Starting from Ili, there are many tourist attractions and routes worth visiting. Here are some recommended attractions and self-driving tour routes:
Top Ten Attractions in Ili
Nalati Grassland
As one of the four major alpine valley grasslands in the world, it is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscape, with wildflowers covering the mountains in summer and a snowy landscape in winter. Visitors can experience horseback riding, Kazakh family visits, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the snow-capped fir trees intertwined with the grassland from the air grassland observation deck.
Sayram Lake
Although belonging to Bozhou, it is a core attraction on the Yili loop route. The lake’s color shifts from blue to green with the light, with golden lotus flowers blooming by the lake in June and awe-inspiring ice pushing wonders in winter. Cycling around the lake and stargazing camping are particularly recommended.
Karajun Grassland
A ‘World Natural Heritage’ site certified by the UN, famous for its human-shaped grassland curves. From May to June, Huaxiantai transforms into a colorful carpet, and Falcon Viewing Terrace offers a distant view of the main peak of the Tianshan Mountains.
Qiongkushitai
A primitive village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains, with wooden huts scattered like a fairy tale world. The grassland at the rear mountain, the starting point of the Wusun Ancient Road, and the Kurdai River forest trail constitute a trio of secret spots, suitable for in-depth hiking and photography.
Xiata Ancient Road
A rugged valley traveled by Xuan Zang on his pilgrimage for Buddhist scriptures, integrating glaciers, hot springs, and ancient roads. Take a shuttle bus through the spruce corridor and hike to the foot of the Muzart Glacier to feel the vicissitudes of the thousand-year-old ancient road.
Guozigou Bridge
‘The most beautiful viaduct in Xinjiang’, resembling a giant dragon coiled in the valley, with observation decks offering stunning views of the bridge framed with snow-capped mountains.
Huocheng Lavender
Provence of China, with ten thousand acres of purple flower fields blooming in mid-to-late June. Princess Jieyou Manor and Sigong Village offer experiences such as flower field photography and essential oil production.
Kurdning
The gene bank of snow岭 spruce, the most biodiverse area in the western Tianshan Mountains. The Qimengde Observation Deck offers views of the reflection of Kabanbay Peak, while wild apple forests coexist with spruces in the valleys.
Tekes Bagua City
The world’s largest ancient city laid out in the bagua formation, a mysterious city without traffic lights. Take a ferris wheel to overlook the streets arranged in the I Ching八卦 pattern, and visit the folk customs area of Lijie Street filled with Uyghur flavor.
Ili River Scenic Area
The Ili River, a major Central Asian river flowing through the city, with its sunset over the Ili River Bridge praised as ‘the most beautiful dusk in the Western Regions’. Bird watching at Wetland Park, riverside ethnic dances, and winter swan habitat demonstrate the beauty of lively ecology.
Recommended Self-driving Routes
Leisurely Slow-paced Journey
Starting from Yining City, visit the China-Kazakhstan International Cooperation Center and Gate scenic area, Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden, Huiyuan Ancient City scenic area in sequence, and take a night tour of Liuxingjie scenic area in the evening.
Magnificent Self-driving Tour Around Tianshan Mountains
Starting from Yining City, passing through Gongliu County and Tekes County, visit Tianma Tourism and Culture Park, Wetland Park scenic area, Baishifeng Tourism Scenic Route, and finally arrive at Chabuchar Xibo Autonomous County to visit Xibo Ancient City.
In-depth Experience of Cultural Customs
Departing from Urumqi City, passing through Kuitun City and Duku Highway, explore Tangbula ‘Hundred-Mile Gallery’ scenic area in Nilker County, then visit Nalati scenic area in Xinyuan County, Kurdning scenic area in Gongliu County, and finally conclude at Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area and Liuxingjie scenic area in Yining City.
Boutique Six-Day Tour Route
Starting from Yili, make stops at Nalati Grassland, Tekes Bagua City, Karajun Grassland, Koksu Grand Canyon, Qiongkushitai Village, Xiata Tourist Area, and end the journey at Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden.
These attractions and routes cover Yili’s natural scenery, cultural customs, and historical culture. Whether visitors prefer outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, they can find suitable travel projects for themselves.