Xinjiang’s Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture is a tourist destination full of natural beauty and cultural customs. Below is a detailed introduction to tourism in this region:?
The Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture is located in the northwest of Xinjiang and borders Kazakhstan, with a borderline that stretches for more than 2,000 kilometers!?
With relatively abundant rainfall and mild weather, it is known as the ‘Wet Island in the Vast Desert’. The vegetation coverage of grasslands and forests here reaches 67.7%, and the natural scenery is very beautiful.?
Natural Scenery:?
Ili is famous for its flower seas and grasslands and is known as the ‘Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze River) Beyond the Great Wall’.?
Among them, the Nalati Tourist Scenic Area is one of the representative attractions in Ili. It integrates grasslands, valleys, and forests, with high vegetation coverage and rich wildlife resources. It is known as the ‘Green Island of Tianshan’, ‘Green Homeland’, and ‘Colorful Grassland’.?
Sayram Lake is also a major attraction in Ili. As a typical alpine lake, it boasts beautiful scenery and attracts countless tourists to come and visit.?
From late March to mid-April each year, when the flowering season in regions south of the Yangtze River is coming to an end, the apricot blossoms in Xinjiang are just beginning to bloom. Among them, the Turpan Basin is the first to greet spring with blooming flowers and is known as the ‘First Spring of Xinjiang’, while the apricot blossoms in the Ili River Valley are equally enchanting.?
Cultural Customs:?
Historically, Ili was a strategic location on the Northern Silk Road, and today it is a gateway opening westward. Therefore, the cultural customs here are also very rich.?
Tourists can visit historical sites such as the Ili General’s Mansion and Huiyuan Bell and Drum Tower to experience the local historical culture.?
In Ili, tourists can also experience the rich flavors of ethnic cuisine, such as milk tea, pilaf, and flour soup, which are all local specialty foods and cultural delights.?
Unique Tourism Activities:?
Self-drive tourism is an excellent way to explore Ili. Tourists can follow routes such as G318+G219+Tasha Ancient Road+Panlong Ancient Road, crossing the Himalayas, embracing sacred mountains and lakes, encountering the secret garden of apricot blossoms in southern Xinjiang, and experiencing an unforgettable self-drive journey.?
Every June, the lavender fields in Ili are also a major attraction. Tourists can stroll through the Lavender Garden of Princess Jieyou, experience the fragrance of lavender, and take romantic photos of the flower sea.?
In summary, Xinjiang’s Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture is a comprehensive tourist destination that integrates natural scenery, cultural customs, and unique tourism activities. Whether it’s tourists who love natural beauty or travelers interested in human history and culture, they can all find their own fun here.?