Yili tourism is rich in natural scenery and ethnic customs, making it one of the popular destinations for tourism in Xinjiang. Below is a detailed introduction to Yili tourism:?
I. Main Attractions?
Nalati Grassland: As one of the four major alpine valley grasslands in the world, Nalati Grassland is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscape. With wildflowers covering the mountains in summer and a snowy landscape in winter, visitors can experience activities such as horseback riding and Kazakh family visits.?
Karakun Grassland: Known as the "Beautiful Place Suspended in the Air", it boasts lush pasture in spring and summer, forming a colorful natural painting scroll. It is also a UNESCO-certified World Natural Heritage site.?
Sayram Lake: With crystal-clear water and a calm surface like a mirror, it captivates visitors with its transparent water and reflections of the blue sky. Known as the "Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean", it is one of the core attractions of the Yili loop route.?
Yili River Valley: Known as the "Wet Island of the Western Regions", it has a unique terrain and pleasant climate. Snowmelt from the mountains nourishes the fertile land in the valley, nurturing rich vegetation and abundant fruits. From June to October each year, lavender, apricot blossoms, and rape flowers bloom successively, forming a captivating rural landscape painting.?
Kuerdining Scenic Area: Known as the "Most Beautiful Green Valley of Tianshan", it boasts lush forests, vast grasslands, magnificent snow-capped mountains, and clear streams. With wildflowers blooming in spring, it is the first place in the Yili River Valley to welcome greenery.?
II. Unique Activities?
Flower Viewing: From late March to mid-April each year, the apricot blossoms in Yili are in full bloom, making it the best time for flower viewing. Among them, Yili Apricot Blossom Valley is the largest and most concentrated primitive apricot forest in the world, where the most beautiful spring flowers in Xinjiang are located.?
Self-drive Travel: Yili region has numerous routes suitable for self-drive travel, such as G318 and G219, allowing you to traverse the Himalayas, embrace sacred mountains and lakes, and encounter the mysterious apricot blossom secret spots of southern Xinjiang.?
III. Other Recommended Attractions?
Xiata Ancient Path: A steep gorge once traveled by Xuanzang on his pilgrimage to fetch Buddhist scriptures, integrating glaciers, hot springs, and ancient paths. Take the shuttle bus through the Spruce Corridor and hike to the foot of the Muzart Glacier to feel the vicissitudes of the thousand-year-old path.?
Qiongkushitai Village: A primitive village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains, with wooden houses scattered like a fairy tale world. The back mountain grassland, the starting point of the Wusun Ancient Path, and the Kurdai River forest trail form a trio of secret spots, suitable for in-depth hiking and photography.?
Yili tourism boasts not only magnificent natural scenery but also rich ethnic cultures and unique activities, making it an ideal destination for travel enthusiasts.?