April and May are the best times to visit Ili, Xinjiang. Promise me you'll visit Ili, Xinjiang!

The Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture (abbreviated as Ili) is located on China's northwestern frontier. As an autonomous prefecture under the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, it sits at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, bordering Kazakhstan. It's known as the "Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall." Here's a detailed introduction to Ili: --- ### **Geography and Climate** - **Location**: Ili Prefecture borders Kazakhstan to the west, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture to the north, Tacheng Region and Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture to the east, and Aksu Region to the south. - **Topography**: Surrounded by mountains on three sides (Tianshan Mountains, Altai Mountains, and Junggar Basin), with the Ili River Valley running through the entire region. Rich in water resources (Ili River is Xinjiang's largest inland river). - **Climate**: Continental temperate climate, with humid valley regions, distinct four seasons, and conditions suitable for agriculture. --- ### **Administrative Divisions** - **Prefecture Capital**: Yining City (political, economic, and cultural center). - **Major Cities and Counties**: - Kuytun City (transportation hub), Khorgos City (important port), Xinyuan County (Nalati Grassland), Zhaosu County (hometown of celestial horses), Tekes County (Bagua City), etc. - **Special Zone**: Khorgos Economic Development Zone (national-level special economic zone, important cross-border trade hub). --- ### **Culture and Ethnicity** - **Multi-ethnic Community**: Home to 47 ethnic groups, primarily Kazakh, along with Han, Uyghur, Hui, Mongolian, and others, creating a diverse cultural fusion. - **Cultural Features**: - Kazakh traditions like "Aken singing," horse racing, and "Kokpar" (goat-grabbing). - Music, dance, and culinary traditions of Uyghur, Hui, and other ethnicities. - **Languages**: Primarily Chinese and Kazakh, with Uyghur used in some areas. --- ### **Economy and Resources** - **Agriculture**: Major Xinjiang base for grain, oil crops, and sugar beets; known for apples, grapes, and lavender (China's largest lavender growing region). - **Animal Husbandry**: Vast grasslands support cattle and sheep farming; Ili horses are nationally famous. - **Industry**: Energy (coal, hydropower), agricultural processing (dairy products, wine), border trade (Khorgos Port). - **Tourism**: Features both natural landscapes and cultural attractions; popular summer resort destination. --- ### **Tourism Highlights** 1. **Nalati Grassland** (5A-level scenic spot): Alpine grassland in Tianshan, lush green in summer, stunning snow scenes in winter. 2. **Kalajun Grassland**: World Natural Heritage site, multi-level grassland landscape, paradise for hiking and photography. 3. **Sayram Lake** ("Last Teardrop of the Atlantic"): Crystal blue waters, popular for lakeside cycling. 4. **Huocheng Lavender Base**: Purple flower sea from June to July, rivals Provence, France. 5. **Tekes Bagua City**: County designed according to the Eight Trigrams of I Ching, unique for its absence of traffic lights. 6. **Khorgos Port**: China-Kazakhstan trade center, offering cross-border shopping experiences. --- ### **Transportation** - **Air**: Yining Airport (direct flights to Urumqi, Beijing, Shanghai, etc.), Nalati Airport (tourist routes). - **Rail**: Jinghe-Yining-Khorgos Railway (connecting Urumqi and Khorgos). - **Road**: G30 Lianyungang–Khorgos Expressway runs through the region, convenient bus services from Yining to various counties. --- ### **Important Notes** - **Border Permit**: Required for visiting border counties (like Zhaosu, Chabuchar). - **Best Travel Time**: June-September (best grassland views), winter (snow scenes and folk activities). - **Respect Local Customs**: In ethnic minority areas, observe dietary restrictions (like halal food) and religious etiquette. --- Ili has become one of Xinjiang's key destinations with its unique natural scenery, diverse culture, and border characteristics. Feel free to ask for more specific information (such as route recommendations, local cuisine) if you're planning a trip!