Yili, a place that is full of poetry just by listening to the name.
This summer, I finally had the opportunity to set foot on this land and experience its charm firsthand.
Looking back on it now, I still feel that the aftertaste is endless.
If you are also planning to go to Ili, then this travelogue of mine may be able to give you some reference.
The beauty of Ili lies in its diversity.
Snow-capped mountains, grasslands, rivers, lakes, forests, and various landforms converge here, forming a magnificent picture.
When I first arrived in Yili, I was struck by the vastness of this land.
The rolling snow-capped mountains in the distance, the grassy grasslands nearby, the cattle and sheep grazing leisurely, and the horses running freely constitute a quiet and peaceful idyll.
The Ili River Valley is the essence of Ili, where the water and grass are abundant, the climate is pleasant, and it is a place where many ethnic minorities live.
Here, you can feel the strong ethnic customs, taste the authentic food, and experience the unique culture.
In terms of transportation, you can choose to fly directly to Yining Airport, and then rent a car or take public transportation to various attractions.
In terms of accommodation, hotels and B&Bs in Yili are relatively developed, so you can choose according to your needs.
In terms of food, be sure to try the local kebabs, pilaf, milk tea, etc., all of which taste very good.
Next, I would like to share with you five of the most memorable places of my trip to Yili.
Nalati steppe
The Nalati grassland, one of the four major grasslands in the world, is a subalpine meadow plant area, and has been a famous pasture since ancient times.
The area here is vast, surrounded by mountains on three sides, and the Gongnaisi River meanders through, which can be described as "green mountains on three sides, and the waist is surrounded by jade belt rivers".
Walking through the Nalati grassland, you will be captivated by its vastness and beauty.
In the distance are rolling snow-capped mountains, and in the near distance are grassy grasslands, with herds of cattle and sheep, and galloping horses.
You can ride a horse and gallop and feel the vastness of the grassland; You can also sit quietly and enjoy the sunset.
Transportation: You can take a shuttle bus from Yining City to Nalati Grassland, which takes about 4 hours.
Accommodation: There are various types of hotels and B&Bs on the Narati steppe that can be chosen according to your budget.
Food: You can taste authentic Kazakh cuisine such as kebabs, pilaf, milk tea, and more.
Khorgos crossing
Khorgos Port is a border port between China and Kazakhstan and an important node on the ancient Silk Road.
Here, you can experience the cultural exchanges and trade between China and Kazakhstan up close.
Standing in front of the gate of the country and watching the flags of the two countries fluttering in the wind, you will feel a sense of solemnity and sacredness.
You can also visit the museum at the port of Khorgos to learn about the history and culture of the Silk Road.
Transportation: You can take a shuttle bus from Yining City to Khorgos Port, which takes about 2 hours.
Accommodation: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses near the Khorgos port that can provide accommodation services.
Food: You can taste the special cuisine of China and Kazakhstan.
Lavender fields
The lavender fields of Ili, along with Provence in France, are one of the three major lavender cultivation bases in the world.
Every year in June, the lavender is in full bloom, and the sea of purple flowers all over the mountains is like a fairyland on earth.
Surrounded by a sea of lavender flowers, you will be enchanted by its romance and beauty.
The air is filled with a faint scent of lavender, which is refreshing.
You can take photos here as a souvenir or buy some lavender products as a souvenir.
Transportation: The lavender fields of Yili are mainly distributed around Yining City, and can be reached by taxi or chartered car.
Accommodation: Accommodation services are available in hotels and B&Bs in downtown Yili.
Food: Taste local specialties such as lavender ice cream, lavender honey and more.
Guozigou Bridge
Guozigou Bridge is an important transportation hub in the Ili River Valley, and it is also a beautiful landscape.
The bridge spans the Guozigou Gorge, which is magnificent and spectacular.
Standing on the bridge, you can overlook the entire Guozigou Canyon and feel the magic of nature.
The canyon is flanked by dense forests and the bottom of the valley is a clear river, and the scenery is stunning.
Transportation: Guozigou Bridge is located in Huocheng County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, and can be reached by car or shuttle.
Accommodation: There are some hotels and guesthouses in Huocheng County, which can provide accommodation services.
Food: Huocheng County is famous for its abundance of fruits, and you can taste a variety of fresh fruits.
Tex Gossip City
Turks Bagua City, the largest and most complete Bagua City in the world, is also a city full of mysteries.
The city's street layout is designed according to the Bagua map, radiating outward from the center, forming a unique urban landscape.
Walking through the streets of Turks Gossip City, you will feel a unique cultural atmosphere.
You can visit a local museum and learn about the history and culture of Bagua City.
Transportation: You can take a shuttle bus from Yining City to Tex Bagua City, which takes about 5 hours.
Accommodation: There are a number of hotels and B&Bs in Tex Gossip City that can provide accommodation services.
Food: You can taste local specialties such as roasted whole lamb, finger meat, and more.
These five places, each with their own characteristics, are all worth visiting.
I hope this travelogue of mine can help you better understand Yili, and I hope you can leave good memories in Yili.