Ili Uncovered: A Silk Road Oasis Through the Seasons

1. Why is Ili so Special?

In China's northwestern corner lies a place hailed as an "fairyland on earth", Ili, which is located in Xinjiang, it is not only with spectacular natural scenery but also rich in ethnic cultures.  

While vast stretches of Xinjiang are covered by deserts, the Ili Valley nurtures boundless grasslands and snow-capped spruce forests. It captures the "last tear of the Atlantic", allowing the azure waters of Sayram Lake and the emerald green of the Nalati Grassland to rip open a moist crevice in the arid Western Regions.   

Blessed with Xinjiang's most humid climate, Ili fosters unique "sky grasslands" like Nalati and Kalajun. It also blends the cultures of multiple ethnic groups, including Kazakh and Uyghur, forging a distinctive frontier character. Its iconic landscapes include the Nalati "Sky Grassland," the three-dimensional "Human Body Grassland" of Kalajun, the rapeseed flower seas and lavender fields of Zhaosu (one of the world's three major lavender bases), and Sayram Lake, famously known as "the last tear of the Atlantic". The snow-capped spruce forests, Ili General's Residence, and Huiyuan Ancient City offer unique visual artistry to tourists. Annual ethnic festivals attract countless visitors from home and abroad, featuring activities like visiting Kazakh yurts, savoring milk tea and enjoying traditional Xinjiang ethnic dance performances.

As a strategic fortress on the ancient Silk Road's northern route, Ili hosts long-term settlements of 47 ethnic minority groups. This convergence uniquely blends distinctive nomadic grassland culture with diverse ethnic folk traditions (like Kazakh dombra music and yurt living). Looking back at history, who could have foreseen that this frontier town, once a place of exile for Lin Zexu, has now transformed into a golden corridor connecting Central Asia under the "Belt and Road" initiative?

Modern lavender fields now dance to the tune of the Kazakh dombra; in the alleys of Kazanchi, the strains of Russian accordions resonate with Uyghur muqam symphonies; where the ancient wisdom in the Bagua-designed city of Tekes meets the roar of containers at the Khorgos Port – can you hear the sound of time and space folding?

Today, Ili, with its horizontal ecological contrasts and vertical historical layers, is composing the most beautiful verses of the frontier, awaiting your discovery of its wonders.

2. The Tangible Benefits Bring to Tourists

As you wander through the magnificent landscapes of Ili, you can not merely appreciate the poetic scenery beyond the Great Wall, but also experience the unique charm of the blending of multiple ethnic cultures, ultimately reaping the dual nourishment of body and mind.

Geographical Splendor 

Nestled at the southern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains and encircled by towering peaks, Ili boasts vast grasslands and crystal-clear rivers. In summer, the meadows burst into a kaleidoscope of wildflowers, transforming into a "sea of blossoms." The pristine air and emerald pastures make it an ideal destination for horseback riding, hiking, and camping. Gazing across the grasslands toward the snow-capped Tianshan peaks merging with the azure sky creates a breathtaking panorama. Hiking along mountain trails allows you to immerse yourself in nature’s boundless charm.

Cultural Mosaic

As a multi-ethnic hub, Ili is home to Han, Uyghur, Kazakh, and other ethnic groups, whose intertwined traditions create unique customs. Stroll through Ili’s streets to witness Uyghur traditional attire, Kazakh dombra performances, and Han folk arts—a vibrant cultural feast. Annual festivals like the Nadamu Fair and Uyghur Eid al-Fitr bring communities together for spirited celebrations. The Nadamu Fair, featuring horse racing, wrestling and archery, draws crowds with its electrifying atmosphere. Horseback riding across the grasslands, guided by locals, offers a glimpse into nomadic life.

Exotic Allure

When you travel here, you can experience Ili’s "four seasons in a day" microclimate, savor China’s finest honey and lavender products, even trace the legacy of the Silk Road. Rooted in Kazakh culture yet infused with Uyghur, Xibe, and Russian influences, Ili’s festivals, music, crafts, and daily life embody a living tapestry of "nomadic heritage, Silk Road fusion, and dynamic traditions."

Culinary Delights

You are more likely to indulge in Uyghur kebabs, nan bread, or Kazakh dairy products and fermented mare’s milk—each bite brimming with ethnic flavors.

Historical Legacy

As a key Silk Road node, Ili’s ancient ruins and temples whisper tales of its prosperous past. Here, you can trace the footprints of history and feel the atmosphere of ancient commercial prosperity.

Cultural Materials

Yili's natural landscapes and ethnic cultures also provide abundant creative materials for photography enthusiasts and art lovers. Whether it is the vastness of grasslands, the tranquility of lakes, or the diversity of ethnic customs, they can inspire creators' inspiration.

Photographers and artists will find endless muse in Ili’s landscapes—from sprawling grasslands to serene lakes and diverse ethnic scenes, all of which may finally bring them beautiful moments and unforgettable memories.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that this amazing place is also rich in hot spring resources, with many resorts offering hot spring wellness services. Soaking in hot springs to relax both physically and mentally and enjoying the gifts of nature will add a unique sense of comfort to your tired journey, thus bringing dual healing to your body and mind.

3. How to Get to Ili?

3.1 Traffic Information

✈️ By Air (Fastest)

Direct flights to Yining Airport:

Available from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc. Flight duration: 4–6 hours.

After arrival: Take the airport shuttle bus (≈¥20) or taxi (≈¥100) to downtown.

Transfer via Ürümqi:

Fly to Ürümqi Diwopu Airport (地窝堡机场）first, then connect to a domestic flight (1.5 hours) to Ili, or take a train/bus from Ürümqi to Ili.

By Train (Budget-Friendly)

From Ürümqi:

Trains: K9789 (departs 23:00, arrives 07:53 next day); T9519 (departs 22:40, arrives 06:58 next day; fastest: 8h18m).

Fares: Economy seat ≈¥128; Hard sleeper ≈¥222.

Booking: Reserve via 12306 website in Alipay or related apps 3–5 days in advance.

From other cities (e.g., Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou).

Take a train to Ürümqi (e.g., Z69/Z40), then transfer to Ili.

🚗 Self-Drive/Charter (Flexible)

Classic 9-day loop route: Ürümqi → Sayram Lake → Yining-Zhaosu Highway → Xiate → Tekes → Nalati → Duku Highway → Ürümqi.

Highlights: Sayram Lake, Yining-Zhaosu mountain views, Duku Highway (open June–October).

Long-Distance Bus

From Ürümqi South Bus Station: Multiple daily buses to Ili (8–10 hours; ¥120–150).

From Shihezi/Changji: Buses cost ¥150–200.

⚠️ Key Notes

Driving tips: You may encounter complex road conditions, Duku Highway only open in summer, so remember to monitor weather.

Peak season preparation: (July–Sept): Book trains/accommodations ≥15 days ahead.

Recommendations: If you are short on time, you can fly direct to Yining. For the budget traveler, you can take overnight trains. If you are in the deep exploration, you can drive the loop for grasslands, snow peaks & highway vistas.

3.2 Ticket Policy

Price Increases in Peak Season

During the lavender blooming period (June) and grassland peak season (July-August), tickets for some scenic spots may increase by 10%-20%.

4. Highlights of Ili  

Must-see: Nalati Grassland, Guozigou Bridge, Huocheng Lavender Estate (best in June), Kazanqi Folk Village

Nalati Grassland (5A-rated Scenic Area):The summer pastureland for Kazakh herders, renowned as one of the world's four great valley grasslands.

Guozigou Bridge: Xinjiang's most breathtaking viaduct, weaving through deep canyons as an engineering marvel.

Huocheng Lavender Estate (Prime in June): China's Provence, featuring vast purple seas of lavender during peak bloom.

Kazanqi Folk Village:Traditional Uyghur settlement distinguished by vibrant blue-painted dwellings.

4.1 Top Natural Landscapes

Sayram Lake 赛里木湖

Highlights: Known as the "Last Tear" formed by the warm and moist air currents from the Atlantic Ocean. Stunning blue ice bubble and wildflowers surround the lake form the breathtaking views.

Experiences: You can drive around the lake to capture the S-shaped highway with swans and enjoy the gradient gem-blue lake at dusk.

Nalati Grassland 那拉提草原

Highlights: It is hailed as one of the world’s four major valley grasslands, the "Aerial Grassland" at an altitude of 1,800 meters. In June, wild poppy flower seas blanket the area, while July brings the Tianma Festival with ten thousand horses galloping.

The Nalati Scenic Area integrates grasslands, valleys and forests, boasting high vegetation coverage and rich wildlife resources. Renowned for its unique natural and cultural landscapes, it is honored as the "Green Island of Tianshan," "Green Home," and "Colorful Grassland." Major attractions include Tianjietai (Heavenly Boundary Platform), Nomadic Homestead, Tawusani (Kazakh for "Beautiful Gorge"), Tianxiantai (Fairy Platform), Woltajiao Tower Viewing Platform, and Snow Lotus Valley.

Experiences: Ride horses to Snow Lotus Valley; stay in Kazakh yurts and taste hand-grabbed meat; wait for the sunset over the Gongnaisi River.

Kalajun Grassland 喀拉峻草原

Highlights: Certified by the United Nations as the "Most Beautiful Three-Dimensional Grassland in the World". From May to July, colorful flower seas cover the hills; the "Human-Body Grassland" in the western area offers extremely beautiful light and shadow.

Experiences: Hike in the Kuerdai Canyon; drink freshly boiled milk tea with fried pastries made by herdsmen.

Xiatag Ancient Trail 夏塔古道

Highlights: A thousand-year-old glacier trail used by Xuanzang on his journey to India for Buddhist scriptures. From June to July, wildflowers mirror the milky river, with a direct view of Muzart Snow Mountain.

Experiences: Ride horses 12 kilometers into the glacier; observe starry skies from a hot spring hotel.

4.2 Mysterious Cultural Landscapes

Tekes Bagua City 特克斯八卦城

Highlights: The world’s only ancient city with a Bagua (Eight Trigrams) layout without any traffic lights, the aerial views resemble a giant Bagua array.

Experiences: Take photos in ethnic costumes on Lijie Street; overlook night views from a Ferris wheel.

Qiongkushitai Village 琼库什台村

Highlights: A primitive Kazakh log cabin village and the starting point of the Wusun Ancient Trail, a swing in the back mountain hangs above snow-capped grasslands.

Experiences: Hike 3 hours to a secret forest; photograph the Milky Way in front of log cabins.

Huocheng Lavender Manor 霍城薰衣草庄园

Highlights: China’s largest lavender base (June-July), with purple flower seas comparable to Provence.

Experiences: Take photos in the farm at dusk and make homemade lavender essential oil.

4.3 Roads and Wonders

Guozigou Bridge 果子沟大桥

Highlights: Regarded as the tallest bridge in Xinjiang, the S-shaped winding road and snow-capped canyons form the "First Scenic Spot of Ili".

Shooting Angles: Use a telephoto lens at the viewing platform to capture traffic moving through cloud-like scenes.

Duku Highway (Ili Section) 独库公路（伊犁段）

Highlights: The essence of the "Most Beautiful Highway in China", connecting Nalati and Bayinbulak, offering four seasons in one day.

Tips: Only open in summer(June-August);

Zhaosu Grassland 昭苏草原

Highlights: In July, a vast expanse of rapeseed flowers frame snow-capped mountains; the "Horses Bathing in the River" performance across the water.

Experiences: You can explore grassland stone statue relics and cycle to discover nomadic settlements.

5. Recommended Itineraries for Exploring Ili 

5.1 Classic Loop: Full-region Deep Experience (7-9 Days)

Route centered around Yining

Day 1 Yining → Huocheng Lavender (limited to mid-June – early July) → Sayram Lake round-lake tour (exit from south gate) → Guozigou Golden Summit Viewing Platform (photograph bridge + snow mountains)

Day 2 Sayram Lake sunrise → Kalajun Grassland all-inclusive ticket (east area flower sea + west area "Human-Body Grassland") → night view in Tekes Bagua City 

Day 3 Tekes → Qongkushitai (book back mountain grassland in advance) → horseback ride to alpine lake → starry sky in log cabin

Day 4 Qiongkushitai → Xiatag Ancient Trail (grab horse team at 8 am) → light hike to Muzart Glacier → stay in Zhaosu

Day 5 Zhaosu → Horse Bathing in River (the 3rd tree towards the west direction of the viewing platform) → Yizhao Highway → Yining Night Market in Liuxing Street

Day 6-7 Yining → Nalati Grassland (book Aerial Grassland in advance) → middle section of Duku Highway → Bayinbulak (nine-bend sunset)

Seasonal Adaptation: Grassland flowering period in June-August, lavender limited to late June.

5.2 Short Selected Tour: Core Landscape Overview (5-6 Days)

Route with Urumqi as entry/exit

Day 1 Urumqi → S101 Danxia → Jinghe

Day 2 Jinghe → Sayram Lake (camping/staying in scenic area) → aerial photography of Guozigou Bridge

Day 3 Sayram Lake → Kazanqi Folk Street (handmade copperware) → Yizhao Highway → light hike in Xiatag

Day 4 Xiatag → Tekes Bagua City (Ferris wheel panoramic view) → Qiaxi Forest Park

Day 5 Qiaxi → Nalati Valley Grassland → return via northern Duku Highway

Advantage: Avoids steep mountain roads in Qongkushitai, suitable for family travel

5.3 Self-drive: Scenic Highway Tour (8-10 Days)

Connecting Duku + Yizhao + S101 Highways

Day 1-2 Urumqi → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Northern Section of Duku Highway → Tangbula Fairy Lake

Day 3-4 Nalati Prairie → Bayinbulak Prairie → Duku Highway Middle Section → Big & Small Dragon Pools → Kuqa (optional southern Xinjiang extension)

Day 5-6 Kuqa → Yining (train/self-drive) → Yizhao Highway → Xiate Ancient Trail

Day 7-8 Zhaosu → Kalajun Grassland → Tekes County → Sayram Lake Loop → Urumqi

Tips: Duku Highway is open only June-September; Yizhao Highway is limited to vehicles under 7 seats

5.4 Seasonal Routes 

5.5 Pre-trip Notes

Reservation-required Attractions

• Nalati self-drive tickets (book 3 days in advance)
  

• The grassland in back mountain of Qongkushitai (daily limit: 300 people)
  

• Xiatag horse team (grab spots on-site at 8 AM)
  

Packing Tips

• Windproof jacket aims to the changeable weather at Xiatag
  

• Non-slip shoes are for blue ice photography at Sayram Lake
  

• Using Drone requires prior registration in Tekes
  

Accommodation Tips

• For camping at Sayram Lake, you can choose the south shore (less windy)
  

• Prioritize booking herdsmen’s log cabins in Qongkushitai
  

Photography Golden Spots

• "Human-Body Grassland" in Kalajun: One can capture the most three-dimensional light and shadow 2 hours before sunset
  

• Nine-Bend River (Bayinbulak Grassland): Arrive at the viewing platform before 5 PM to secure a spot on-site.
  

6. Best Time to Go

Ili, famed for "Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall," offers unique charms across seasons. However, May to October is optimal in view of natural scenery, climate comfort, and all sorts of activities, with June to August being the golden period (daily temperature: 20–28°C). During these months, grasslands flourish and wildflowers are in full bloom, which are very ideal for most travelers.

Spring (April–May)

Almond and apple blossoms blanket valleys. Turgun Almond Valley (mid–late April) and Xinyuan Wild Fruit Forests (early May) transform into pink seas, which are perfect for photography and helpful to avoid crowds.

Summer (June–August)

Mid–late June: Huocheng lavender fields rival Provence to create striking vistas.

July: Golden rapeseed flowers frame snow-capped peaks in Zhaosu; Kalajun and Nalati grasslands turn emerald; sunset at Bayanbulak’s "Nine Bends" is breathtaking.

All season: Horseback riding, camping, and hiking in the Xiate Valley (open June–Sept.), where glaciers meet forests.

Autumn (September–October)

Golden grasslands and birch forests create painterly landscapes. At this time, harvest culture thrives, so you can taste fresh fruits like apples/grapes in local place.

Winter (November–March)

Highlights: Wonderful serene snow-covered landscapes in Nalati and Zhaosu, which is suitable for niche experiences due to the extreme cold (down to -20°C);

7. Useful Travel Tips

Essential Packing List

Clothing

Sunscreen and warm jacket for the large temperature difference between day and night.

Windproof clothes for significant temperature variation in Xiatag/Bayinbulak grassland.

Non-slip hiking shoes for slippery blue ice areas in Sayram Lake.

Protection

SPF50+ sunscreen + physical sun-protective hat aim for the extremely strong UV rays.

Mosquito repellent to cope with the abundant mosquitoes in grasslands.

Cultural Etiquette

Accept milk tea with both hands when visiting herdsmen’s homes.

Avoid mentioning pork in halal restaurants.

Respect minority taboos (e.g., do not step on dining cloths).

Peak Season Crowd Avoidance Strategies

Off-peak Visits

Enter popular scenic areas (Xiatag/Nalati) before 8 AM to avoid afternoon crowds.

Underrated Alternatives: Qiaxi Forest Park as an alternative to the Kalajun Grassland (similar three-dimensional grasslands, half the crowds).

Tuohulasu Grassland’s yellow flower sea in June, no entrance fee required.

8. The Possible Benefits of Visiting with Yes! CN Tour

Assisting you to enjoy a time-saving and convenient visit in Ili, we highly recommend you travel with us Yes! CN Tour.

Guided tours are led by knowledgeable and experienced tour guides who provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and significance of the places you visit. Therefore, joining a guided tour offers a hassle-free, enriching, and socially engaging way to explore the world. It’s an excellent choice for those who value convenience, expert insights, and the camaraderie of group travel. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, a guided tour can provide a memorable and rewarding experience.

What's more, our local experienced drivers will serve you wholeheartedly from the beginning you arrive in the airport of tourism destinations to the last moment you want to leave, we focus on each detail and make tailor-made itineraries based on your group size, physical conditions and budgets. What you need to do is to concentrate on the highlights in the scenic spots.

Most importantly, traveling with a group and a professional guide can provide an added sense of security, especially in unfamiliar or remote locations, our tour guides are well-prepared to handle emergencies, and being part of a group reduces the risks associated with solo travel.

Please don't hesitate to contact with us to create a more unforgettable journey.