Embark on a captivating 3-day journey through Ili, a region brimming with cultural and natural wonders. Your adventure begins at the Nalati Scenic Area, where you'll spend a full day immersed in the breathtaking landscapes that define Xinjiang. Next, enrich your cultural experience with a visit to the Kazanqi Folk-custom Village, a beautiful village that showcases the unique heritage of the region. On your second day, stroll through the characteristic Han Chinese Street, absorbing the local ambiance before unwinding in the serene Yining City Seascape Park. The Ile River's tranquil flow offers a moment of reflection, while the Ipar Khan Lavender Tourist Park dazzles with its fragrant fields. Your final day is a sensory delight, starting with the Huocheng Lavender Fields, where hues of purple stretch as far as the eye can see. Princess Jieyou's Lavender Garden continues the aromatic journey, followed by the architectural marvel of the Guozigou Bridge. Conclude your trip with the natural splendor of Guozigou, a valley that promises to leave you with lasting memories of Ili's diverse beauty. This itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to ensure you experience the essence of Ili in just three days, with each attraction offering a unique glimpse into the region's soul.
3 Days in Ili Itinerary: Day 1
Nalati Scenic Area
Kickstart your Ili adventure at the breathtaking Nalati Scenic Area, where the vast grasslands meet the sky. As the first stop on our itinerary, this expansive natural paradise promises a full day of exploration amidst the lush greenery and azure heavens. Located in Nalatizhen, Xinyuan, the Nalati Scenic Area is a testament to the untouched beauty of Xinjiang. Wander through the verdant fields, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and let the serenity of this highland pasture refresh your spirit.
Attraction Info
- Nalatizhen, Xinyuan, Ili, Xinjiang, China
- Suggested tour duration: 1-2 days
- Open from 9:00am-7:00pm
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Kazanqi Folk-custom Village
After immersing yourself in the natural splendor of Nalati, take a cultural detour to the Kazanqi Folk-custom Village. Just a short journey east of the Yilizhou Government in Yining City, this beautiful village offers a two-hour glimpse into the rich tapestry of local traditions. Stroll through the vibrant streets, engage with the warm-hearted locals, and discover the unique customs that make Kazanqi a living mosaic of the Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture's heritage.
Attraction Info
- East of Yilizhou Government, Yining City, Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture
- Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
- Open 24 hours
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Where to Stay Tonight
3 Days in Ili Itinerary: Day 2
Han Chinese Street
Begin your second day in Ili with a cultural immersion at Han Chinese Street. Nestled in the heart of Yining, this characteristic neighborhood offers a glimpse into the vibrant daily life and traditions of the local Han Chinese community. Spend an hour meandering through the bustling streets, where the fusion of historic architecture and modern livelihood creates a captivating atmosphere. It's the perfect spot to soak up the local culture and maybe even pick up a few unique souvenirs.
Attraction Info
- Dongliang St, Yining Shi, Yili Hasakezizhizhou, Xinjiang Weiwuerzizhiqu, China
- Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
- Open 24 hours
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Yining City Seascape Park
After exploring the cultural tapestry of Han Chinese Street, unwind amidst the greenery of Yining City Seascape Park. As a serene city park, it provides a two-hour escape from the urban rush. Stroll along the well-manicured paths, enjoy the tranquil lakes, and watch as locals engage in leisurely activities. It's an ideal spot to relax and rejuvenate while observing the harmonious blend of nature and city life.
Attraction Info
- Gulja, Ili, Xinjiang, China
- Suggested tour duration: 2 hour
- Open from 8:00am-6:00pm
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Ile River
Continue your journey with a visit to the majestic Ile River. Set aside two hours to embrace the natural beauty of this significant waterway in the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture. The Ile River's banks are perfect for leisurely walks or picnics, offering a peaceful retreat and the chance to witness the region's diverse flora and fauna. The river's serene flow adds a soothing soundtrack to your nature exploration.
Attraction Info
- Yining County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture
- Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
- Open 24 hours
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Ipar Khan Lavender Tourist Park
Conclude your day at the enchanting Ipar Khan Lavender Tourist Park. Dedicate two hours to wander through fields of blooming lavender, which paint the Yili River Valley in various shades of purple. The park not only offers a feast for the eyes but also a sensory delight with the calming scent of lavender in the air. It's a picturesque finale to a day filled with the best cultural and natural experiences Ili has to offer.
Attraction Info
- In Yining County, Yili River Valley
- Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
- Open from 8:30am-1:30am
Where to Stay Tonight
3 Days in Ili Itinerary: Day 3
Huocheng Lavender Fields
Begin your final day in Ili with a sensory delight at the Huocheng Lavender Fields. As the first stop of the day, immerse yourself in a sea of purple as you explore one of the largest lavender fields in China. Located along the scenic 218 National Road, the fields offer a tranquil escape where you can spend around three hours wandering through rows of fragrant blooms, perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Attraction Info
- 218 National Rd, Huocheng Xian, Yili Hasakezizhizhou, Xinjiang Weiwuerzizhiqu, China
- Suggested tour duration: 3 hour
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Princess Jieyou's Lavender Garden
Continue your aromatic journey at Princess Jieyou's Lavender Garden, just a short drive from the first stop. Spend about an hour and a half in this picturesque setting, where the story of Princess Jieyou intertwines with the beauty of the lavender that carpets the area. The garden not only offers a visual feast but also a historical narrative that adds depth to your visit.
Attraction Info
- 218 National Rd, Huocheng Xian, Yili Hasakezizhizhou, Xinjiang Weiwuerzizhiqu, China
- Suggested tour duration: 1.5-3 hour
- Open from 1/1-12/31(Summer),9:00am-8:30pm;Open from 1/1-12/31(Winter),10:30am-6:00pm
Guozigou Bridge
Next, make your way to the Guozigou Bridge, an architectural marvel that spans the breathtaking Guozigou Valley. Although the stay is brief, half an hour is ample time to capture the grandeur of the bridge and the panoramic views it offers. The bridge stands as a testament to modern engineering and is a must-see for those who appreciate structural design set against natural landscapes.
Attraction Info
- Huocheng County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Uygur Autonomous Region
- Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
- Open 24 hours
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Guozigou
Conclude your Ili exploration with a visit to Guozigou itself. Dedicate two hours to experience the valley's full splendor. Guozigou, known for its winding rivers and verdant hills, is a haven for adventurers and peace-seekers alike. The G30 Lianhuo Expressway provides a stunning route through the valley, ensuring your final memories of Ili are as unforgettable as the destination itself.
Attraction Info
- G30 Lianhuo Expy, Huocheng Xian, Yili Hasakezizhizhou, Xinjiang Weiwuerzizhiqu, China
- Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
- Open 24 hours
Where to Stay Tonight
Top Things to Do in Ili-2025
Based on 10 reviewKalajun Attraction is located in the southeast of Tekes County, Yili, about 30 kilometers away from the county seat. It is one of the famous grasslands in Xinjiang and a famous attraction that tourists cannot miss when visiting Xinjiang West Line (Yili Loop Line). Kalajun grassland is in the shape of continuous hills, backed by towering snow-capped mountains. There are also forests, flowers and other landscapes on the grassland. The scenery is vast and beautiful, making it a great place for sightseeing and photography.
Kalajun in a broad sense refers to the Kalajun Ecological Tourism Area, which includes the East and West Kalajun, Koksu Grand Canyon, Zhongtianshan Snow Peak and Tianlai Forest. Each Attraction sells tickets separately and is far away from each other. The Kalajun Grassland generally refers to the East and West Kalajun Attraction, which is also the main destination for tourists to visit the Kalajun Grassland. The East and West Kalajun Attraction sell tickets together and use the same shuttle bus. It takes about 1-2 days to visit, and you can choose to stay on the grassland for one night in the middle. You can also come in the morning and return to Tekes County to stay in the evening.
The gate of the Attraction is located in the Kushitai Comprehensive Service Area, which is also the place where chartered or self-driving vehicles need to stop. Private vehicles are not allowed to enter the area after that. If tourists come from Tekes County by Bus to the Attraction , they can also go directly to the Bulaq Ticket Station
After arriving at the Bulaq Ticket Station, you need to buy tickets and sightseeing bus tickets in the Attraction, and then take the sightseeing bus to play. The area in the Attraction is very large. The sightseeing bus will first circle the West Kalajun Attraction, and then go to the East Kalajun. The One-way journey takes about 1 hour. The junction of East and West Kalajun is located at the World Heritage Exhibition Center. Generally, tourists start to visit the Attraction at noon. You can visit West Kalajun on the first day, get off at the World Heritage Exhibition Center, return to the World Heritage Exhibition Center on the second day, and take a bus to visit the East Kalajun Attraction before leaving.
The main scenic spots in Xikalajun Attraction include Wangyutai, Marmot Habitat, Liangyitai, Dielanggu, Shiquan, Yinmawan, Yikeshu, etc. You can take a bus to visit them one by one. Liangyitai, Dielanggu and Shiquan are still some distance away from the shuttle bus stop, and it takes about half an hour to walk from the stop. Xikalajun Scenic Attraction is dominated by rolling hills. Dielanggu is a typical hilly grassland. In summer, it is a good place for photography with layers of green.
Dongkalajun is located deep in the grassland and is also the essence of the entire grassland. The characteristic attractions here include the Five-Flower Meadow, Flower Platform, Kuerdai Forest Grand Canyon, Sanji Planation Observation Deck and Falcon Platform Observation Deck. There are snow-capped mountains, grassland scenery, forest canyons, etc. The scenery is diverse and very beautiful. However, the five attractions are a little far from the parking spot of the sightseeing bus. You can reach them by hiking from the parking spot for about 0.5-1 hour. The Five-Flower Meadow and Flower Platform are the wonderful attractions. One is an open meadow full of colorful wild flowers, and the other is where you can take pictures of the snow-capped mountains behind the grassland. They are all very beautiful and are the essence of the Attraction that cannot be missed.
Kurdenin - a world natural heritage site, a national water conservancy scenic spot, and a national AAAA-level Attraction, is located in the southeast forest area of Gongliu County, 55 kilometers away from the county seat. It was approved by the State Council as the West Tianshan Nature Reserve in April 2000. It has the Tianshan endemic species - Picea schrenkiana. It is the habitat and origin of the global Picea schrenkiana and the Central Asian wild fruit forest. It is the "Green Valley of Tianshan, the hometown of Picea schrenkiana". Kurdenin is also a world natural heritage site, a national 4A-level Attraction, and a natural oxygen bar. It is rated as the negative oxygen zone of the top ten forests in China. The state bird, state tree, and state flower of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture are all from here. At the same time, it is also the sketching creation base of the Chinese Artists Association and the Chinese mountaineering training base.
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Kurdening means "horizontal ditch" to local herdsmen. It is a wide valley running from north to south. Kurdening has a total area of 1,176 square kilometers and an average altitude of about 1,500 meters. The special north-south direction makes Kurdening warm in winter and cool in summer, with a pleasant climate. It has both the broadness and ruggedness of the north and the charm and beauty of the south of the Yangtze River. It is a tourist resort for summer vacation. There is the snow-capped Kabanbay Peak, which is 4,257 meters above sea level and is one of the famous peaks in the Western Tianshan Mountains. On the left side of Kabanbay Peak is a mountain covered with snow-capped spruce. An invisible reclining Buddha is naturally formed along the trend of the mountain. The sleeping Buddha, with his head resting on the sunrise and his feet on the sunset, has a well-proportioned body and a peaceful expression. It is a masterpiece of nature. The forests, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, streams, canyons and waterfalls here form a magnificent picture of Kurdnin. This is a place with lush forests in the Tianshan Mountains. It has spruce forest resources that are rare per unit of timber. The complete original forest types and vegetation are particularly typical representatives of the entire Tianshan forest ecosystem. According to preliminary statistics, Kurdnin has 1,594 species of vascular plants and 223 species of wild vertebrates, which can be called the "natural gene bank" of wild species in the hinterland of Eurasia.
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Tour route:
Interval bus route:
Attraction visitor center (take the interval bus)-》Heritage Center (walk, visit the exhibition hall)->Kabambayi Peak (view from a distance)->Iron Bridge (walk)-Tianshan Sleeping Buddha (view from a distance)->Spruce King (take the sightseeing bus)->Cloud Grassland (walk down the wooden plank road) ->Restaurant (walk, eat at Green Valley Resort or fast food restaurant)->Heritage Center Parking Lot (walk) Return to Visitor Center (take shuttle bus)
Self-driving route:
Attraction Visitor Center->Kurdening Attraction Zhonggou Entrance->+Lihua Gallery->Fengxiang Station-Kafeng Base Camp->Qimengde Observation Deck->Ayusai Observation Deck->Hiking to Spruce King->Hiking to Tianshan Sleeping Buddha (distant view)->Hiking to Yunshang Grassland
