Yili Prefecture in Xinjiang is a place full of natural beauty and cultural charm, with many tourist attractions worth visiting. Here is a detailed introduction to tourism in Yili Prefecture:?
Natural Beauty:?
Sayram Lake: Known as the "Last Tear of the Atlantic," its lake water is as blue as a gem, and the surrounding scenery is picturesque. It is the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang and an excellent destination for self-driving around the lake and encountering lakeside scenery.?
Nalati Grassland: As one of the world’s four alpine valley grasslands, it boasts blue skies, white clouds, and glaciers and snowy peaks that complement each other, making it an ideal place to experience Kazak culture and horse riding.?
Karakun Grassland: Integrating grasslands, forests, and canyons, it is covered with flowers. You don’t need to search for angles to take photos; every shot is a masterpiece.?
Qiongkushitai: Described as the idyllic haven where Heidi and her grandfather lived, it is secluded and beautiful, a paradise for hikers.?
Duku Highway: This highway is known as a must-drive road in a lifetime. It is only open for about 100 days each year, crossing mountains and valleys, offering an ultimate driving experience.?
Cultural Charm:?
Yining City: Liuxing Street is a must-visit attraction in Yining. You can visit the Accordion Museum, watch performances, stroll through the Grand Bazaar, and taste local delicacies.?
Tekes Eight Trigrams City: This is the only existing eight trigrams city in the world. Its street design resembles a maze, filled with mystery, and there are no traffic lights.?
Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden: Renowned alongside France’s Provence and Japan’s Furano, it is known as the world’s third-largest lavender planting base, with a romantic and charming purple sea of flowers.?
Recommended Travel Routes:?
Starting from Yili, you can visit attractions such as Nalati Grassland, Tekes Eight Trigrams City, Karakun Grassland, Koksu Grand Canyon, Qiongkushitai Village, and Xiata Tourist Area, experiencing the rich natural scenery and cultural charm.?
Another route is to take G318+G219+Tasha Ancient Road+Panlong Ancient Road, crossing the Himalayas, embracing sacred mountains and lakes, encountering the secret garden of apricot blossoms in southern Xinjiang, and experiencing a different kind of spring.?
Best Travel Time:?
The peak season for Yili’s beauty is from June to August, when the grasslands are lush and wildflowers bloom freely. The climate is also particularly pleasant, making it a paradise for escaping the summer heat.?
In summary, Yili Prefecture in Xinjiang boasts rich tourism resources and unique natural scenery, captivating visitors with both its natural beauty and cultural charm. Whether you choose to self-drive or join a tour group, you can find your own travel joys here.?