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Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, abbreviated as Ili and Ili Prefecture, is located in the Ili River Valley in the northern part of the Tianshan Mountains in the western part of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It was established in 1954. It is the only autonomous prefecture in the country that has jurisdiction over both prefecture-level administrative regions and county-level administrative regions, and it is also the only sub-provincial autonomous prefecture in the country.
Ili, historically a key point on the northern route of the ancient Silk Road and today a gateway to the west, is known as the "Jiangnan of the Great Wall" and the "Homeland of Melons and Fruits." With relatively abundant rainfall and mild weather, it's known as the "Wet Island in the Vast Sea." Grassland and forest cover account for 67.7% of the area's land. It boasts the famous Gongnaisi, Tangbula, Nalati, and Zhaosu grasslands; the Gedeng Mountain Merit Monument inscribed by Emperor Qianlong; the Ili General's Mansion; the Huiyuan Bell and Drum Tower; and the Lin Zexu Memorial Hall. It boasts the "Pearl of the Grasslands," Sailimu Lake; and every June, vast fields of lavender can be seen.
Temperate continental climate, alpine climate
June to October is the best time to visit Yili. During this time, Yili boasts stunning scenery and fragrant fruits and vegetables. Visitors can not only enjoy the stunning natural beauty but also indulge in a variety of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. Mid -June is when lavender blooms, and the locals hold a grand lavender festival. In July, apricot trees in Xinyuan and rapeseed flowers in Zhaosu also bloom.
Nalati Grassland
One of Xinjiang's most famous grasslands, located on the northern slopes of Mount Narat, it has been a renowned pasture since ancient times. The scenic area offers sweeping views of river valleys, peaks, deep gorges, and forests, blending natural scenery with local customs. From June to September, the grasslands are lush green, wildflowers bloom, and the climate is exceptionally pleasant.
Kalajun Grassland
Kalajun Grassland is located in the southern Kalajun Mountains of Tekes County, about 50 kilometers from Baguacheng, accessible by road. The gently rolling terrain offers expansive views, backed by towering snow-capped mountains. The grasslands are adorned with forests, seas of flowers, and other breathtaking scenery, creating a stunning backdrop for sightseeing and photography.
Huocheng Lavender
Ili's lavender fields are primarily distributed in the 65th, 70th, 71st, 73rd, 67th, and 68th Regiments of the Fourth Agricultural Division of the Ili River Valley, as well as Sangong Township in Huocheng County. The 65th Regiment and Sangong Township are designated "China's Lavender Hometowns," where tens of thousands of acres of lavender fields merge into a sea of purple. Lavender is cultivated on a household basis here, so large expanses are rare.
Yili is historically significant as a Silk Road hub with rich Kazakh and Uyghur heritage, featuring ancient towns, trade history, and unique cultural traditions.
Located in northern Xinjiang near the Kazakh border. Accessible via Yining Airport, train to Yining Railway Station, local buses, taxis, or car rentals.
Most attractions are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Best time to visit is late spring to early autumn (May–September) for pleasant weather and greenery.
Prices vary: Nalati Grassland ~80–100 CNY, Ancient Towns ~30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or via local travel websites.
Advance booking is recommended during peak season (July–August), ideally 1–2 weeks ahead.
2–4 days to cover main attractions like grasslands, ancient towns, and mountains.
Guided tours available in Chinese and limited English. Audio guides are rare.
Start at Yining city center → Huiyuan Ancient Town → Nalati Grassland → nearby mountains → Khorgos border.
Night activities are limited; occasional local festivals may include evening performances.
Peak season is July–August. Visit weekdays in May–June or September for fewer crowds.
Basic facilities available at major tourist sites; some areas have restaurants, restrooms, and small shops.
Main towns and parks are accessible; grasslands and mountain trails may be challenging for mobility-impaired visitors.
Mobile payments are widely accepted; cash recommended for remote areas and small vendors.
Local Kazakh and Uyghur restaurants, small cafes, and street food vendors are common in Yining and near Nalati Grassland.
Halal food widely available; vegetarian options limited but present in larger restaurants.
Yining city has hotels ranging from budget to mid-range; guesthouses available near Nalati Grassland.
Yes—handicrafts, Kazakh felt products, local dried fruits, and wool items are popular.
Taxis, rental cars, and buses connect Yili to other Xinjiang cities such as Urumqi, Tacheng, or Altay.
