When traveling to Yili, the following attractions are definitely worth visiting:?
Nalati Grassland: As one of the world’s four alpine valley grasslands, Nalati is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscape. In summer, wildflowers bloom all over the mountains, and in winter, the landscape is covered in snow. You can experience horseback riding and visiting Kazakh homes. From the observation deck on the Aerial Grassland, you can overlook a stunning panorama of snow-capped fir trees intertwined with the grassland.?
Sayram Lake: Although belonging to Bortala Prefecture, it is a core attraction on the Yili loop route and is known as ‘The Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’. The color of the lake water shifts between blue and green with the light. In June, the marsh marigolds bloom along the lakeshore, and cycling around the lake and camping under the stars are particularly recommended. The ice pushing spectacle in winter is also breathtaking.?
Karakun Grassland: Certified by the UN as a ‘World Natural Heritage Site’, it is famous for its human-shaped grassland curves. From May to June, the Flower Platform transforms into a colorful carpet, and from the Falcon’s Viewpoint, you can overlook the main peak of the Tianshan Mountains. The Crocodile Bay in the Koksu Grand Canyon is also a geological wonder.?
Jongkushitai: A primitive village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains, with wooden cabins scattered around like a fairy tale world. The grassland at the back mountain, the starting point of the Wusun Ancient Road, and the Kurdai River forest trail form a trio of mysterious attractions, suitable for in-depth hiking and photography.?
Xiata Ancient Road: A steep and perilous gorge once traveled by Xuanzang on his pilgrimage to fetch Buddhist scriptures. It combines glaciers, hot springs, and ancient roads. You can take a shuttle bus through the Spruce Corridor and hike to the foot of the Muzart Glacier to feel the vicissitudes of the millennia-old road.?
In addition, the Guozigou Bridge, known as the ‘Most Beautiful Viaduct in Xinjiang’, winds like a huge dragon through the gorge. From the observation deck, you can capture breathtaking photos of the bridge framed with snowy mountains.?
; The Huocheng Lavender Base is known as the ‘Hometown of Lavender in China’. Every summer, the lavender blooms, forming a sea of purple flowers.?
; There is also Tekes Eight Trigrams City, the world’s largest ancient city laid out in the shape of the eight trigrams, a mysterious city without traffic lights. Riding the Ferris wheel to overlook the streets arranged in the pattern of the I Ching is also a unique experience.?
These attractions each have their own unique characteristics, whether natural scenery or cultural landscapes, all of them are captivating. When traveling in Yili, you can choose suitable attractions to visit based on your interests and schedule.?