Located in northwestern Xinjiang at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains and in the Ili River Valley, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture enjoys a mild and humid climate, earning it the reputation of 'Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall.' The Ili River runs through the entire region, providing abundant water resources. With four distinct seasons, cool summers, and mild winters, Ili is the most humid area in Xinjiang.
Ili has a long history, known as 'Yilie' in ancient times. During the Han Dynasty, it was part of the Western Regions Protectorate; in the Tang Dynasty, the Beiting Protectorate was established here; and in the Qing Dynasty, it served as the seat of the Ili General. In 1954, the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture was established, becoming an important political, economic, and cultural center in Xinjiang.
Ili is a multi-ethnic area inhabited by Kazakhs, Han, Uyghurs, Hui, Mongols, and others, resulting in a diverse culture. Signature dishes include hand-grabbed lamb, naryn, horse sausage, and baked buns. Ili lavender rivals that of Provence, France, and the annual Lavender Festival is held in summer.
Modern Ili is developing rapidly thanks to its rich agricultural, livestock, and tourism resources. The Horgos Port serves as a key gateway for China's westward opening, and the economic cooperation zone boosts border trade. The tourism industry is thriving, with attractions like Nalati Grassland and Karajun Grassland drawing large numbers of visitors.
The best time to visit 伊犁 is June to August is the peak tourist season with pleasant weather and the most beautiful grasslands..
June to August: The summer grasslands are lush green, lavender blooms, and the temperature is moderate. This is the best time to visit Ili.
September to October: The autumn grasslands turn golden, fruits ripen, perfect for photography and fruit tasting.
November to March: Winter is cold, but you can experience ice and snow activities and Kazakh folk customs.
The Western Han Dynasty established the Western Regions Protectorate, officially incorporating the Ili region into Chinese territory.
The Qing Dynasty established the Ili General to govern military and political affairs north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, making Ili the political center of Xinjiang.
In November 1954, the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture was officially established, the only Kazakh autonomous prefecture in China.
Recommended places to visit
Nalati Grassland, located in Xinyuan County, is one of the four major grasslands in the world, known as 'Sky Grassland'. In summer, the grass is lush, wildflowers bloom, and herds of cattle and sheep roam. It's an excellent place to experience Kazakh nomadic culture.
Kalajun Grassland, located in Tekes County, is a World Natural Heritage site known for its 'three-dimensional grassland'. The undulating grassland, snow-capped mountains, forests, and rivers create a magnificent landscape.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Kalajun Grassland, as part of 'Xinjiang Tianshan', was inscribed as a World Natural Heritage site, known for its unique three-dimensional grassland landscape and biodiversity.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Kazakh Aken singing is a folk oral literature and musical art of the Kazakh people, where Aken (folk poets) improvise with singing and playing. It is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.
Kazakh embroidery is exquisite with ethnic patterns, used in clothing and yurt decorations. It is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Yining Airport, located in Yining city, has flights to major domestic cities such as Urumqi, Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. Taxis and airport buses are available to the city center.
Economy class 500-1500 yuan
Yining Railway Station is the terminus of the Jinghe-Yining-Horgos Railway, with bullet trains and regular trains to Urumqi, Horgos, etc. The bullet train from Urumqi to Yining takes about 5 hours.
Bullet train second class about 128 yuan
Yining city has multiple bus routes with fares of 1-2 yuan. Long-distance coaches from Yining Bus Station go to scenic areas like Nalati and Kalajun, with fares ranging from 30 to 80 yuan.
Bus 1-2 yuan, long-distance 30-80 yuan
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Ili hand-grabbed lamb uses local grassland sheep, tender and juicy. Boiled in plain water, it is eaten with salt or cumin, preserving the original flavor.
Naren is a traditional Kazakh noodle dish. Hand-pulled noodle sheets are placed over cooked lamb, topped with broth, onions, and cilantro, creating a delicious flavor.
The lavender planting base in Huocheng County, Ili, is at the same latitude as Provence, France, and is known as the 'Hometown of Chinese Lavender'. From mid-June to early July, lavender blooms, creating a mesmerizing purple sea.
Guozigou Bridge, located in Huocheng County, is the first cable-stayed bridge in Xinjiang, spanning the Guozigou Canyon with a deck 200 meters above the valley floor. It offers spectacular views and is a key link between Ili and Urumqi.
Horgos Port, located in Huocheng County, is a border port between China and Kazakhstan and an important node of the Belt and Road Initiative. Visitors can see the national gate and the China-Kazakhstan cooperation center, experiencing the bustling border trade.
Horse sausage is a traditional Kazakh smoked food. Horse meat and fat are stuffed into horse intestines and smoked with pine wood. Sliced and eaten, it has a unique flavor.
Baked buns are a common Xinjiang snack. The dough is unleavened, filled with lamb and onion, and baked in a tandoor. The crust is crispy and the filling is juicy.
Ili yogurt is made from fresh local milk, thick and creamy with a balanced sweet and sour taste. Often served with honey or jam.