Ili is a charming tourist destination with numerous breathtaking natural landscapes and rich ethnic cultures.?
Ili has a rich variety of tourist attractions, among which the Nalati Grassland, Sayram Lake, and Karajun Grassland are all scenic spots not to be missed. As one of the world’s four alpine valley grasslands, the Nalati Grassland is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscape. In summer, wildflowers bloom all over the mountains, and in winter, it is covered in snow, making it an excellent place to experience horseback riding and visits to Kazakh households. Sayram Lake is the core attraction of the Ili loop route, with its water changing colors from blue to green with the light. In June, the golden lotus flowers bloom by the lake, and the winter ice pushing phenomenon is even more breathtaking.?
In addition, Ili also has attractions such as the Xiata Ancient Road, Qiongkushitai Village, and Guozigou Bridge, each with its unique charm. The Xiata Ancient Road is a steep gorge passed by Xuanzang on his pilgrimage for Buddhist scriptures, integrating glaciers, hot springs, and ancient roads, giving people a sense of the vicissitudes of the millennium-old road. Qiongkushitai Village is a primitive village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains, with wooden houses scattered like a fairy tale world, suitable for in-depth hiking and photography. Guozigou Bridge is known as the "Most Beautiful Viaduct in Xinjiang", and the viewing platform offers a stunning view of the bridge framed with snow-capped mountains.?
The folk customs of Ili are equally desirable. Walking into Kazanqi Folk Village, one can feel the warm hospitality of the Uyghur people and experience the joy of dancing the Maisilepu. On the Nalati Aerial Grassland, the yurts of the Kazakhs are surrounded by curling smoke, and horses gallop across the grassland, as if it were a flowing painting scroll.?
For tourists planning to visit Ili, they can choose to join a group tour or go self-driving. A group tour can save a lot of trouble with planning, while self-driving offers more freedom and flexibility. No matter which way is chosen, one can fully enjoy the beautiful scenery and unique culture of Ili.?
In short, Ili is a tourist attraction worth visiting, as both its natural scenery and ethnic culture are captivating and unforgettable.?