The ten major tourist attractions in Yili, Xinjiang are: Nalati Grassland, Sayram Lake, Kalajun Grassland, Xiata Ancient Road, Qiongkushitai Village, Guozigou Bridge, Huocheng Lavender, Kuerdening, Tekes Bagua City, and Yili River Scenic Area. Below are detailed introductions to these attractions:?
Nalati Grassland: One of the world’s four alpine valley grasslands, Nalati is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscape. In summer, wildflowers cover the mountains, and in winter, the landscape is covered in snow. Visitors can experience horse riding and visits to Kazakh homes. The viewing platform in the Aerial Grassland offers a breathtaking overview of schrenk spruces intertwined with grasslands.?
Sayram Lake: Although belonging to Bozhou, it is a core attraction on the Yili loop route. The lake’s color changes from blue to green with the light. In June, golden lotus flowers bloom by the lake, and winter brings breathtaking ice pushing scenes. Cycling around the lake and camping under the stars are particularly recommended. It is known as "The Last Tear of the Atlantic".?
Kalajun Grassland: Certified by the UN as a "World Natural Heritage Site", it is famous for its human-like curves. In May and June, Huaxian Platform transforms into a colorful carpet, and Falcon Platform offers a distant view of the main peak of the Tianshan Mountains. The Crocodile Bay in Koksu Grand Canyon is a geological wonder.?
Xiata Ancient Road: A steep and perilous gorge once traveled by Xuanzang on his pilgrimage to fetch 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 this millennia-old road.?
Qiongkushitai Village: A primitive village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains, with wooden houses scattered like a fairy tale world. The grassland behind the village, the starting point of the Ancient Wusun Road, and the Kurdai River forest trail form a trio of hidden wonders, ideal for in-depth hiking and photography.?
Guozigou Bridge: Known as the "Most Beautiful Viaduct in Xinjiang", it winds like a dragon through the valley. The viewing platform offers stunning photos of the bridge framed by snow-capped mountains. In spring, wildflowers bloom everywhere, autumn brings a riot of colors, and winter offers icy rime.?
Huocheng Lavender: China’s Provence, where tens of thousands of acres of purple flowers bloom in mid-to-late June. Jiexiu Princess Manor and SiCung Village offer opportunities for flower field photography and essential oil production, with the air filled with a romantic aroma.?
Kuerdening: A gene bank of Schrenk spruce, the most biologically diverse area in the western Tianshan Mountains. The Qimengde Viewing Platform offers a view of the reflection of Kabanbay Peak, while wild apple groves coexist with schrenk spruces in the valleys. The autumn scenery is like a painting.?
Tekes Bagua City: The world’s largest ancient city laid out in the bagua (Eight Trigrams) formation, a mysterious city without traffic lights. Ride the Ferris wheel to overlook the streets arranged according to the I Ching, and visit the folk customs area of Lijie Street full of Uyghur charm.?
Yili River Scenic Area: A major Central Asian river that flows through the city. The sunset over the Yili River Bridge is known as the "Most Beautiful Dusk in the Western Regions". Birdwatching in the Wetland Park, ethnic dances by the river, and swans wintering here all showcase the vibrant beauty of nature.?
These attractions each have their own unique characteristics, covering natural scenery, cultural landscapes, historical culture, and more. They are the essence of tourism in Yili, Xinjiang.?