When traveling to Yili, you can experience abundant natural landscapes and unique ethnic customs. Here are some specific recommendations:
Nalati Grassland: As one of the four major alpine valley grasslands in the world, Nalati is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscapes. You can ride horses here, experience Kazakh homes, and also ascend to the Aerial Grassland Viewing Platform to overlook the stunning scenery of snowy fir trees intertwined with the grassland.
Sayram Lake: This lake, known as the "Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean", has crystal-clear water. From June to July, the golden lotus flowers bloom by the lake, creating a picturesque scene. You can cycle around the lake or choose to camp by the lake, watching the sunrise and sunset, and enjoying tranquility and beauty.
Kalajun Grassland: This is a "World Natural Heritage" site certified by the United Nations, famous for its human-shaped grassland curves. In May and June, Huanhua Tai transforms into a colorful carpet, while Yingfeng Tai offers a panoramic view of the main peak of the Tianshan Mountains. Additionally, the Crocodile Bay in Kekesu Grand Canyon is also a geological wonder worth seeing.
Xiata Ancient Road: This is the perilous gorge that Xuanzang traveled through on his way to obtain Buddhist scriptures, integrating glaciers, hot springs, and ancient roads. You can take a shuttle bus to traverse the spruce corridor and then hike to the foot of the Muzart Glacier, feeling the vicissitudes and grandeur of the thousand-year-old ancient road.
Qiongkushitai Village: This primitive village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains has wooden cabins scattered like a fairy tale world. The back mountain grassland, the starting point of the Wusun Ancient Road, and the Kurdai River forest trail together form the trio of mysterious landscapes here, making it ideal for in-depth hiking and photography.
Guozigou Bridge: This bridge, praised as the "Most Beautiful Viaduct in Xinjiang", resembles a huge dragon coiled in the valley. You can capture stunning images of the bridge and snowy mountains framed together on the viewing platform, feeling the perfect fusion of modern architecture and natural beauty.
Huocheng Lavender Fields: In the middle to late June, the ten thousand mu of purple flower sea blooms here, resembling France’s Provence. You can experience flower field photography, essential oil production, and feel the romantic aroma弥漫 in the air.
Apart from these scenic spots, Yili has many other places worth visiting, such as the Yizhao Highway, Qiaxi Scenic Area, Xiannv Lake Scenic Area, and so on.
. When traveling in Yili, you can not only admire the magnificent natural scenery, but also deeply experience the local folk customs and food culture. Whether you are a tourist who loves natural landscapes or a traveler who enjoys human history, you can find your own travel joy in Yili.