In the vast northwest of China lies a land known as the “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall” — Ili. Nestled at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, the Ili River runs through this region. With its majestic mountains, endless grasslands, and fragrant flower fields, Ili combines the grandeur of the north with the grace of the south, earning its reputation as “the most un-Western part of Western China.”
A Green Oasis Embraced by Mountains
Located in western Xinjiang, Ili is surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains and forms a fertile basin in between. Thanks to its unique topography and humid climate, it is one of the most fertile and pleasant areas in all of Xinjiang. In spring, snow melts and rivers surge; in summer, the grasslands turn lush and green; in autumn, forests turn golden and fruits hang heavy; in winter, everything is blanketed in white, like a fairytale world.
The natural scenery of Ili is like a vast oil painting — from towering snowy peaks to tranquil lakes, from boundless meadows to deep valleys — every corner reveals the wonder of nature.
Nalati Grassland — A Poem of Green
When people talk about Ili, the first place that comes to mind is often the Nalati Grassland. Located in Xinyuan County, it is one of the four great alpine meadows in the world. The land is covered with blooming wildflowers, sparkling streams, and rolling green hills — a living poem painted in shades of green.
Summer is the best time to visit Nalati. Under the blue sky, yurts dot the landscape, and herds of cattle and sheep graze peacefully. As the sun sets, the snow-capped peaks of the Tianshan Mountains glow golden, blending with the emerald grasslands to create a dreamlike scene. Visitors can ride horses across the plains, taste milk tea and roasted lamb, and experience the pure charm of nomadic life.
Kalajun Grassland — God’s Private Garden
Compared with Nalati, the Kalajun Grassland is more mysterious and majestic. Located in Tekes County, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. In Kazakh, “Kalajun” means “black ridge,” yet the land is renowned for its endless greenness.
From above, the grassland stretches like silk, with snow mountains, forests, valleys, and flower fields forming a breathtaking harmony. Every year from June to August, wildflowers bloom in profusion, painting the land in red, yellow, purple, and blue. When the wind blows, the grass ripples like a colorful sea — a living dream in motion.
Sayram Lake — The Azure Mirror of the Mountains
Sayram Lake, known as “the last tear of the Atlantic,” is the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang. Lying 2,073 meters above sea level and surrounded by snowy peaks, the lake reflects the mountains like a flawless mirror.
In spring and summer, the flowers along the shore bloom and the lake’s waters turn crystal blue, so pure it seems unreal. In autumn, the golden grasslands contrast vividly with the deep blue lake, resembling a brilliant painting. In winter, the lake freezes, and the ice sparkles under the sunlight, like a dream frozen in time.
Sayram Lake is not only stunning but also filled with romance. According to legend, it was formed from the tears of two lovers who could never be together. Thus, it is often called “the Lake of Love.”
The Ili River Valley — A Symphony of Flowers and Water
The Ili River Valley is the lifeline of the region. Fed by melting snow from the Tianshan Mountains, the river nourishes the fertile plains on both sides, earning Ili the title of “Xinjiang’s granary.”
In spring, the valley bursts into color as apricot blossoms, lavender, and rapeseed flowers bloom across the hillsides, turning the land into a vast ocean of flowers. In June, the lavender fields of Xinyuan County attract countless visitors. The purple waves shimmer under the sunlight, filling the air with a gentle fragrance that makes one feel as though they’ve wandered into Provence, France.
Rich and Colorful Ethnic Culture
Ili is not only blessed with natural beauty but also with diverse cultural charm. It is home to many ethnic groups, including Kazakh, Uyghur, Han, Hui, and Mongol peoples, all living together in harmony. During festivals, people sing and dance joyfully, and the air is filled with music, laughter, and hospitality.
Visitors can also enjoy authentic local delicacies — roasted lamb, naan bread, kumis (fermented mare’s milk), pilaf, and yogurt balls. Each dish is rich in flavor and tradition, offering a true taste of Xinjiang.
Ili — a paradise at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains — is a land where nature and humanity coexist in perfect harmony. It has the vastness of the grasslands, the serenity of lakes, the fragrance of flowers, and the warmth of its people. Whether you seek the grandeur of nature or the peace of the soul, Ili offers both.
When the breeze ripples across Sayram Lake, when the herdsmen’s songs echo through Nalati, and when flowers blanket the Ili River Valley, you will understand — this is more than just a region in Xinjiang; it is a song written by nature itself.
