July is the golden period for tourism in Ili, Xinjiang, when Ili’s natural landscapes reach their peak, with grasslands, snow-capped mountains, forests, lakes, and other beautiful scenery complementing each other.
Recommended Attractions
Xiata: Known as the staircase to the snow-capped mountains, it is a paradise for hikers. You can traverse forests, grasslands here and feel the majesty of the snow-capped mountains up close
Zhaosu: It’s like entering a second-dimensional fairy tale world, with beautiful wetland parks and unique natural scenery that make people reluctant to leave
Tianma Bathing River: As the hometown of blood-sweating horses, you can enjoy the spectacular scene of horses galloping here
Karajun Grassland: Described as the summer in Hayao Miyazaki’s animations, the grassland is vast and endless, with rolling mountains resembling a beauty lying on her side, making it an excellent spot for photography and camping
Qiongkushitai: A fairy tale-like village with fewer tourists and picturesque scenery, suitable for enjoying a peaceful night
Nalati Grassland: Stroll through the boundless flower sea on the aerial grassland and feel the vastness and grandeur of the grassland
Sayram Lake: Known as the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean, the lake has clear water surrounded by forests, grasslands, and snow-capped mountains, creating a picturesque scene
Lavender Farm: The Eastern Provence, with its romantic purple sea of flowers, is a great place for photography and experiencing a romantic atmosphere
Tourist Routes
Urumqi—Sayram Lake—Lavender Farm—Yining: Begin your Ili journey by admiring the blue of Sayram Lake and the purple of the lavender farm
Yining—Xiata—Zhaosu Wetland Park—Zhaosu: Deeply experience the hiking fun of Xiata, and then visit Zhaosu to feel the natural beauty of the wetland park
Zhaosu—Qiongkushitai—Tekes: Enjoy a peaceful night in Qiongkushitai, then visit Tekes Eight-Trigram City to experience its unique urban planning
Tekes—Karajun—Xinyuan/Nalati: Head to Karajun Grassland for photography and camping, then proceed to Nalati Grassland to experience the grandeur of the aerial grassland
Xinyuan/Nalati—Nalati Aerial Grassland—Bayin布鲁克: Continue your stroll on the Nalati Aerial Grassland, then head to Bayin布鲁克 to admire the beautiful scenery of the river with its nine curves and eighteen bends
Bayin布鲁克—Duku Highway—Tangbaila Hundred-Mile Gallery—Urumqi: Traverse the Duku Highway, enjoy the changing seasons and spectacular scenery along the way, and finally return to Urumqi
Precautions
July is the peak tourist season in Ili, so it is recommended to book accommodations and tickets in advance.
The time difference in the Ili region is relatively large, so please adjust your schedule accordingly.
Some sections of the Duku Highway may be closed due to weather or road conditions. Please check in advance and plan alternative routes.
Please pay attention to safety while hiking and camping, and carry necessary equipment and medications.
In summary, July’s Ili in Xinjiang is a tourist destination filled with natural beauty and cultural charm. Whether you enjoy hiking, photography, or simply relaxing, you can find your own fun here.