Ili in Xinjiang is a famous tourist destination with numerous natural scenery and cultural landscapes.
The Ili region has many attractions worth visiting. For example, Sayram Lake, a typical alpine lake with clear and blue water, is known as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean’. Each season has its unique beauty.
The Nalati Grassland is the summer pasture of the Kazakhs, with a unique terrain described as ‘three sides of green mountains as screens, and a river winding like a jade belt around the waist’. The grassland features various landscapes such as valley grasslands, aerial grasslands, and the盘龙古道 (a winding mountain road).
Furthermore, there are natural attractions such as the Karajun Grassland, Qiongkushitai Grassland, and Duku Highway, as well as romantic flower fields like the Huocheng Lavender Field. When the lavenders bloom from June to July each year, it seems like here has become the Provence of China.
In addition to natural scenery, Ili also boasts rich cultural landscapes and folk customs. Tourists can walk into the urban area of Yining to feel the human touch of this city, visit the Liuxing Street, and admire the unique architectural style and artistic small shops.
On the Nalati Grassland, tourists can also rent a steed to gallop freely across the grassland, feeling the freedom and exhilaration of the breeze caressing their faces. After nightfall, they can stay in the traditional yurts of the Kazakhs, falling asleep under the dazzling starry sky, and immersively experience the local folk customs.
In general, Ili in Xinjiang is a tourist attraction that combines natural scenery, cultural landscapes, and folk customs. Whether tourists prefer natural landscapes or cultural history, they can find their own fun here.