When traveling to Ili, Xinjiang, you can enjoy magnificent natural scenery and rich ethnic culture. Here are the recommended must-visit attractions:
Naladi Grassland: As one of the four major alpine valley grasslands in the world, Naladi Grassland is famous for its three-dimensional landscape and abundant activities. Here, you can experience horseback riding across the grassland, visit Kazakh homes, and also ascend to the Sky Grassland Viewing Platform to overlook the breathtaking scenery of snow-capped fir trees intertwined with the grassland.
Sayram Lake: This lake is praised as the largest alpine pearl in Xinjiang, with sapphire-blue waters and surrounding scenery as beautiful as a fairy tale. You can drive around the lake to encounter lake and mountain scenery from different angles or camp by the lake to watch the sunrise and sunset.
. Although it belongs to Bozhou, it is a core attraction on the Ili loop route.
Karajun Grassland: Certified by the United Nations as a "World Natural Heritage," it is famous for its human-shaped grassland curves. From May to June, Huaxiantai transforms into a colorful carpet, where you can overlook the main peak of Mount Tianshan and visit the geological wonder—Crocodile Bay in Koksu Grand Canyon.
Xiata Ancient Road: This is the perilous gorge that Xuanzang passed through when he went on a pilgrimage for Buddhist scriptures, integrating glaciers, hot springs, and ancient roads into one. You can take a shuttle bus to traverse the Spruce Corridor and then hike to the foot of the Muzart Glacier to feel the vicissitudes of the millennia-old ancient road.
Guozigou Bridge: This bridge, praised as the "Most Beautiful Viaduct in Xinjiang," winds like a huge dragon above the gorge. Standing on the viewing platform, you can capture stunning photos of the bridge framed with snow-capped mountains.
. In addition, the mountain flowers in spring, the layered forests in autumn, and the rime in winter are all beautiful scenery that cannot be missed.
Besides the aforementioned attractions, Ili also boasts numerous scenic spots worth visiting, such as the Duku Highway, Qiongkushitai Village, Huocheng Lavender Fields, Kuerding, Tekes Eight Trigrams City, and Ili River Scenic Area.
. When traveling in Ili, you can not only enjoy the magnificent natural scenery but also deeply experience the local folk culture and specialty cuisine. Whether you are self-driving or traveling with a group, Ili will bring you an unforgettable travel experience.