Yili

1. Nalati Grassland

Known as the “Sky Grassland,” Nalati Grassland is one of the most beautiful and famous alpine grasslands in China, located in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains. It covers an area of over 180,000 hectares, with rolling green hills, lush grass, and scattered yurts, creating a vast and idyllic pastoral scene. The grassland is home to the Kazakh people, who have lived a nomadic life here for centuries, herding cattle, sheep, and horses. In summer, the grassland is covered with colorful wildflowers, and the weather is cool and pleasant, making it an ideal summer resort. Visitors can ride horses across the grassland, stay in traditional Kazakh yurts, taste authentic Kazakh cuisine such as roasted whole lamb and kumiss, and enjoy lively folk music and dance performances, experiencing the unique nomadic culture and the magnificent natural beauty of the Tianshan Mountains.

2. Kalajun Grassland

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kalajun Grassland is a vast and beautiful alpine grassland located in the Tianshan Mountains, known for its diverse landscapes, including grasslands, forests, canyons, and lakes. It covers an area of over 280,000 hectares, with rich vegetation and abundant wildlife, making it an important ecological reserve. The grassland has a long history of human activity, with ancient rock paintings and ruins of nomadic settlements dating back thousands of years. In summer, the grassland is covered with green grass and colorful wildflowers, and the distant snow-capped peaks of the Tianshan Mountains form a stunning backdrop. Visitors can hike along the trails, take panoramic photos of the grassland and mountains, visit nomadic Kazakh families, and learn about their traditional way of life, enjoying the perfect combination of natural scenery and cultural heritage.

3. Sailimu Lake

Known as the “Jewel of the Western Tianshan Mountains,” Sailimu Lake is the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, located on the border between Yili and Bortala. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and vast grasslands, the lake’s crystal-clear blue water is so pure that it reflects the surrounding scenery like a mirror. It is also known as the “Lake of Tears” in Kazakh legend, adding a touch of romance and mystery to its beauty. The lake area is part of the Sayram Lake Scenic Area, which includes a lakeside scenic belt, a grassland nomadic culture area, and a wetland ecological reserve. Visitors can take a boat tour on the lake, walk along the lakeside trails, admire the beautiful sunset over the lake, and visit nearby Kazakh yurts to experience nomadic customs, enjoying the serene and magnificent alpine lake scenery.

4. Guozigou Bridge

A marvel of modern engineering, Guozigou Bridge is a grand cable-stayed bridge located in the Guozigou Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains, connecting Yili and Urumqi. It is the first large-span cable-stayed bridge in the Tianshan Mountains, with a total length of over 700 meters and a main span of 360 meters, towering over the deep canyon. The bridge not only improves the transportation between northern and southern Xinjiang but also becomes a unique scenic spot due to its magnificent engineering and beautiful natural surroundings. The Guozigou Canyon is known for its steep cliffs, dense forests, and flowing streams, and in spring and summer, the canyon is covered with peach and apricot blossoms, creating a picturesque scene. Visitors can stop at the viewing platforms to admire the bridge’s grandeur and the stunning canyon scenery, marveling at the combination of human engineering and natural beauty.

5. Xiata Ancient Road

A historic passage through the Tianshan Mountains, Xiata Ancient Road has a history of over 2,000 years, serving as an important trade and military route connecting northern and southern Xinjiang. It stretches for over 120 kilometers, winding through snow-capped peaks, deep canyons, and vast grasslands, with a challenging and spectacular landscape. The ancient road is named after the Xiata River, which flows through the canyon, and is also associated with the legend of the ancient Greek hero Achilles in some local stories. Today, it is a popular trekking route for adventure enthusiasts, offering a unique opportunity to experience the ancient Silk Road’s hardships and beauty. Visitors can hike along the ancient road, admire the stunning alpine scenery, visit the ruins of ancient post stations and military fortresses, and learn about the historical role of the road in cultural exchanges and military campaigns.

6. Huocheng Lavender Fields

Known as the “Lavender Capital of China,” Huocheng County in Yili is one of the largest lavender-growing areas in the world, with a history of over 60 years of lavender cultivation. Every summer, from June to July, the fields are covered with purple lavender flowers, creating a vast and romantic purple sea that attracts countless tourists and photographers. The lavender fields are not only a beautiful natural attraction but also an important agricultural and industrial base, producing high-quality lavender essential oil, dried flowers, and other products. Visitors can walk through the lavender fields, take photos with the purple flowers, visit the lavender processing workshops, and buy lavender products. There are also many lavender-themed homestays and cafes in the area, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the romantic lavender culture and enjoy the peaceful rural life in Yili.

7. Tekes County (Kaleidoscope City)

Known as the “Kaleidoscope City,” Tekes County in Yili is famous for its unique urban layout and rich cultural heritage. It is the only city in the world designed according to the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) pattern, with the central square as the core and eight main streets radiating outwards, forming a unique and mysterious urban landscape. The county has a long history, with ancient ruins and cultural relics dating back to the Western Han Dynasty, reflecting its important position on the Silk Road. It is also home to the Kazakh, Uyghur, and Han peoples, with diverse ethnic customs and traditions. Visitors can wander through the Bagua-shaped streets, visit the central square and the ancient city ruins, enjoy folk music and dance performances, and taste authentic ethnic cuisine, experiencing the unique combination of ancient Chinese cultural elements and the diverse ethnic cultures of Xinjiang.