Ili is a beautiful tourist attraction that combines natural scenery with cultural landscapes. Located in the northwest of Xinjiang, it is known as the "South of the Great Wall in the Northwest", possessing various natural landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and canyons, as well as rich ethnic culture and historical relics.?
First of all, Ili’s natural landscapes are breathtaking:?
Nalati Grassland: As one of the four major alpine valley grasslands in the world, Nalati Grassland is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscape. In summer, wildflowers bloom all over the mountains, while in winter, the grassland is covered in snow. Tourists can experience the joy of horseback riding across the grassland and visit Kazak families to feel the local customs and traditions.?
Sayram Lake: Known as the "Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean", this lake has clear water that changes colors from blue to green with the light. The golden lotus by the lake blooms in June, while the ice-pushing spectacle in winter is even more breathtaking. Cycling around the lake and camping under the stars are special activities here.?
Kalajun Grassland: Certified by the United Nations as a "World Natural Heritage Site", it is famous for its human-shaped grassland curves. From May to June, Huaxiantai transforms into a colorful carpet, while Falcon Viewing Platform offers a distant view of the main peak of the Tianshan Mountains. Furthermore, the Crocodile Bay in Kuokesu Grand Canyon is also a geological wonder.?
In addition to natural landscapes, Ili’s cultural landscapes are equally worth visiting:?
Qiongkushitai Village: This primitive village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains has scattered wooden houses resembling a fairy tale world. Tourists can engage in deep hiking and photography here, exploring the grassland behind the mountains, the starting point of the Ancient Wusun Road, and the Kurdai River Forest Trail.?
Guozigou Bridge: Known as the "Most Beautiful Viaduct in Xinjiang", this bridge spans mountains and rivers, displaying a magnificent scene. From the viewing platform, tourists can capture a stunning photo of the bridge framed by snow-capped mountains.?
Ili Old Town Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area: Filled with a pure blue tone, tourists can stroll through the old streets and alleys to feel the long history and unique culture of Ili.?
In addition, Ili also offers a wealth of ethnic cultural activities for tourists to experience. Whether it’s tasting local cuisine, visiting the accordion museum, or watching Kazak performances, tourists can gain a deep understanding of the cultural heritage of this place.?
In short, Ili is a charming tourist destination. Whether it’s natural scenery or cultural landscapes, it can captivate tourists and make them reluctant to leave. If you are looking for a tourist attraction where you can both admire beautiful scenery and experience culture, then Ili is definitely a choice not to be missed.?