, changing colors from blue to green with the light, like a dream. In June, the golden lotus blooms by the lake, creating a breathtaking view. Visitors can cycle around the lake and camp under the stars here.
Karajun Grassland: This is a ‘World Natural Heritage’ site certified by the United Nations, located in Tekes County in the Ili River Valley, Xinjiang. The grassland is famous for its human-like curves. From May to June, the Flower Terrace transforms into a colorful carpet, displaying magnificent natural scenery.
Qiaxi Scenic Area: Located in the southeastern mountainous region of Gongliu County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, it is a national forest park. The scenic area is backed by snowy mountains, surrounded by mountains, adorned with ancient trees, and encircled by green water. It is praised as ‘The south of the Great Wall is like Jiangnan in Ili, and the most beautiful place in Ili is Qiaxi’.
Xiata Scenic Area: Located in the Xiata Kirgiz Ethnic Township, Zhaosu County, at the northern foot of the towering Tianshan Mountains. It integrates glaciers, hot springs, and ancient paths. Visitors can take a shuttle bus to traverse the Spruce Corridor and hike to the foot of the Muzart Glacier to feel the vicissitudes of the millennium-old path.
Qiongkushitai Village: This is an original village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains. Wooden houses are scattered around like a fairy tale world. The grassland in the back, the starting point of the Wusun Ancient Path, and the Kurdai River Forest Trail constitute a trio of secret realms, suitable for in-depth hiking and photography.
Guozigou Bridge: Known as the ‘Most Beautiful Viaduct in Xinjiang’, the bridge winds like a huge dragon through the峡谷. The viewing platform offers stunning photos of the bridge framed by snowy mountains. In spring, wildflowers bloom everywhere, and in autumn, the forests are ablaze with color, making it an excellent destination for photographers.
In addition, Tekes Eight Trigrams City, Kuerdining Nature Reserve, Ili River Scenic Area, Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery, Xinghua Valley, and other attractions are also worth visiting.
. These attractions, each with its own unique characteristics, collectively constitute a colorful tourism panorama of Ili.