When traveling to Ili, the following attractions are not to be missed:
Nalati Grassland: As one of the four major alpine valley grasslands in the world, Nalati Grassland is renowned for its three-dimensional landscapes and rich experiences. In summer, wildflowers cover the mountains, and visitors can enjoy activities such as horseback riding and visiting Kazakh homes. The Aerial Grassland Viewing Platform is an excellent spot to overlook the interwoven beauty of snow-capped fir trees and grasslands.
Sayram Lake: Although this attraction belongs to Bozhou, it is a core attraction on the Ili loop route. The lake water is clear and can change colors from blue to green depending on the light, making it very enchanting. In June, the golden lotus blooms by the lake, adding to its beauty. Experiences such as cycling around the lake and camping under the stars are also highly recommended.
Kalajun 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 Huaxiantai transforms into a colorful carpet, showcasing the magic of nature. Falcon Viewing Platform offers a distant view of the main peak of the Tianshan Mountains, while the Crocodile Bay in Koksu Grand Canyon is also one of the geological wonders.
Qiongkushitai: This primitive village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains features wooden huts scattered like a fairy tale world. The grasslands in the back mountain, the starting point of the Wusun Ancient Road, and the Kurdai River forest trail constitute a trio of secret spots, making it ideal for in-depth hiking and photography.
Xiata Ancient Road: This is the perilous gorge through which Xuanzang traveled to obtain Buddhist scriptures, integrating glaciers, hot springs, and ancient roads into one. Visitors can take a shuttle bus to traverse the Spruce Corridor and hike to the foot of the Muzart Glacier, feeling the vicissitudes and charm of the millennium-old ancient road.
In addition, the Guozigou Bridge, known as the "Most Beautiful Viaduct in Xinjiang", winds like a huge dragon through the峡谷, making it an excellent spot for capturing stunning photos of the bridge and snowy mountains together; the Huocheng Lavender Manor is praised as the domestic version of Provence, with a romantic atmosphere pervading the entire manor during the lavender blooming season.
These attractions are also worth visiting.
When planning your itinerary, you can choose suitable attractions to visit based on your interests and time. Ili is rich in both natural scenery and cultural landscapes, and I believe it will leave you with unforgettable memories.