Yili has many desirable tourist attractions. Here are some main recommendations:?
1. Nalati Grassland: As one of the four major alpine valley grasslands in the world, Nalati is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscape. In summer, wildflowers cover the mountains, and in winter, it is covered in snow. Tourists can experience horse riding and visiting Kazakh homes. The Sky Grassland Observation Deck is an excellent spot to overlook the stunning panorama of snow-capped fir trees intertwined with grasslands.?
2. Sayram Lake: Although belonging to Bozhou, Sayram Lake is a core attraction on the Yili loop route. The lake’s water changes colors from blue to green with the light, and in June, golden lotus flowers bloom along the lakeshore. In winter, there are ice push phenomena. Cycling around the lake and camping under the stars are special activities here.?
3. Kalajun Grassland: This is a "World Natural Heritage" site certified by the United Nations, famous for its human-shaped grassland curves. From May to June, the Flower Platform transforms into a colorful carpet, and from Eagle-Hunting Platform, one can overlook the main peak of the Tianshan Mountains. The Crocodile Bay in the Koksu Grand Canyon is also one of the geological wonders.?
4. Xiata Ancient Road: This is a perilous gorge that Xuanzang passed through on his journey to obtain Buddhist scriptures, integrating glaciers, hot springs, and ancient roads into one. Tourists can take a shuttle bus through the spruce corridor and hike to the foot of the Muzart Glacier to feel the vicissitudes of the millennium-old ancient road.?
5. Qiongkushitai Village: This is an original village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains, with wooden cabins scattered like a fairy tale world. The back mountain grassland, the starting point of the Wusun Ancient Road, and the Kurdai River forest trail together constitute a trio of mysterious landscapes, ideal for in-depth hiking and photography.?
In addition, the Duku Highway is also a major highlight of self-driving tours in Yili, crossing mountains and valleys with breathtaking scenery along the way.?
Also, the Guozigou Bridge, known as the "Most Beautiful Viaduct in Xinjiang", offers a stunning view from the observation deck of the bridge framed by snowy mountains.?
As well as the Huocheng Lavender Fields, where in mid-to-late June, ten thousand acres of purple flowers bloom, filling the air with a romantic aroma.?
These scenic spots each have their own unique characteristics, whether natural landscapes or cultural landscapes, all of them make people reluctant to leave. Traveling in Yili, one can deeply feel the magnificent workmanship of nature and the unique ethnic customs of the local area.?