Traveling to Ili Prefecture, you can experience its rich natural scenery and unique folk culture.?
Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture is located in the northwest of Xinjiang, where rainfall is relatively abundant and the weather is mild, earning it the titles of ‘Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall’ and ‘Hometown of Fruits and Melons’. There are multiple transportation options available for traveling to Ili Prefecture. You can fly directly to Yining from cities such as Zhengzhou, Beijing, Nanjing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Lanzhou, and Urumqi, or fly to Urumqi first and then take a connecting flight or intercity train to Yining. In addition, if you have enough time, self-driving is also a good choice, taking about 700 kilometers along the Lianhuo Expressway, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.?
In Ili Prefecture, there are many attractions worth visiting. The Nalati Grassland is known as the ‘Green Island of Tianshan’ and ‘Green Homeland’, where you can see endless greenery and leisurely cattle and sheep; the Karajun Grassland is a typical alpine meadow with five colors and is known as the ‘King of Grasslands’, where you can experience Kazakh traditional culture; Sayram Lake is known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’, with azure and clear waters, serving as a haven for the soul; the Guozigou Bridge spans mountains and rivers, majestic and imposing, and is China’s first cable-stayed double-tower and double-cable bridge for airplanes; in addition, there are lavender estates, Tianshan Heavenly Lake, Bayinbrook Grassland, and other scenic spots waiting for you to explore.?
In addition to natural scenery, Ili Prefecture also boasts rich folk culture. The cuisine here has a strong ethnic flavor, such as milk tea, pilaf, rice noodles soup, flavorful stuffed buns, and more. In Ili, you can also visit historical sites such as the Ili General’s Mansion, Huiyuan Bell and Drum Tower, and Lin Zexu Memorial Hall to feel the historical and cultural heritage here.?
In short, traveling to Ili Prefecture, you will be able to experience its rich natural scenery, unique folk culture, and profound historical heritage. Why not bring your camera and friends and take an impromptu trip!?