Yili’s tourism position in Xinjiang is very prominent, making it an important tourist attraction in Xinjiang.?
The Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, located in the northwestern part of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, is known as the "South of the Great Wall" and the "Hometown of Fruits and Melons," renowned for its magnificent natural scenery and profound cultural heritage. With relatively abundant rainfall and a mild climate, the vegetation coverage of grasslands and forests here reaches 67.7%. It boasts numerous famous grasslands such as the Gongnais Grassland, Tangbula Grassland, Nalati Grassland, and Zhaosu Grassland, as well as rich historical and cultural attractions including the Sayram Lake, Gedengshan Monument, General’s Mansion of Ili, Huiyuan Bell and Drum Tower, and Lin Zexu Memorial Hall. In particular, the Nalati Scenic Area has been rated as a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction and selected as one of the six most beautiful grasslands in China by the Chinese National Geography magazine, attracting a large number of tourists every summer to experience the charm of nature.?
Furthermore, Yili is also Xinjiang’s strategic granary, boasting rich resources and a unique geographical location, making its strategic position self-evident. The existence of the Yili River Valley allows for communication between the southern and northern parts of Xinjiang without needing to bypass the eastern part, which has harsh geographical conditions mainly composed of the Tianshan Mountains, deserts, and Gobi. If the Yili River Valley were lost, Xinjiang could be divided, further highlighting its strategic value.?
In summary, Yili plays a very important role in Xinjiang’s tourism industry. It is an indispensable part of Xinjiang and a must-visit destination for tourists traveling to Xinjiang.?