The main attractions of Ili Prefecture tourism include:
Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Karajun Grassland, Xiata Tourist Area, Qiongkushitai Village, Guozigou Bridge, Qiaxi Scenic Area, Kurdining, Tekes Bagua City, etc.
Below are detailed introductions to some of the attractions:
Sayram Lake: Although belonging to Bortala Prefecture, it is a core attraction on the Ili loop route. The lake’s color changes from blue to green with the light. In June, golden lotus flowers bloom by the lake, and the winter ice pushing phenomenon is breathtaking. Cycling around the lake and camping under the stars are particularly recommended.
Nalati Grassland: As one of the four major alpine valley grasslands in the world, Nalati is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscape. In summer, wildflowers cover the mountains; in winter, the landscape is dressed in white. Visitors can experience horseback riding and visiting Kazakh homes. The viewing platform in the Aerial Grassland offers a breathtaking panorama of the interweaving Schrenk spruce and grassland.
Karajun Grassland: Certified by the United Nations as a “World Natural Heritage Site”, it is famous for its human-like grassland curves. From May to June, Huaxian Tai transforms into a colorful carpet, and Falcon Tai offers a panoramic view of the main peak of the Tianshan Mountains. The Crocodile Bay in Kuokesu Grand Canyon is a geological wonder.
Xiata Tourist Area: A rugged gorge that Xuanzang passed through on his pilgrimage to fetch Buddhist scriptures, integrating glaciers, hot springs, and ancient roads. Taking the shuttle bus through the spruce corridor and hiking to the foot of the Muzart Glacier allows one to feel the vicissitudes of the millennium-old ancient road.
Qiongkushitai Village: A primitive village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains, with wooden cabins scattered like a fairy tale world. The grassland behind the village, the starting point of the Ancient Wusun Road, and the Kurdai River forest trail constitute a trio of secret spots, suitable for in-depth hiking and photography.
Guozigou Bridge: Known as the “Most Beautiful Viaduct in Xinjiang”, it winds like a huge dragon through the gorge, with a viewing platform where stunning photos of the bridge framed by snow-capped mountains can be taken. In spring, wildflowers blanket the mountains; in autumn, the forests are ablaze with color; and in winter, the rime glistens.
Qiaxi Scenic Area: Located in the southeastern mountainous region of Gongliu County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, it is backed by snow-capped mountains, surrounded by peaks, adorned with ancient trees, and embraced by green waters. The scenic area boasts waterfalls, yurts, singing and dancing, and other landscapes, earning it the reputation of “The Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze River) beyond the Great Wall is in Ili, and the most beautiful place in Ili is Qiaxi”.
In addition, Kurdining is a gene bank for Schrenk spruce and the most biologically diverse area in the West Tianshan Mountains; Tekes Bagua City is the largest ancient city with a bagua layout in the world, a mysterious city without traffic lights. These attractions are also worth visiting.
The above attractions each have their own unique characteristics, covering natural scenery, human history, and many other aspects, providing tourists with a rich travel experience.