Ili / Yili Travel Guide
Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, also known as Ili or Yili, is located in the northwestern border of China, in the northwestern part of Xinjiang, bordering Russia and Mongolia in the northeast, and the Republic of Kazakhstan in the west. Ili was a key point on the northern ancient Silk Road in history, and is known as the "hometown of fruits". There is charming natural scenery here, and each season has different scenery and experiences. Popular attractions include Sayram Lake, Karajun Grassland, Nalati Grassland, etc.
- English Name: Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture
- Chinese Name: 伊犁哈萨克自治州 (yī lí hā sà kè zì zhì zhōu)
- Government: An autonomous prefecture (at the sub-provincial level) in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
- Location: Northwestern part of Xinjiang, China (Roughly between 40°14′16″N - 49°10′45″N, 80°09′42″E - 91°01′45″E)
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Area code & Zip Code:
Area Code: 0999; Zip Code: 835100 - Airports：Ili Yining International Airport (YIN)
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Railway Stations:
Yining Railway Station, Khorgos Railway Station, Yining East Railway Station -
Suburban Districts:
Directly administers 11 counties/cities: Yining City, Kuitun City, Huocheng County, Yining County, Gongliu County, Xinyuan County, Zhaosu County, Tekes County, Nilka County, Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County, Khorgos City. It also governs Tacheng Region and Altay Region. - Population: About 4.58 million
Best Time to Visit Ili
The most beautiful season for Ili grasslands is summer (June to August). At this time, the grasslands are covered with green grass and flowers. Against the backdrop of blue skies and white clouds, the vast grasslands, scattered herds of livestock, towering spruce forests and continuous snow-capped mountains form a classic picture of Ili grassland scenery.
What to See
Nalati Grassland1. Nalati Grassland: It is located at the eastern end of the Ili River Valley and is one of the four major grasslands in the world. The Nalati Scenic Area integrates grasslands, river valleys, forests, and streams. It has a high vegetation coverage rate and abundant wild animal resources. Known for its unique natural ecological landscapes and cultural landscapes, it is honored as a national 5A-level scenic spot and "the Green Island of the Tianshan Mountains."
Sayram Lake2. Sayram Lake: It was known as "Pure Sea" in ancient times. With a transparency of over 10 meters, it boasts the highest transparency among lakes in China and is also one of the country's famous color-changing lakes. Due to its great depth, high transparency, and turquoise-blue water, it is hailed as "the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean". It attracts countless tourists with its pure alpine lake scenery, unique natural landscapes, and rich nomadic culture.
Kalajun "Human Body" Grassland3. Kalajun Grassland: It covers an area of nearly 3,000 square kilometers, with an altitude ranging from 1,305 meters to 3,957 meters. Renowned for its primitive ecology and alpine meadow landscapes, it is hailed as the "Flower Grassland Suspended in the Air". Kalajun Grassland is very large and is divided into East Kalajun, West Kalajun and Kuokesu Grand Canyon Scenic Area.
Guozigou Bridge4. Guozigou Bridge: It is China's first highway double-tower, double-cable-plane steel truss girder cable-stayed bridge. Overlooking from the viewing platform or the top of Pine Head, the bridge forms a graceful S-shaped curve, just like a giant dragon hovering among the lofty mountains, making people marvel at the grandeur of modern engineering and human wisdom.
Recommended attractions:
| Nalati Grassland | Kalajun Grassland | Sayram Lake |
| Guozigou Bridge | Qiongkushitai Grassland | Huocheng Lavender |
How to Get There
Ili Yining International Airport (YIN) has a rich range of routes. It offers direct flights to popular cities outside Xinjiang such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, providing convenience for tourists to experience the prosperity of inland areas. Within Xinjiang, it enables smooth travel to cities like Kashgar and Kuqa, facilitating in-depth exploration of Xinjiang's diverse customs.
How far is Ili from Major Cities
| Cities | Distance from Ili (km) | By Air to Ili | By High-Speed Railway to Ili | By Traditional Train to Ili |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 3474 | 6hrs | No direct high-speed trains | No direct traditional trains |
| Shanghai | 4611 | 6.5hrs | No direct high-speed trains | No direct traditional trains |
| Xi'an | 3237 | 4.5hrs | No direct high-speed trains | No direct traditional trains |
| Chengdu | 3472 | 4.5hrs | No direct high-speed trains | No direct traditional trains |
| Lanzhou | 2617 | 4hrs | No direct high-speed trains | No direct traditional trains |
How far is Ili from Other Xinjiang Cities
| Cities | Distance from Ili (km) | By Air to Ili | By High-Speed Railway to Ili | By Traditional Train to Ili |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kashgar | 1291 | 2hrs | No direct high-speed trains | No direct traditional trains |
| Altay | 995 | 1.5hrs | No direct high-speed trains | No direct traditional trains |
| Aksu | 825 | 1hr | No direct high-speed trains | No direct traditional trains |
| Urumqi | 691 | 1.5hrs | 5.5hrs | 10hrs |
| Turpan | 882 | 1.5hrs | No direct high-speed trains | No direct traditional trains |
| Korla | 634 | 1.5hrs | No direct high-speed trains | No direct traditional trains |
| Hami | 1312 | 2hrs | No direct high-speed trains | No direct traditional trains |
| Hotan | 1234 | 1.5hrs-3hrs | No direct high-speed trains | No direct traditional trains |
Gourmet Food Recommendations
Baked Bun has a crispy skin and fresh, savory fillings. It is a common snacks in the streets and alleys of Hotan.
Latiaozi is Xinjiang mixed noodles. The noodles are directly pulled by hand and cleverly paired with various vegetables, beef and mutton. The noodles are delicious, with good color and aroma.
Naren is a special delicacy of the Kazak people in Ili. Usually, mutton, horse meat or beef is used to make broth, and then noodles or dough pieces are cooked in this original broth, which has a rich and tempting aroma.
Souvenir and Shopping
Yili Dried Hanging ApricotsYili Dried Hanging Apricots: The dried hanging apricots from the Ili River Valley have plump fruits, a golden color, a sweet and sour taste, and are rich in nutrients, including vitamin C, calcium, iron and other nutritional components. They have the effects of invigorating the spleen, stimulating the appetite, moistening the lungs and relieving coughs. They are one of the characteristic fruits of Yili. The dried apricots made from them are even more delicious, easy to carry and preserve.
Yili WalnutsYili Raisins: The Yili region has sufficient sunlight and a large temperature difference between day and night, which is conducive to the accumulation of sugar in grapes. The produced raisins are plump in grains, bright in color and sweet in taste. They are one of the special products of Yili and also an excellent gift for relatives and friends.
Yili Walnuts: Yili walnuts are large in size, thin in shell and full in kernel. They are rich in nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamins and minerals, and have the effects of nourishing the brain, improving intelligence, strengthening the body and so on. They can be eaten directly or used in making pastries, dishes, etc.