Ili Prefecture in Xinjiang is a tourist destination that combines natural beauty and cultural attractions.?
Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, located in the northwest of Xinjiang and known as the "South of the Great Wall Beyond the Great Wall", integrates snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and canyons, possessing numerous captivating tourist attractions. Among them, Nalati Grassland, one of the world’s four alpine valley grasslands, is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscape. In summer, wildflowers bloom all over the mountains, making it an excellent place to experience horseback riding and visit Kazak homes.?
Although belonging to Bozhou, Sayram Lake is a core attraction on the Ili loop route. The lake’s water changes colors from blue to green with the light. In June, the golden lotus flowers bloom by the lake, making cycling around the lake and stargazing camping particularly recommended.?
Furthermore, Karajun Grassland is a UNESCO-certified World Natural Heritage site, attracting numerous tourists with its unique human-shaped grassland curves and abundant natural landscapes. The Xiata Ancient Road, a steep and perilous gorge once traveled by Xuanzang on his pilgrimage for Buddhist scriptures, integrates glaciers, hot springs, and ancient roads, providing an excellent place for trekking and exploration.?
Qiongkushitai Village is a primitive village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains, with wooden houses scattered like a fairy tale world, making it ideal for trekking and photography.?
In addition to natural landscapes, Ili Prefecture boasts rich cultural attractions. For example, Tekes Eight Trigrams City is the ancient city with the largest eight-trigram layout in the world, a mysterious city without traffic lights. Visitors can ride the Ferris wheel to overlook the streets arranged in the pattern of the I Ching and experience the unique Uyghur culture.?
The Ili River Scenic Area is a major Central Asian river that flows through the city. The sunset over the Ili River Bridge is known as the "Most Beautiful Dusk in the Western Regions", while activities such as birdwatching in wetland parks and ethnic dance and song performances by the riverside showcase the vibrant ecological beauty of Ili Prefecture.?
In summary, Ili Prefecture in Xinjiang is a charming tourist destination that is worth exploring and experiencing for both its natural landscapes and cultural attractions.?