Things to do in Yining City

Sayram Lake, known as "the last tear of the Atlantic," truly lives up to its name with its breathtaking scenery. The lake's pure, azure waters make for stunningly beautiful scenes, and every snapshot taken while driving around the lake is a masterpiece. The blue sky, white clouds, and snow-capped mountains create a truly healing atmosphere. However, the scenic area also has its share of shortcomings: haphazard parking outside the ticket hall, long queues at the ticket windows for student tickets, a lack of signage making it difficult to find the entrance on foot, and even chaotic management at the ticket checkpoints. It is recommended to allow ample time for your self-driving trip and visit on a clear day. For a more immersive experience, consider staying overnight within the scenic area, but be prepared for potentially inadequate facilities and services.

Narat Scenic Area, nestled deep in the Tianshan Mountains of Yili, Xinjiang, is a national 5A-level scenic area and a world-renowned alpine valley grassland. Its name in Mongolian means "the place where the sun first shines." The entire scenic area is mainly divided into three sections: the Sky Grassland, the River Valley Grassland, and the Panlong Valley. Snow-capped mountains, spruce trees, streams, and rolling meadows blend perfectly, creating a rich tapestry of landscapes where every snapshot is a magnificent scene. The Sky Grassland is expansive; from the Tianjietai (Heavenly Platform), one can see snow-capped peaks stretching to the horizon, scattered yurts, and grazing cattle and sheep. The River Valley Grassland is gentle and lush; from Tawusani, one can enjoy panoramic views of four different mountain ranges. The Panlong Valley trail winds through a deep forest, its ever-changing light and shadow creating a poetic atmosphere. The area is home to the Kazakh people, who have preserved their authentic nomadic customs, offering a variety of experiences including horseback riding, family visits, and camping. Wildflowers bloom everywhere from June to August, making it a great place to escape the summer heat; in autumn, the forests turn golden, creating another breathtaking scene. The scenic area is vast, so it's recommended to allow at least one day, pack warm clothes, and slowly savor the unique vastness and romance of the Tianshan grasslands. It's a must-see stop when visiting Yili.

Strolling along Yining's Liuxing Street, sunlight bathes the streets in an exotic atmosphere. Century-old alleys wind like poems, their blue walls and stained glass windows telling the story of time. Uyghur artisans strike bronze instruments, their clinking echoing through time. The aroma of baked buns fills the street corners, and the rhythm of hand drums awakens the dormant bricks and tiles. Every tile here is engraved with a story, and behind every carved wooden door lies a warm smile. The hexagonal streets and alleys, like blooming flowers, quietly embrace diverse cultures.

Yili Old Town Cultural Tourism Area (Kazanqi Subdistrict) Kazanqi, now officially known as the Yili Old Town Cultural Tourism Area (a 5A-level scenic area, formerly known as the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area), is located in the old city of Yining. Kazanqi means "pot-maker" in Uyghur. Two to three hundred years ago, this area was a gathering place for various craftsmen, including pot casting, blacksmithing, and leatherworking, hence the name. It is a living residential area, not a man-made replica of an ancient scenic spot. Tens of thousands of locals still live here, a multi-ethnic community that has coexisted for generations, earning it the nickname "museum of folk dwellings." Features: 1. Yili Blue Dwellings: The varying shades of blue in the courtyards and colorful carved wooden doors of the houses along the streets and alleys create what is known as the "Blue Town." This blue is a color blended by the locals themselves, complementing the flowing water, flowers, and grapevines in front of the houses. It blends Uyghur, Russian, and Chinese architectural styles, with over 300 old buildings dating from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China period perfectly preserved. 2. Hadik Carriage: A traditional six-stick horse-drawn carriage with a melodious bell, a signature experience in the old town. Ride through the blue alleyways, where the driver will explain the history of the streets and lanes – a truly iconic experience (at your own expense). 3. Folk Customs and Food: • Visit a family in one of the marked homes, enjoy milk tea and fruits under a grape trellis, and experience Uyghur family life. • Must-try street food: handmade traditional ice cream, baked buns, lung noodles, and kvass. • Highlights: Tudahongbai Courtyard, Shaanxi Grand Mosque, old shops, and intangible cultural heritage handicrafts (leather goods, wood carvings, carpets). Practical Travel Information: The street area is free and open all day; carriage rides, family visits, and museums are charged separately, no reservations required. Search "Yili Old Town Cultural Tourism Area North Gate" on your navigation app; entering from the North Gate is the most convenient. Best time to visit: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, when the light is soft, there are fewer crowds, and it's the best time to take photos against the blue walls. Arrive at Kazanchi, the old town of Yining, Yili. Kazanchi means "pot-maker." This nearly 300-year-old town still has tens of thousands of residents, making it a truly living blue-themed town. The courtyard walls, in varying shades of Yili blue, are paired with colorful carved wooden doors, and a babbling brook flows in front of each door. You can ride in a Hadi horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by the crisp sound of bells, through the alleys. Hidden in the alleys are century-old handmade ice cream shops, freshly baked buns, and you can even step into a local family's courtyard and enjoy milk tea under a grape trellis. It blends Uyghur, Russian, and Chinese architectural styles, a fusion of multi-ethnic cultures. This isn't a man-made tourist hotspot; the alleys are filled with the authentic, everyday life of the old town of Yili.

伊犁河发源于广袤的天山山脉，是我国北疆地区重要的河流，它全长超过了2000公里，流域广阔，孕育了当地文明，也是当地最重要的工业、生活水源。

2025年伊昭公路开放很早，5月15日就开了全线，我们在16号自驾到昭苏，景色非常美，路上也有很多停车点可以拍照，弯路和爬坡不少，但是只要小心些并不难开

The kids love going to the museum. It has everything related to Yili’s history and culture. Like it

The Ili River rolling westward Most of China's rivers flow eastward into the sea, but the Ili River, China's largest inland river, rolls westward, rushes toward Kazakhstan, and finally flows into Lake Balkhash. The Ili River Scenic Area is a good place to watch the sunset. The surging river chases the setting sun to the west. This should be a unique sunset view in China! On the other side of the river, the towering Ferris wheel flashes neon lights, the Ili River Bridge in the east is reflected in the afterglow, and the snow-capped mountains in the distance are looming! In addition to the snow-capped mountains and grasslands, the Ili River sunset is also a scenery not to be missed in the Western Regions!

It was very close to my hotel, which was great, but the venue itself was quite small – I finished looking at it quickly. The decor was nice, but not many venues were open yet, perhaps because it wasn't peak season. There were also volunteer guides, which was nice. It was a great place to take photos.