Ili Travel Guide: The Wet Island of Central Asia and the Lavender Capital

1.Introduction: The Green Corridor of the Western Frontier Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, often simply called Ili, is located in the northwestern part of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Unlike the arid deserts often associated with Xinjiang, Ili is renowned as the "Wet Island of Central Asia" and the "Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall." This unique climate is due to its geography: the region is surrounded by mountains on three sides (North, East, and South) but is open to the west. This trumpet-like shape allows humid air currents from the Atlantic Ocean to flow deep into the valley, bringing abundant precipitation and creating a fertile, green landscape that stretches for over 800 kilometers along the Ili River,.

2.Yining: The Garden City The prefecture's capital, Yining (Ghulja), is a vibrant "Garden City" known for its multicultural atmosphere and charming streets lined with poplars. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the region. The city is a melting pot of ethnic groups, including Uighurs, Kazakhs, Hans, Huis, and Xibes, creating a rich tapestry of customs and architectural styles. Walking through the streets of Yining, visitors can see colorful Russian-style houses and traditional Uighur courtyards, reflecting the region's history as a vital trading post on the ancient Silk Road,.

3.Sayram Lake: The Last Tear of the Atlantic One of the most iconic sights in Ili is Sayram Lake. Situated at the top of the Tianshan Mountains, it is the highest and largest alpine cold-water lake in Xinjiang. It is often poetically referred to as "The Last Tear of the Atlantic" because it is the furthest point reached by the warm, humid air currents from the Atlantic Ocean. In winter, the lake transforms into a magnificent ice world, while in spring and summer, the lakeside meadows are carpeted with wildflowers, creating a breathtaking contrast against the snow-capped peaks and the azure water. Legends of lake monsters and magnetic anomalies add a layer of mystery to this stunning natural wonder.

4.The Valleys: Fruit Valley and Lavender Fields Connecting Sayram Lake to the Ili River Valley is the famous Guozigou (Fruit Valley). Historically a crucial passage on the Silk Road, today it is traversed by a spectacular suspension bridge that winds through the mountains. The valley is named for the abundance of wild apple and apricot trees that grow on its slopes. In spring and summer, the valley is a sea of green forests and blooming flowers, making it one of the most beautiful valleys in Xinjiang. Further west, Huocheng County is known as the "Provence of the East." Since the introduction of lavender from France in 1964, the region has become a major producer of this fragrant herb. In June, vast fields of purple lavender bloom against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, filling the air with a soothing aroma. It is a romantic and visually arresting sight that rivals the famous fields of France.

5.The Grasslands: Nalati, Kalajun, and Tangbula Ili is home to some of the world's most spectacular grasslands.

• 6.Nalati Grassland: Known as the "Deer Garden" and the "Sky Grassland," Nalati is one of the four major river valley grasslands in the world. It is famous for its high altitude, lush vegetation, and the unique Kazakh folk customs preserved by the local herdsmen. From June to September, the rolling hills are covered in a carpet of green, dotted with white yurts and herds of livestock.
• 7.Tangbula Grassland: Known as the "Gallery of a Hundred Miles," this area features over 113 gullies, each with its own unique scenery, including strange rock formations, waterfalls, and natural hot springs. It is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers.
• 8.Kalajun Grassland: This high-altitude meadow is famous for its "body-like" mountain curves. The undulating grassy ridges resemble the curves of a human body, creating a surreal and beautiful 3D landscape. In late spring, it becomes a "Flower Sea," with vibrant blooms covering the slopes.

9.Apricot Valley: A Spring Fairytale In early spring (usually April), the Turgen Apricot Valley in Xinyuan County becomes a dreamlike world. Thousands of acres of wild apricot trees bloom on the rolling green hills, creating a wash of pink and white clouds suspended over the emerald grass. This ephemeral beauty attracts photographers from all over the world to witness the awakening of the Tianshan spring.

10.History and Culture: The Ancient Trails Ili is rich in history. The Xiatta Ancient Trail connects the northern and southern sides of the Tianshan Mountains. Once a dangerous military and trade route, it traverses the majestic Muzart Glacier. Today, it is a premier trekking route for adventurers, offering views of ancient stone carvings, glaciers, and the towering Khan Tengri Peak. The region also preserves the legacy of the Xibe people, who migrated here from Northeast China centuries ago to guard the frontier, adding another layer to the region's cultural diversity.