Ili, Xinjiang

The Fire of Civilization in the Bagua City: Experiencing Slow Life in Tekes Li Street

📸Photography 🏯Old Towns 🛤️Silk Road(丝绸之路)

Altitude

650m

Best Time

☀️ 🍂

Ticket

Free

ℹ️

About This Attraction

1.Tekes Li: Street, located in the core area of Tekes County ("Bagua City") within the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang, is a vibrant cultural block that embodies the soul of this unique city. Covering an area of approximately 2.4 square kilometers, Li Street is not merely a tourist attraction but a "living museum" where history, architecture, and multi-ethnic traditions coexist harmoniously.

The name "Li Street" is deeply rooted in the philosophy of the I Ching (Book of Changes). In the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) layout of Tekes City, this street corresponds to the position of the "Li" (离) trigram. In Bagua symbolism, "Li" represents Fire, the Sun, and Light, signifying civilization, propriety, and dependence. Thus, Li Street is interpreted as the "Cultural Torch" of the Bagua City, symbolizing the unceasing flame of civilization and the mutual reliance of the diverse ethnic groups living here.

2.Walking into Li: Street is like stepping into a kaleidoscope of ethnic culture and architectural history. The block preserves century-old traditional courtyards that feature a fusion of styles. You will see raw earth walls, intricate wooden frames, and colorful carved doors that reflect the aesthetics of the Kazakh, Uyghur, and Han peoples. Unlike modern, uniform cityscapes, the architecture here follows the natural terrain, creating a rhythmic and organic layout. The walls are adorned with vivid murals and reliefs that depict scenes of local life—such as Kazakh pastures, Uyghur domestic activities, and the grand layout of the Bagua City. These artworks often cleverly interact with real architectural elements like windows and doors, creating a playful "3D" visual effect.

Culturally, Li Street is a model of ethnic integration. It is a community where Kazakhs, Hans, Uyghurs, Kyrgyz, Mongols, and other ethnic groups live side by side. This harmonious coexistence is palpable in the daily life of the street: neighbors sharing a well, diverse architectural styles blending in a single courtyard, and the intermingling of languages and customs. Visitors can explore open courtyards to see Kazakh embroidery (Kesai), listen to the melodies of the accordion (a legacy of Russian and Tatar influence), or simply watch local residents tending to their fruit trees and flower gardens.

Li Street champions a "Slow Life" philosophy. It offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle, inviting travelers to wander without a specific destination. You can taste authentic local delicacies like handmade ice cream, savory naan, and sheep offal soup, or relax in a courtyard converted into a literary cafe. Whether under the warm morning sun or the golden glow of sunset, Li Street offers a profound connection to the warmth, tranquility, and vibrant "human fireworks" of Xinjiang.

✨ Why Visit Tekes Li Street

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A preserved Uyghur residential street in Tekes County with distinctive local architecture

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Traditional courtyard homes featuring vibrant murals and intricate wood carvings

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A living cultural area showcasing the daily life and artistic heritage of the local community

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Colorful street art and decorative elements reflecting Kazakh and Uyghur folk motifs

Location & Nearby

📍 Ili, Xinjiang • 🏔️ 650m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Tekes Li Street Travel Guide

is located in the core area of Tekes County (Bagua City), Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. Why is it called Li Street?

The name comes from the "Li" trigram of the Bagua layout,.

which corresponds to the street's location and symbolizes fire, light, and civilization. What can I see there?

You.

can see traditional ethnic architecture (wooden and raw earth houses), colorful murals, local handicraft workshops, and authentic residential courtyards. Is there an entrance fee?

The street itself.

is an open residential and cultural block, generally free to walk around, though specific services or shops will charge. When is the best time to visit?

The best time is from May to October, when the greenery is lush, flowers are in bloom, and fruits are ripe. June and July are particularly vibrant.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Tekes Li Street?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.