Yili in Xinjiang is rich in tourism resources. Here are some main recommended tourist attractions:?
Nalati Grassland: As one of the four major alpine valley grasslands in the world, Nalati is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscape. In summer, wildflowers blanket the mountains, and in winter the grassland is dressed in white snow. Visitors can experience horseback riding, visiting Kazakh households, and the Aerial Grassland Viewing Terrace also offers a breathtaking panorama of the interwoven Tianshan firs and grasslands.?
Sayram Lake: Although belonging to Bortala Prefecture, it is a core attraction on the Yili loop route. The lake’s water changes colors from blue to green with the light. In June, golden lotus flowers bloom by the lake, and in winter there are ice push wonders. Cycling around the lake and stargazing camping are unique activities here.?
Karajun Grassland: Certified by the United Nations as a ‘World Natural Heritage Site’, it is famous for its human-shaped grassland curves. From May to June, the Flower Terrace transforms into a colorful carpet, the Falcon Viewing Terrace offers a distant view of the main peak of the Tianshan Mountains, and the Crocodile Bay in Kuokesu Grand Canyon is also a geological wonder.?
Xiata Ancient Road: A perilous gorge traveled by Xuanzang on his pilgrimage to fetch Buddhist scriptures, integrating glaciers, hot springs, and ancient roads. Visitors can take a shuttle bus to traverse the fir 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 cabins scattered like a fairy tale world. The grassland in the back mountain, the starting point of the Ancient Wusun Road, and the Kurdai River forest trail constitute a trio of hidden wonders, suitable for in-depth hiking and photography.?
Guozigou Bridge: Reputed as the ‘Most Beautiful Viaduct in Xinjiang’, it winds like a huge dragon through the gorge. The viewing platform offers a stunning view of the bridge framed by snow-capped mountains. In spring, wildflowers bloom everywhere, in autumn the forests are tinged with colors, and in winter the rime glistens.?
In addition, Huocheng Lavender Fields (China’s Provence), the gene pool of the Tianshan fir in Kuerdining, Tekes Eight Trigrams City (the world’s largest ancient city with an eight-trigram layout), and the Yili River Scenic Area are also tourist attractions in Yili that cannot be missed.?
. These scenic spots each have their own unique characteristics, whether natural scenery or cultural landscapes, all of them are enchanting and make people reluctant to leave.?