The Yili tourist area is a comprehensive tourist destination integrating natural scenery and cultural ambiance. Here is a detailed introduction to the Yili tourist area:
I. Main Scenic Spots
Nalati Tourist Scenic Area: Located in the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains and the eastern end of the Yili River Valley, it is one of the four major alpine valley grasslands in the world. It integrates grasslands, valleys, and forests, with high vegetation coverage and abundant wild animal resources, earning it the names "Green Island of the Tianshan Mountains", "Green Homeland", and "Colorful Grassland". Major attractions include Tianjie Platform, Nomadic Families, and Tawusani.
Karajun Grassland: One of the most famous grasslands in Xinjiang and a UNESCO-certified World Natural Heritage site. It is famous for its human-shaped grassland curves, with flowers blooming in May and June, creating a landscape like a colorful carpet. Falcon Viewing Platform offers a distant view of the main peak of the Tianshan Mountains, and the Crocodile Bay in the Kuokesu Grand Canyon is a geological wonder.
Sayram Lake: Although belonging to Bozhou, it is a core scenic spot on the Yili loop route. The lake’s color changes from blue to green with the light, golden lotus flowers bloom by the lake in June, and the ice pushing phenomenon in winter is breathtaking. Cycling around the lake and camping under the stars are particularly recommended.
Xiata Ancient Road: A steep and perilous gorge traversed by Xuan Zang on his pilgrimage to fetch 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 in the depths of the Tianshan Mountains, with wooden cabins scattered like a fairy tale world. The grassland in the back mountain, the starting point of the Wusun Ancient Road, and the Kurdai River Forest Trail compose a trio of hidden wonders, suitable for deep hiking and photography.
II. Other Recommended Scenic Spots
Guozigou Bridge: Known as the "Most Beautiful Viaduct in Xinjiang", the observation deck offers a stunning view of the bridge framed by snow-capped mountains. In spring, wildflowers bloom everywhere, in autumn the forests are tinged with color, and in winter the rime is sparkling.
Huocheng Lavender: The Provence of China, with ten thousand acres of purple flowers blooming in mid-to-late June. Princess Jieyou Manor and Sigong Village both offer opportunities to experience flower field photography and essential oil production.
Kulding: The gene bank of snow capture spruce, the most biodiverse area in the western Tianshan Mountains. The Qimengde Observation Deck offers a view of the reflection of Kabanbayi Peak, and within the valley, wild apple forests coexist with spruce.
Tekes Bagua City: The world’s largest ancient city with a bagua layout, a mysterious city without traffic lights. Ride the Ferris wheel to overlook the streets in the shape of I Ching八卦 symbols, and experience the Uyghur ambiance in the Liji Folk Area.
III. Travel Route Suggestions
There are many scenic spots in the Yili tourist area, and it is recommended that tourists choose a suitable route based on their own time and interests. For example, they can self-drive from Yili and visit scenic spots such as the Nalati Grassland, Tekes Bagua City, Karajun Grassland, Kuokesu Grand Canyon, Qiongkushitai Village, Xiata Tourist Area, Yili River Scenic Area, and Guozigou Forest Park along the way, ending their trip perfectly at Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden.
In summary, the Yili tourist area attracts numerous tourists with its unique natural scenery and rich cultural ambiance. Whether tourists prefer grassland scenery or historical culture, they can find suitable tourist projects here.