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If you haven’t been to Xinjiang, you don’t know how big China is; if you haven’t been to Yili, you don’t know how beautiful Xinjiang is.
Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture
Ili Prefecture, also known as Ili Prefecture or Yili Prefecture, is located in the Ili River Valley of the Tianshan Mountains in western Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Known as the "South of the Yangtze River Beyond the Great Wall," Yining City is the prefecture's capital. The unique geography of the Tianshan Mountains has nurtured fertile land and vast grasslands. Nature has endowed Ili with exceptional natural conditions and beautiful scenery, while history has left behind precious cultural landscapes and unique ethnic customs, making it a premier destination for travelers to Xinjiang.
Here you can find brilliant sunshine and vast sky, with blue sky and white clouds hanging low over the endless Kalajun Grassland, Tangbula Grassland, Nalati Grassland and Zhaosu Grassland. Here you can find the quiet Sayram Lake, boundless sea of lavender and vast grassland pastures. Here you can find the Ili General's Mansion, Huiyuan Bell and Drum Tower and Lin Zexu Memorial Hall. Here you can find delicious grilled skewers, big plate chicken, naan pit meat, horse meat and roasted horse intestine rice, delicious Wusu beer and kavas. Here you can find cute big-eyed Uyghur children, mysterious women in veils and Uncle Mamiti. It seems as if you are in another country. They are not as hostile as the legend says and their smiles let you down.
Yili is served by train, but external transportation mainly relies on air and road. Passengers generally arrive in Urumqi first, then go from Urumqi to Yining, and then use it as a hub to take long-distance buses or long-distance and short-distance tourist buses to their destinations.
There are not many local bus routes, so you can take a taxi.
airplane
Yili's airport is located in the capital Yining. There are many flights from Yining to Urumqi every day.
Address: Located in the north of Yining City, 5 kilometers from the city center.
Transportation to and from the city
Take a taxi, the starting price in the city is
Bus Route 3: Technical School - Agricultural Division No. 4 Party School - Airport - No. 26 Primary School - Water Plant - Woodworking Plant - Vegetable Market - West Bridge - Zhouyouyi Hospital - Power Supply Company - Post Office - Xinhua Hospital (12 stops in total)
train
Yining has two railway stations, Yining Station (the main station) and Yining East Station (far away and generally not used). There are trains to and from Urumqi every day.
1. Yining Station (recommended)
Address: Located in the northwest of Yining City, 9 kilometers from the city center
How to get there: Take a taxi from the city to Yining Railway Station, which takes 20 minutes and costs about 20 yuan.
2. Yining East Station
Address: Xiaruzimaitiyuzi Village, Yining City, about 21 kilometers from the city center
How to get there: Take a taxi from downtown to Yining East Station, which takes 41 minutes and costs about 30-40 yuan.
Passenger car (not recommended)
The Yili Prefecture Passenger Transport Center is located at No. 460 Jiefang West Road, northwest of Yining City.
Tel: 0999-8121937.
1. There are regular buses from Yining to various places in the prefecture, such as Shihezi, Urumqi, Korla, Kuche, etc.
2. Take the night bus from Urumqi in the afternoon and arrive in Yining the next morning. It is about 900 kilometers away and the sleeper ticket costs about 150 yuan per person.
Located in Turgen Township, Xinyuan County, Ili County, Xinjiang, Apricot Valley boasts hillsides covered in wild apricot trees, the largest remaining grove from the Middle Ages. Concentrated and scattered along the northern bank of the Gongjisi River, the grove covers over 30,000 mu (approximately 1,000 acres) and is one of the most concentrated wild apricot forests in my country. In March, the Ili River Valley enters a beautiful and romantic season, with fruit and grass blossoms blooming in succession on the mountains and grasslands, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Although the blooming season lasts only a week, it remains an unmissable and must-see attraction.
Location: 2 km west of Turgen Township, Xinyuan County (205 km from Yining City, 32 km from Xinyuan County, and 2 km from Turgen Township).
Tips:
① The temperature in Xinghuagou, Turgen Township, Yili County, is around 20 degrees Celsius during the day, but it's cooler in the mornings and evenings. The mountain breeze is very cold, so camping is not recommended. It's recommended to bring appropriate outerwear, comfortable shoes, nice clothes (for taking photos), and a camera.
②There are farmhouses run by local herdsmen around the scenic area, where you can experience the local customs and culture.
③ If you plan to stay in the mountains for a long time, please prepare plenty of food and drinking water in advance. It is not recommended to bring too many other items. Hiking to see the flowers requires a lot of walking, which is both tiring and inconvenient.
④ When enjoying the scenery, don't just stand on the ridge to admire the flowers. It's best to descend to the bottom of the gully and then walk to the opposite ridge. Along the way, you can get up close and personal with the apricot blossoms, cattle, sheep, and pastoral huts. Or you can sit quietly under a tree, waiting for the spring breeze to blow the apricot blossoms down, letting them drift and scatter, feeling like you're wandering in a painting. Be careful not to stray into the herders' own pastures when you venture into the apricot forest. The fences are tight, so if you can't get out, you'll have to retrace your steps.
Xinyuan County offers convenient accommodations and meals, with a wide selection of hotels of varying quality and reasonable prices. Most restaurants serve Hui, Uyghur, and Kazakh cuisine, with a few Sichuan restaurants also available.
The Nalati Grassland, located in Xinyuan County, Ili Prefecture, is a subalpine meadow plant area, one of the world's four largest grasslands. A renowned pastoral land since ancient times, it boasts a vibrant landscape of interwoven rivers, sweeping valleys, towering peaks, and dense forests. Every spring, a vibrant array of wildflowers bloom across the grasslands, adorning the hills and grassy slopes in vibrant colors of red, yellow, blue, and purple. The beautiful grassland scenery, combined with the local Kazakh folk customs, has made it a renowned tourist destination in Xinjiang. The Nalati Sky Grassland is also a must-see. With snow-capped mountains stretching in the distance and the grasslands stretching out in the distance, it will satisfy every craving for grassland. In autumn, the century-old poplar forests of the Nalati River Valley Grassland begin to bloom, and the hillsides, dotted with vibrant autumn leaves, embellish the mountain landscape like an oil painting.
Best Seasons: April-May, September-October. The spring sky grasslands are nature's most beautiful gift, with fully grown meadows and snow-capped mountains still unmelted, blending into a breathtaking landscape. In autumn, the golden poplar forests of the Nalati River Valley grasslands create a desolate and lonely beauty.
[Recommended Tour]: 1-2 days. There is a campsite in the Nalati Scenic Area where you can stay overnight. The grassland, starry sky, snow-capped mountains and forests are intertwined at night, which is very beautiful.
[Tickets]: 95 yuan/person during peak season (peak season: June 1st - September 30th)
75 yuan per person in the off-season (off-season: April 1st - May 31st, October 1st - November 30th)
Special travel season: 47 yuan/person (Special season: December 1st - March 31st of the following year)
Opening hours: 08:30~20:00
[Address]: Narat Grassland Scenic Area, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
"Kalajun," meaning "wild plains on the mountain ridge" in Kazakh, is the most representative grassland of the Ili Grassland. This core area of the Tianshan World Heritage Site transcends the aesthetic fatigue often associated with monotonous colors and landscapes, defining a new grassland landscape that blends diverse time, space, and colors, presenting an easily immersive "three-dimensional grassland" experience. As we ascended the winding mountain road, the grasslands on the Tianshan mountainside stretched endlessly, with the snow-capped peaks of the Tianshan Mountains looming in the distance. This season, the Karajun Grassland is like stepping into a sea of flowers. A variety of wildflowers bloomed across the mountains like stars, and herds of cattle and sheep roamed everywhere, along with galloping horses.
[Best Season]: Late May to mid-September every year is the golden season for Kalajun Grassland.
【Recommended Tour】: 1-2 days
【Tickets】：
The World Heritage Magnificent Tour Package (including East Karajun + West Karajun tickets, round-trip transportation) is 170 yuan
The World Heritage Panoramic Tour Package (including tickets to the East and West Kalajun Grasslands + round-trip shuttle bus, tickets to the Koksu Grand Canyon + round-trip shuttle bus, one-way cable car, and one-way boat trip) is 335 yuan.
Opening hours: 9:00-21:00
Address: 20km south of Tekes County, northwest Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
The Human Body Grassland is located in the Koksu Grand Canyon of the Kalajun Grassland. This place is also called the "Human Body Mountain or Beautiful Buttocks". It is called this name because the grassland here has undulating curves, which look like a woman's graceful figure from a distance.
[Best Season]: From early June to mid-September every year, the human grassland reaches its perfect state, which is worth visiting for both photography enthusiasts and travelers.
【Recommended Tour】: 1 day
[Tickets]: It is recommended to buy the World Heritage package ticket including Kalajun Grassland, the price is 335 yuan
Opening hours: 9:00-21:00
【Address】: Tekes County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture
Tips:
The road to Qiongkushitai has been under construction and has been improved. It can be reached by minibuses and off-road vehicles. It is recommended to charter a car from Tekes. There are several large viewing platforms along the way, and the scenery is very beautiful.
Qiongkushitai Village, a renowned historical and cultural village in China, is a little-known, secluded paradise nestled at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. Due to poor transportation, it remained largely unknown until the arrival of a photographer, who unveiled its mysteries. The village is small, with only a few dozen households, and is tranquil and peaceful. The local herders are known for their simple, hospitable, and warm hospitality. For photography enthusiasts, a night here is a must-see to experience Kazakh life. Mornings and evenings offer a chance to capture breathtaking images of the local culture.
Best Season: Late May to mid-September. The rolling grasslands, dotted with yurts and wooden houses, teem with life and energy, making them a popular destination for photographers. If you're lucky, you might even witness the spectacular Kazakh sheep-grabbing competition.
【Recommended Tour】: 1 day
Tickets: None
【Opening hours】: All day
【Address】: Qiongkushitai Village, Tekes County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture
The Xiate Ancient Road, connecting the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, is a renowned and treacherous ancient pass on the ancient Silk Road. Known by the outdoor community as the "Xuanzang Road," it's a paradise for hikers and trekkers. May to September is the most beautiful time of year for the Xiate Ancient Road. Towering snow-capped mountains, blanketed in wildflowers, verdant pines and cypresses, and winding streams create a sense of wonderland. While it's not recommended to hike too far, a round-trip hike of 8 to 18 kilometers is a good option for experiential hikes.
Best season: mid-May to mid-September
【Recommended Tour】: 1 day
【Ticket + Scenic Spot】: 100 yuan
Opening hours: 9:00-20:00
【Address】: Xiate Ancient Road, Tekes County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture
Bayinbuluke, nestled in a high alpine basin in the middle of the Tianshan Mountains and nestled amidst snow-capped peaks, stands at approximately 2,500 meters above sea level and is China's second-largest grassland. "Bayinbuluke" means "abundant springs" in Mongolian. The grassland, flat and lush with water and grass, is a typical grass meadow and one of Xinjiang's most important livestock bases. It offers a tranquil haven nestled among snow-capped mountains, the elegant and enchanting Swan Lake, and the magnificent sunset over the winding Kaidu River.
Best season: June to October
【Food and accommodation suggestions】: It is not recommended to stay in the scenic area, as there are many mosquitoes and the temperature is low. Mainly stay in Bayinbuluke Town, where there are business hotels of different grades.
In terms of food, grassland delicacies include Xinjiang-style roasted whole lamb, milk tea, roasted lamb, etc.
[Tickets]: Scenic area tickets are 65 yuan, interval tickets are 90 yuan, children under 1.3 meters and people over 65 years old are free of charge.
【Opening hours】: All day
【Address】: Bayinbuluke Town, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture
Tips:
The temperature on the grassland is relatively low, so you should pay attention to keeping warm and preventing mosquitoes when watching the sunset. Even in July, August and September in summer, you must cover yourself with a thick quilt when resting at night.
Huocheng, known as the "Provence of China," is one of the world's three largest lavender cultivation bases (the other two being Provence in France and Furano in Hokkaido, Japan). During lavender season, vast fields of blue-purple blossoms sway like waves in the breeze, their refreshing fragrance wafting through the vast, violet-blue sea of blossoms, shrouding the area for miles in its rich fragrance. And its meaning is even more romantic: waiting for love.
[Best time]: June to July is the best viewing period. Some ornamental lavenders are not harvested in early August.
[Flower viewing location]: Princess Jieyou Lavender Farm, Qingshuihe Town, Huocheng County, Xinjiang
Tips:
In addition to seeing the sea of flowers in Huocheng, you can also experience the activities provided by Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden, such as extracting flower essential oils, tasting flower delicacies, hand-making sachets, and plant dyeing. After finishing, you can take them back as gifts. With the guidance of professional teachers, the results will be better.
The Duku Highway, running from Dushanzi to Kuqa, is a 561-kilometer highway connecting southern and northern Xinjiang. Traversing towering mountains and traversing deep valleys, it connects numerous ethnic minority communities. Its completion shortened the distance between southern and northern Xinjiang by nearly half, from over 1,000 kilometers, making it a landmark achievement in China's highway construction history. Tens of thousands of soldiers toiled for 10 years to build this highway, with 168 of them sacrificing their lives.
Tips:
Due to its high altitude and many winding mountain roads, the Duku Highway is only fully opened from early June to late September each year. It is closed at other times. Be sure to understand the traffic conditions before setting off.
While Ili's grasslands are all situated in east-west river valleys, Kurdening stands out as a vast, north-south mountain valley. This valley is approximately 14 kilometers long, 1 kilometer wide at its widest point, and its bottom lies at an average altitude of 1,500 meters. Kurdening, meaning "horizontal ditch" in Kazakh, means "horizontal ditch." This unique north-south orientation ensures a pleasant climate year-round, with warm winters and cool summers. This makes Kurdening both a renowned scenic spot and a popular summer resort in Ili, combining the alluring beauty of Jiangnan mountain villages with the vastness and ruggedness of grassland scenery.
Tickets: Adults 60 yuan
The scenic spot only charges admission fees from late April to mid-October each year. Visitors at other times can enter without paying an entrance fee, but there may be no reception services such as catering and accommodation.
Opening hours: April 20th to October 15th every year, 9:00-20:00;
Transportation: You can charter a bus in Yining. During the peak tourist season, Gongliu County Bus Station has 2-3 special tourist buses departing for the Kurdening Scenic Area every day.
On the north bank of the Ili River, in Yingtamu Township, Yining County, lies the small village of Xiahelike. This remote, obscure spot has gained immense fame in recent years thanks to the man-made "Swan Lake." Every morning, you can experience an immersive, natural version of the ballet "Swan Lake": the rising sun, like a fiery red ball, heralds the dawn over the vast expanse of the earth with its vibrant glow. Gradually, the rime on the lakeside trees and reeds turns a golden hue, while wisps of mist rise from the clear, tranquil waters, creating a hazy, ethereal scene that evokes a sense of being transported to another world. At this moment, nature's spirits awaken! The beautiful swans begin their song, welcoming the dawn; their resonant, resonant voices sing of life, a celebration of life itself. At the same time, the swans stretched their necks and spread their wings, dancing gracefully with the flocks of wild ducks and other waterfowl, forming a graceful and vibrant natural spectacle that makes people linger and marvel.
Ticket price: 20 yuan
Best viewing time: mid-December to early March
Sailimu Lake is the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang. It sits at an altitude of 2,071 meters, stretches 30 kilometers from east to west, 25 kilometers from north to south, and covers an area of 453 square kilometers. It holds 21 billion cubic meters of water, boasting crystal-clear waters with a transparency of up to 12 meters. Every December, Sailimu Lake freezes over, its entire vast surface frozen in ice until it begins to melt in April. Once frozen, the crystal-clear waters, as translucent as glass, glow in the sunlight with an alluring sapphire-like brilliance. It's hard to tell whether the brilliance is the blue of the sky or the radiant blue of the lake itself, a truly awe-inspiring display of nature's uncanny craftsmanship. Every April, the ice melts, and strong winds push the ice ashore, creating a spectacular spectacle of accumulated blue ice.
Ticket price: 70 yuan
Opening hours: 10:00-20:00
Transportation: Charter a car or drive yourself
Best shooting spot: Shooting around the lake, the ice on the north side is smoother and has more ice bubbles
The best time to enjoy the blue ice of Saihu Lake:
Starting from December every year, the lake freezes over and a lot of early broken ice has been photographed on the shore. The lake begins to thaw and you can stand on the shore to photograph the blue ice.
From early January to early March every year, you can go to the ice surface to take pictures. There is a lot of blue ice and ice bubbles, the climate is dry, and there are many sunny days.
Every March, the lake begins to thaw, and you can enjoy the melting ice and see large amounts of ice being pushed to the shore.
Tekes County in Xinjiang is renowned for its Bagua layout. In 1996, authorities abolished traffic lights, leaving Bagua City a city without them. Legend has it that the city was first designed by Qiu Chuji, one of the Seven Masters of Quanzhen Taoism during the Southern Song Dynasty. At the invitation of Genghis Khan, Qiu Chuji, a Taoist master of Changchun, traveled to the Western Regions. Passing through the Tekes River Valley, he was struck by the mountainous terrain and inspired to create Bagua City. Bagua City is a circular, radial structure, with streets interconnected like a labyrinth. Bagua City boasts a rich folk culture, a rich history and culture, and stunning natural scenery.
[Arrival and Departure]: There is a regular bus from Yining to Tekes, running every half hour from 8:30 to 18:40, and the ticket is 20 yuan. If you drive from Yining via G218 and X706 to Tekes County, the whole journey is about 100 km.
【Opening hours】: All day
【Address】: Tekes County, Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
For foreign tourists, Kazanqi fulfils their desires to "travel the city in a horse-drawn carriage" and "experience ancient traditional folk culture in a modern city." Here, the authentic traditional Uyghur lifestyle remains: quaint Uyghur dwellings; picturesque bridges and flowing water; the majestic and unadorned poplar trees; fragrant milk tea and exquisite pastries; classic, traditional, and lively Uyghur weddings; and the unrestrained, cheerful, and enthusiastic Maixilaifu (Maxilaifu)—all these constitute Kazanqi's unique cultural charm.
【Address】: No. 5, Shengli Street, Xinhua East Road, Nanning District, Yining City
[Special Experience Projects]: Uyghur family visit, handmade ice cream, Maixilaipu performance, Hadik carriage ride
The Saiguo Expressway, Xinjiang's first mountain expressway, passes through numerous precipitous valleys, with the greatest drop occurring in Guozigou. Guozigou serves as Ili's gateway to northern Xinjiang, a renowned canyon passageway connecting Sayram Lake in the north and the Ili River Valley in the south. In ancient times, this area served as the choke point of the Northern Xinjiang Silk Road, linking my country to Central Asia and Europe, earning it the nickname "Iron Pass." Its breathtaking scenery earned it the nicknames "Ili's Most Beautiful Scene" and "a wondrous wonderland." Ancient poets praised its breathtaking scenery, praising its "mountains and waters as wondrous as those of Guilin, and its cliffs as bizarre as those of Yanyan." Guozigou, stretching 28 kilometers, boasts a formidable terrain. During Genghis Khan's western expedition, he initially carved a mountain passageway and constructed 48 bridges, highlighting the treacherous nature of the route.
Big Plate Chicken
When it comes to Xinjiang cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is naturally Xinjiang Dapanji. While Xinjiang Dapanji is now available in every city, the truly delicious chicken can only be found in Xinjiang. Authentic Xinjiang Dapanji uses local roosters cooked with potatoes, green peppers, and red mountain peppers, resulting in a spicy and hearty flavor. Only after experiencing authentic Xinjiang Dapanji can you truly appreciate its flavor! Chaiwopu, Shawan, and Yining Dapanji are the most famous, forming a trio of regional styles.
Baked buns and thin-skin buns
Baked buns (Uyghur: shamusa) and thin-skinned buns (Uyghur: pitelmantu) are beloved foods of the Uyghur people. Baked buns are primarily baked in a tandoor (a naan pit). The wrapper is made from unleavened dough, rolled thinly and folded into a square. Fillings made from diced lamb, onions, cumin powder, and other ingredients are then filled and baked in the tandoor. Thin-skinned buns are steamed buns, made with wrappers so thin that the filling is almost visible through them when cooked. The wrapper tastes as if it has melted into the tender, oily flavor of the meat.
Grilled Lamb Kebabs
Grilled lamb skewers are Xinjiang's most famous and time-honored ethnic snack. Ancient records indicate that grilled lamb skewers have a history of over 1,800 years in China. Therefore, a visit to Xinjiang is a must-try.
Naan
A staple food for Xinjiang residents, naan is a baked flatbread similar to a sesame seed cake, which can be crispy or soft, with a pleasant aroma. Most are round and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. Naan is typically made from wheat flour, though cornmeal is also used, and is baked with sesame seeds, onions, eggs, cooking oil, ghee, milk, salt, and sugar.
Lamb pilaf
Zhuafan (a type of rice or pilaf) is a beloved food of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. Rich in nutrients and boasting tonic properties, it's a staple for Uyghurs during festivals and when entertaining guests. It got its name because it was originally eaten with the hands. However, these days, people eat zhuafan with chopsticks or spoons, rather than with their hands.
Bacon and horse intestines
At the beginning of winter, Kazakh families slaughter livestock for winter meat, curing and smoking it to survive the winter. Smoked meat is rich in flavor and durable. Market-traded smoked meats are generally similar, often seasoned with ingredients like cumin, pepper, Sichuan peppercorns, and onions, and can be cooked or steamed. Horse intestines are considered the finest smoked meats. Yining City is home to the most authentic smoked meats and horse intestines in Xinjiang.
jelly
Liangfen (jelly jelly) is a popular snack in Yili. While its preparation is simple, the ingredients are demanding: pure pea starch, excellent seasoning, and cleanliness are crucial. The dough is kneaded with salt, alkali, and ash water, then pressed into a thin, silvery consistency. After cooking, rinse with cold water, and allow to dry before serving. If you've tried Yili jelly, you'll doubt whether jelly from other places can even be considered jelly.
Naren
It is a food with a special grassland flavor. It is also a delicious dish for entertaining guests in Kazakh homes. First, the meat is boiled over a high fire, and then the noodles or flat noodles are boiled with the original broth. The meat is taken out and placed on a plate, and the meat pieces are placed on the noodles. This is Naren. When eating, it can be poured with onion juice or mashed garlic and other condiments according to personal preference. It tastes extremely delicious and has an endless aftertaste.
Oil cakes
Youtazi (oil cakes) are similar to huajuan (flower rolls), but they're made by spreading oil on dough and rolling it up into a layered tart shape. They're delicious. Yougao (oil cakes) are soft, glutinous, and smooth, leaving you with a truly unforgettable experience.
ice cream
This is a delicacy from all over the world, how can it be considered a delicacy from Yili? In fact, the biggest difference between this ice cream and other brands is that it is handmade here, maintaining the traditional ethnic craftsmanship and traditional flavor. I don’t know how delicious it is.
butter
The ghee from Yili, Xinjiang, is unlike any other, boasting a rich, fresh flavor and exquisite packaging. Available in small boxes or in original lamb tripe packaging, it melts in your mouth with a long-lasting aftertaste. Enjoy it for breakfast or in milk tea for a flavor boost. Paired with naan and jam, it's a true taste and indulgence.
Deadly Dawusu
When it comes to Xinjiang wine, I'm sure everyone can't miss Wusu. Why is it nicknamed "Duming Da Wusu"? Let me ask you. Haha, that's right, the pinyin is "nsnm", which translates to "kill you" in reverse.
Liquor Yilite
If you come to Yili and buy local specialties for your friends who like to drink, then Yilite is definitely a good choice. A friend of mine once brought back a whole box, which is said to be like fine wine, with an endless aftertaste.
Xiaogazi (Yili Branch)
Recommended: Yili's most popular halal restaurant. You'll find the pepper and sesame chicken on every table—a highly recommended dish, both in flavor and broth—is incredibly authentic and flavorful. The firm tofu with peanuts is incredibly mouthwatering. The baked steamed buns are also a must-try, boasting crispy skin and generous portions. The restaurant also features Xinjiang song and dance performances, two daily: 2:00-3:00 PM and 8:00-9:30 PM (the performers are off on Mondays). Don't miss out on experiencing both Xinjiang cuisine and dance.
Address: No. 18, Stalin East Road, Yining City (5th floor, Tianbai Shopping Center)
Tel: 0999-8072666
Average price: 80/person
Opening hours: 12:00-23:00
Specialties: Peppercorn Chicken, Yogurt, Lamb Skewers, Lamb Baked Buns, Gazi Tofu Bowl
Recommendation index: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jiu Tou Niao Spicy Chicken
Recommended reason: The first choice for locals, fresh and delicious, affordable, and the first choice for big plate chicken.
Address: Downstairs of Binhe Food Street (Men Ying Tian Xia), diagonally opposite the New City Hall
Tel: 0999-8332636
Average price: 50/person
Opening hours: 9:00-23:00
Specialties: Jiutouniao spicy chicken, big plate chicken, exquisite cold dishes, hot dishes, Xinjiang creative specialties
Recommendation index: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Alkasir
Recommended reason: The perfect combination of Uyghur folk palaces and special cuisine, the decoration is extremely exquisite and magnificent. The architectural decorative art style and food culture of a nation reflect the history, characteristics, religious beliefs, heritage and culture of this nation, which are vividly reflected here. At the same time, the cost-effectiveness is super high, and the consumption level of 30 yuan per person is also very approachable.
Address: No. 114, Xinhua East Road, Yining City, Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Tel: (0999)8027690
Average price: 30/person
Opening hours: 9:00-23:00
Special dishes: In the palace, there are countless exotic foods, including cold noodles, milk tea, grilled pork ribs, grilled skewers, baked buns, naan, pan-fried buns, mixed noodles, fried dough sticks, lungs, rice sausage, ququer, thin-skin buns, meat patties, and pilaf. Among them, grilled skewers, pilaf, grilled buns, thin-skin dumplings, mixed noodles, naan, etc. are all representative delicacies. There are dozens of kinds of mixed noodles alone. The handmade ice cream and yogurt taste super good and very special. There is rose tea in the cup, and you can really feel the Xinjiang cuisine on the tip of your tongue.
Recommendation index: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Saningyindeng Xibe Flavor Restaurant
Recommended reason: This Xibe-style restaurant is highly recommended by locals and the service is excellent.
Address: Shop No. 12-13, 1st Floor, Building E, Xicheng Tianjie, diagonally opposite Xinzhong Hospital
Tel: 13309990876 13679921636
Average price: 40/person
Opening hours: 09:00-23:00
Specialties: Xi-flavored spicy chicken, Xibe lamb offal, stir-fried lung with noodles
Recommendation index: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
other
Yining also boasts some notable restaurants offering local specialties, including: Food Paradise Restaurant, Lanlan Restaurant, New Star Restaurant, Little White Bird Restaurant, Kazakh Restaurant, Golden Bay Restaurant, Nanhai Fishing Village, Yangzhou Restaurant, Flower City Xincun, Yangchun Restaurant, Beijing Restaurant, Morning Glory Restaurant, the Peppercorn Chicken in the third lane of Stalin Street, and Ailekasir Restaurant on Hanren Street. Yili's night markets also offer a wealth of delicious food, such as the Flower City Night Market on Junken Road, followed by the Red Flag Night Market.
Yining New Silk Road Hotel
Recommended reason: Located near the passenger transport center, it has convenient transportation, comfortable environment, and is mainly themed on photography culture.
Address: No. 567 Jiefang Road, Yining City
Reference price: 200-400 yuan
Recommendation index: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yining Loncin International Hotel
Recommended reason: Four-star rating online, convenient transportation, close to the business district, foreign-related hotel, foreigners can also stay.
Address: No. 19, Lane 5, Stalin Street, Yining City, near Jiefang West Road
Reference price: 500-800 yuan
Recommendation index: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yining Yili River Hotel
Reason for recommendation: Affordable, clean, newly renovated, and generally satisfactory reviews from netizens
Address: Opposite to Hengda Yayuan, north of Nanhuan Road, Yining City, near Xinguang Street.
Reference price: 150-300 yuan
Recommendation index: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1. Traveling in Yili can be long and tiring, and it's rare to encounter densely populated areas. Bring essential items along the way, such as motion sickness medicine, food, and water.
2. Consider and design your itinerary based on the route and your own situation.
3. Yili is a region that has experienced less of the Cultural Revolution. The residents here retain more understanding and respect for civilization. When traveling here, smiles, trust and civilization are always the best amulets.
4. The climate in Ili is mild in summer. You must bring cold-proof clothing when going to the mountains and grasslands. Since there is a lot of dew in the wild, it is best to wear waterproof pants and waterproof shoes.
5. Be careful of poisonous snakes and swamps in river valleys.
6. The sun is strong during the day. To protect your skin from ultraviolet rays, you must bring sunscreen and daily medicines.
Xinjiang's climate has many distinct characteristics, including frequent sunny days, strong sunshine, little rain, dry weather, cold winters and hot summers, large temperature swings between day and night, and frequent sandstorms. In Xinjiang, it's not uncommon to wear a cotton-padded jacket in the morning, a cotton-sleeved shirt in the afternoon, and eat watermelon around a stove.
Yili is located in an inland area at high latitudes, with a significant temperature difference between day and night. While you might only need short sleeves under the sun during the day, the temperature can drop below 0°C at night. Many tourists set out early, so a windproof and breathable jacket is essential, as well as a fleece jacket.
Tips: Reference list: windbreaker, windbreaker pants, quick-drying pants, fleece jacket, fleece pants, long-sleeved T-shirt, mid-waist hiking shoes, cotton socks (one pair per day), underwear, headscarf (two), slippers, gloves.
Xinjiang is home to many ethnic minorities, with a strong religious atmosphere and customs that differ from those in mainland China. When visiting, be sure to follow local customs. Photography is strictly prohibited inside mosques; being caught doing so can have serious consequences, especially when photographing women or religious figures. Always get permission before filming. Muslims don't eat pork, so don't mention pork when interacting with ethnic minorities. This is their biggest taboo and should never be offended.
1. [Diet]:
Avoid eating pork, dog, donkey, mule meat, meat of livestock and poultry that died of natural causes, and animal blood.
2. Interpersonal Relationships:
When sitting, kneel down. Do not stretch your legs straight with your feet facing the sky. When accepting items or tea, use both hands; do not use one. Do not use other people's belongings without the host's permission. Avoid blowing your nose, yawning, or spitting during conversation. Young women should not allow outsiders to enter their homes. A red cloth hanging on the door indicates that a woman is giving birth or a child has a rash, and outsiders are not allowed to enter.
3. [Dining with Guests]:
Wash your hands before and after meals. After washing, alternate hands to rinse thoroughly, remembering not to shake the water around. Do not sit down before an elder. Break naan into pieces; do not chew whole. Do not fiddle with food on your plate while eating. Do not step on anything. If you see naan, biscuits, or other food dropped on the floor, pick it up and place it where it will not be stepped on. When eating from a shared plate, do not put food back on your plate. Do not approach the stove. After dinner, wait until the host has cleared the tableware before leaving.
4. [Clothing for Rest]:
Avoid wearing short, sexy, or revealing clothing. Avoid tilting your head to the side or lying on your back with your limbs stretched out when sleeping.
5. 【Notes on Visiting】
Muslims must refrain from making noise during Namaz prayers. They must not talk while the prayers are being recited. They must not stand or pass in front of someone performing Namaz, or place images of people in front of them. They must not remove their shoes or step on the prayer rug with dirty feet. When attending cemeteries and mosques, urinating, defecating, spitting, or carrying dirty items is prohibited. Excessively revealing clothing such as shorts, sweatshirts, and short skirts is not appropriate. Islam prohibits idolatry, so it's best to avoid wearing clothing depicting animals or humans. Be cautious when taking photos. First, check for signs prohibiting photography. If so, put your camera away. Some places require government permission for filming. Even if permission is granted, avoid taking photos in front of or standing in front of Muslims praying. The prayer halls of mosques are generally off-limits, with visitors allowed outside. Visitors to the washrooms are also generally prohibited.
I wish you all have fun in Xinjiang and a perfect journey!
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