Wonders of Ili（伊犁）: A Four-Day Journey Through Nature and Culture

Ili, located in the western part of Xinjiang（新疆）, is one of China’s most picturesque and culturally diverse regions. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, and clear rivers, Ili is often referred to as the “Switzerland of the East.” The region boasts stunning natural attractions such as Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and the Duku Highway—each offering breathtaking views and seasonal beauty.

In addition to its landscapes, Ili is home to rich ethnic cultures, particularly Kazakh and Uyghur traditions. Visitors can experience horseback riding, nomadic hospitality in yurts, and colorful festivals featuring music, dance, and traditional sports. The city of Tekes, with its unique Bagua layout, adds a touch of architectural curiosity.

The Places You Absolutely Must Visit：

Sayram Lake (赛里木湖)

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Sayram Lake, known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic,” is the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang. Nestled at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level, it lies between the Tianshan Mountains and the vast grasslands of the Ili River Valley. The lake’s crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks and endless blue skies, creating a dreamlike, mirror-like scene. In summer, the area bursts into color with blooming wildflowers, turning the lakeshore into a vibrant tapestry of nature.

The lake has significant cultural and historical value, once serving as a resting spot on the ancient Northern Silk Road. Today, it attracts photographers, campers, and road-trippers who come for its tranquility and raw natural beauty. Whether you’re watching the sunrise through morning mist or stargazing under clear night skies, Sayram Lake offers a deep sense of serenity and wonder. It’s best visited between June and September when the roads are open and the landscapes are most alive.

Nalati Grassland (那拉提草原)

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Nalati Grassland is one of China’s most beautiful alpine meadows, situated in the eastern part of the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture. At an elevation of around 1,800 meters, this vast green expanse stretches as far as the eye can see, framed by snow-dusted peaks and dense pine forests. The grassland is dotted with yurts and grazing horses, offering a glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle of local Kazakh herders. In spring and summer, the fields come alive with wildflowers and wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Visitors can ride horses, enjoy traditional Kazakh hospitality, or hike into the surrounding hills for panoramic views. The area is also rich in folklore, with local legends about heroic horsemen and mountain spirits adding a sense of mystique to the landscape. With its fresh air, wide skies, and cultural depth, Nalati is more than just a scenic spot—it’s a living embodiment of the harmony between humans and nature on the steppe.

Duku Highway (独库公路)

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The Duku Highway, short for Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway, is considered one of China’s most spectacular road trips. Spanning over 500 kilometers, it traverses the spine of the Tianshan Mountains, connecting the northern and southern parts of Xinjiang. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes: alpine meadows, glacier valleys, desert canyons, and pine-covered slopes. With over 270 hairpin turns, cliffside roads, and dramatic elevation changes, the journey is thrilling and unforgettable.

Built in the 1970s, the highway is open only from June to October due to harsh winter conditions. Along the way, travelers can stop at highlights like Sayram Lake, the Tianshan Grand Canyon, and Bayinbuluke Grassland. The Duku Highway isn’t just a road—it’s an adventure that showcases the raw power and diversity of Xinjiang’s natural world. For anyone who dreams of driving through the clouds, crossing different climate zones in a single day, this is a bucket-list experience.

Tekes Bagua City (特克斯八卦城)

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Tekes, located in the Ili region of Xinjiang, is famous for its unique urban layout inspired by the ancient Taoist symbol of the Bagua (Eight Trigrams). From the air, the city resembles a massive compass, with eight roads radiating out from the central square like spokes on a wheel. This design was meant to bring harmony, balance, and good fortune to the people. Beyond its architectural novelty, Tekes offers a peaceful, orderly vibe that’s quite different from the typical chaotic sprawl of many cities.

The town is also a center of local culture, with Kazakh, Uyghur, and Han traditions blending harmoniously. Visitors can explore folk museums, sample traditional cuisine, and take part in summer festivals featuring music, horseback performances, and wrestling. As a small but thoughtfully planned city surrounded by natural beauty, Tekes is both a cultural curiosity and a gateway to the scenic wonders of western Xinjiang.

Cuisine of Xinjiang

Xinjiang cuisine is a flavorful fusion of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Chinese culinary traditions. Heavily influenced by the Uyghur, Kazakh, Hui, and other ethnic cultures, the food is known for its bold spices, grilled meats, dairy products, and wheat-based dishes. Cumin, chili, onions, and garlic are commonly used, giving the food a rich and aromatic profile.

Lamb is the most popular meat, appearing in skewers, pilafs, dumplings, and stews. Noodles and flatbreads are dietary staples, often served with hearty meat sauces or yogurt. Xinjiang food also emphasizes freshness—many dishes are made with seasonal vegetables and hand-prepared doughs. Meals are typically communal, reflecting the nomadic traditions of sharing and hospitality. From the smoky aroma of street-side barbecue to the fragrant spices of hand-pulled noodles and pilaf, Xinjiang cuisine offers a robust and unforgettable taste of western China’s diverse cultures and landscapes.

Barbecue (Kebabs / 烧烤) 

Xinjiang barbecue, especially lamb kebabs, is one of the region’s most iconic street foods. Skewers of marinated lamb are grilled over open flames, seasoned with cumin, chili flakes, and salt for a smoky, spicy flavor. The meat is tender, juicy, and slightly charred—perfectly balancing fat and lean. Street vendors fan the coals constantly, sending aromatic smoke into the air. Other options include beef, chicken wings, and vegetables like eggplant or potatoes. Xinjiang barbecue is often enjoyed with flatbread and cold drinks, making it a popular nighttime snack and a lively part of local food culture.

Hand-Pulled Pilaf (手抓饭 / Polu)

Hand-pulled pilaf, or polu, is a staple Uyghur dish made with rice, lamb, carrots, onions, and spices. The ingredients are simmered together in a large pot, allowing the rice to absorb the rich meat flavors and fragrant oil. It’s called “hand-pulled” because it’s traditionally eaten with hands, especially during festivals or family gatherings. Golden, aromatic, and slightly oily, the dish is both comforting and satisfying. Raisins or chickpeas are sometimes added for extra texture. Polu represents warmth, community, and generosity in Xinjiang cuisine and is often served during special occasions.

Nang (馕 / Xinjiang Flatbread)

Nang is a round, baked flatbread that’s a staple of daily life in Xinjiang. Made from wheat flour and water, it’s traditionally baked in a tandoor-style clay oven, resulting in a crisp outer crust and soft, chewy interior. Patterns are often pressed into the surface using decorative stamps. Nang can be eaten on its own, with yogurt, or as an accompaniment to meats and stews. It’s portable, filling, and keeps well—making it ideal for nomadic lifestyles. With dozens of regional varieties, nang is not just food—it’s a cultural symbol of sustenance, resilience, and hospitality.

Big Plate Chicken (大盘鸡 / Da Pan Ji)

Big Plate Chicken, or Da Pan Ji, is a spicy and hearty dish that originated along Xinjiang’s Silk Road. It features chunks of chicken stewed with potatoes, green peppers, garlic, and wide, hand-pulled noodles in a rich, chili-based sauce. The dish is served on a large communal plate, perfect for sharing. The flavors are bold—savory, spicy, and slightly sweet—with tender meat and soft vegetables soaked in the flavorful broth. It’s a popular choice for group meals and road-trippers. Big Plate Chicken reflects Xinjiang’s generous portions and love of communal dining, offering both warmth and bold flavor in every bite.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ili is from June to September, when the region’s natural beauty is at its peak. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, with clear skies, fresh air, and comfortable temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C. Alpine meadows bloom with wildflowers, grasslands turn lush green, and lakes like Sayram sparkle under the summer sun.

This period also coincides with vibrant cultural events and nomadic festivals, offering travelers a chance to experience traditional Kazakh and Uyghur customs. Roads like the Duku Highway are fully open, making it ideal for road trips, hiking, and horseback riding. Whether you’re chasing lavender fields in June or exploring golden pastures in September, summer in Ili promises unforgettable landscapes, colorful traditions, and endless photo opportunities.

Transportation in Ili

Transportation in Ili is relatively convenient, especially in and around the main city of Yining. The region is accessible by air via Yining Airport, which connects to major cities like Urumqi, Beijing, and Shanghai. Long-distance buses and trains are also available, though travel times can be long due to mountainous terrain.

To explore Ili’s scenic spots—such as Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Tekes, and the Duku Highway—renting a car is highly recommended. Public transport to remote areas is limited, and some attractions are several hours apart. Self-driving offers flexibility and allows travelers to enjoy roadside views and stop at smaller villages or viewpoints along the way. Car rental services are available in Yining, with both standard and off-road vehicles. Drivers should be prepared for winding mountain roads and occasional checkpoints. During peak travel seasons (June–September), it’s best to book cars in advance to ensure availability.

A 4-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Yining（伊宁） – Sayram Lake（赛里木湖）

Arrive in Yining, the main city in Ili, by morning flight or overnight train. Pick up your rental car or meet your driver. After a local breakfast, drive westward to Sayram Lake (about 1.5–2 hours). Spend the afternoon walking along the lakeside trails, enjoying the alpine scenery, and photographing the lake against the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains. If visiting in summer, wildflowers will cover the meadows. Optionally, stay overnight in a lakeside yurt or return to Yining for the night.

Day 2: Yining – Nalati Grassland（那拉提草原） – Tekes（特克斯）

Depart Yining early for Nalati Grassland (around 3.5–4 hours’ drive), passing through scenic valleys and farmlands. Upon arrival, explore the vast alpine meadow by foot or on horseback. Visit a local Kazakh yurt for lunch and experience traditional hospitality. In the afternoon, continue driving south to Tekes (approx. 2.5 hours). Check into a hotel and take a brief evening stroll to admire the unique Bagua layout of the city from a hilltop or drone perspective.

Day 3: Tekes – Duku Highway（独库公路） – Kuqa Direction or Return to Yining

Set out early from Tekes and begin your journey on the legendary Duku Highway. This scenic route winds through dramatic canyons, pine-covered slopes, and high-altitude passes. Stop at viewpoints, small villages, and roadside rivers. You can choose to drive a partial loop and return toward Yining by night, or continue deeper along the Duku Highway if you plan to explore southern Xinjiang (e.g., Kuqa). Depending on road conditions and weather, the route may require flexibility.

Day 4 (Optional): Leisure in Yining – Local Markets and Departure

If you return to Yining on Day 3, spend the morning visiting local bazaars, sampling Uyghur snacks, or relaxing in a city park. You can also visit the Huiyuan Old Town for a touch of Qing-era history. Return your rental car and head to the airport or train station for departure.

Ili offers an unforgettable blend of breathtaking landscapes and rich ethnic traditions, making it one of China’s most rewarding destinations for adventure and cultural discovery.

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