Ili is abundant in tourist destinations. Here are some recommendations for major attractions:?
1. Nalati Grassland: Located in Xinyuan County, Ili, Xinjiang, it is known as the ‘Green Island of the Tianshan Mountains’ and ‘Green Homeland’. Here, the grass is lush, dotted with wildflowers, and snow-capped mountains stand in the distance, forming a beautiful picture scroll. Visitors can experience horseback riding, visit Kazak families, and overlook the stunning picture scroll of snow-capped fir trees intertwined with grasslands from the Aerial Grassland Observation Deck.?
2. Karajun Grassland: This is a ‘World Natural Heritage’ site certified by the United Nations, located in Tekes County in the Ili River Valley, Xinjiang. Karajun is famous for its human-shaped grassland curves. From May to June, the Flower Platform turns into a colorful carpet, displaying magnificent natural landscapes. In addition, the Falcon Viewing Platform 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.?
3. Sayram Lake: Known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’, it is located in the western section of the Tianshan Mountains in Ili. The lake water is blue and clear, like a dream, and is a core attraction on the Ili loop route. Visitors can bike around the lake, camp under the stars, and enjoy the tranquility and beauty by the lake.?
4. Qiaxi Scenic Area: Located in the southeastern mountainous area of Gongliu County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, it is a national forest park. It attracts tourists with primitive fairyland-like landscapes such as waterfalls, yurts, singing, and dancing. The Qiaxi Valley Waterfall is a masterpiece of nature, making people feel refreshed and joyful.?
5. Qiongkushitai Village: This is an original village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains. Wooden houses are scattered like a fairy tale world. The grassland in the back mountain, the starting point of the Wusun Ancient Trail, and the Kurdai River Forest Trail form a trio of secret spots, ideal for in-depth hiking and photography.?
6. Xiata Tourist Scenic Area: Located in the northwestern foot of the Tianshan Mountains in Zhaosu County, this area is an ancient cultural scenic route composed of mountain passes, ancient trails, ancient sites, and natural landscapes. Visitors can take a shuttle bus through the Spruce Corridor and hike to the foot of the Muzart Glacier to experience the vicissitudes of the millennia-old trails.?
7. Guozigou Bridge: Known as the ‘Most Beautiful Viaduct in Xinjiang’, the bridge winds like a huge dragon above the valley. The observation deck offers a stunning view of the bridge framed by snow-capped mountains, making it an excellent choice for photographers.?
In addition, Tekes Eight Trigrams City, Kuerdening Nature Reserve, Ili River Scenic Area, Liuxing Street, and Apricot Flower Gully in spring are also tourist attractions in Ili that cannot be missed.?
In summary, the Ili region is rich and diverse in tourism resources, whether it is natural scenery or cultural landscapes, both are captivating and unforgettable.?