Top 20 Best Things to Do in Ili
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Ili

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Narat Scenic Spottop_1
    󰺂7.9
    321429
    Xinyuan>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Kazakh nomadic life & horseback riding
    󰀆Kazakh steppe summer activities
    󱨠Saved by 219 users󱨠2082 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    M32***93M32***93

    It's snowing in Nalati! ❄️❄️❄️ It's so beautiful! If you're driving in Nalati, you absolutely must have snow tires. No snow tires, no snow tires, no snow tires, no snow tires!!! Even four-wheel drive won't work; you MUST have snow tires.

  • Kalajun National Parktop_2
    󰺂7.7
    Tekes>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄360° view of Koksu Canyon
    󰋄Glass deck overlooks canyon beauty
    󱨠Saved by 170 users󱨠2250 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The queue was a bit long, but it was conveniently located near the Bagua City. The other grasslands were all too far, and after a few days, we were starting to get a little tired of them. So, I took my friend and chose this closest grassland for a stroll and some photos. We bought tickets to drive in, which was quite convenient.

  • Kurdenin Scenic Areatop_3
    󰺂7.3
    Gongliu>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoFree Admission for Students at Kurdenin Scenic Area | Nov 28, 2025-Apr 8, 2026
    Highlights:
    󱓊Skywalk & mountain meadow views
    Hike & enjoy mountain views
    󱨠472 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    M46***89M46***89

    Walking through the snow-capped spruces of Kurdenin, the air is filled with the coolness of the vegetation. A stream sings at the valley floor, and sunlight filters through the dense forest, casting tiny specks of light. Standing high and gazing out into the distance, the endless snow-capped mountains are set against a sea of ​​dark green forest. In that moment, the world becomes tranquil, and time seems to slow down. This untouched, pristine beauty offers the most gentle healing to those who have lived in the city for so long.

  • Zhaosu Wetland Park Scenic Area
    4
    󰺂6.8
    95239
    Zhaosu>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoA fairytale secret world, only in winter | Nov 2025-Jan 2026
    Highlights:
    󱨜Tour 3 wetland stops
    󰀆Summer "Pegasus River" performance viewing
    󱨠370 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    小李带您游新疆小李带您游新疆

    An underrated tourist attraction. When people mention Zhaosu, many think of Xiatu, but Zhaosu Wetland Park has the Tekes River, Ili horses, and grasslands. You can also see horses bathing in the river and witness Kazakh love stories (girls chasing each other on horseback), etc.!

  • Yili Tianshan Huahai Scenic Area
    5
    󰺂6.4
    Yining County59.9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoYili Tianshan Huahai Scenic Area reopens | Apr 1, 2023
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 50 - Spring Outings
    Highlights:
    󰀆Tianshan's Ili Valley flower sea
    󰀆Experience seven thrilling rides
    󱨠215 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    M47***16M47***16

    The sea of flowers in Tianshan is a palette kissed by the wind - lavender spreads into purple mist, rapeseed spreads like a golden carpet, and the snow-capped mountains in the distance are the white space that has not dried yet. You can ride a horse in the flower path, watch the shadows of clouds passing over the tips of the flowers, and even the air is soaked with sweetness.

  • Liuxing Street
    6
    󰺂6.4
    Yining.Liuxing Street2.1 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Ili
    Highlights:
    󱨜Diverse cultures & ethnicities experience
    󱨜1930s German-engineered historic district
    󱨠56% positive reviews
    4.6/5
    - 铮宝麻麻- 铮宝麻麻

    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.

  • Zhaosu Yuhu Scenic Area
    7
    󰺂6.4
    Zhaosu>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜A color-changing lake in the hinterland of the Tianshan glaciers
    Experience Xinjiang horse culture with a lakeside ride
    󱨠132 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    M35***05M35***05

    Yuhu Lake is surprisingly beautiful, but also relatively secluded, so it's not a busy place for self-driving cars. Many areas within the scenic area are still under development, which slightly impacts the scenery. The scenic area's observation deck is a bit small, with only a few cars parked, which can easily lead to traffic.

  • Guozigou Bridge
    8
    󰺂6.1
    Huocheng63 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Spring blooms & breathtaking views
    󱓊Unique S-shape over rolling hills
    󱨠103 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    云卷云舒G云卷云舒G

    Exit from the south gate of Sailimu Lake and take the county road to enter the first scenic spot of Yili, "Guozigou Bridge". After the driver and guide park, walk down the wooden plank road to enjoy the scenery of Guozigou Bridge from a relatively close distance. [Scenery] Looking around, the white cable-stayed Guozigou Bridge spans the entire canyon. On the gray-green rolling mountains in the distance, there are straight spruce trees everywhere, and there are light green lawns in the near distance, plus blue sky and white clouds, colorful and layered. [Fun] Although you can walk up and down the wooden plank road smoothly, take photos from different angles. There are also many horseback riding tourists here, enjoying the fun of riding fast or slow. There are also many people walking on the lawn to enjoy the beauty here. The cost-effectiveness brought by nature is still very high.

  • Eight-Diagram City
    9
    󰺂6.0
    Tekes88.4 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Ili
    Highlights:
    󱓊Majestic mountains & valleys surround
    󱓊Unique traffic system without lights
    󱨠26% positive reviews
    4.4/5
    A꧁壹娑.孙舫꧂ 🧸A꧁壹娑.孙舫꧂ 🧸

    Baguacheng is well worth a visit. Riding an electric donkey in the nighttime breeze was so relaxing. We had the breakfast recommended by the B&B owner, but unfortunately, we arrived late and missed out on the delicious pancakes. However, the owner ordered all the street food for us: delicious lamb skewers, dumplings, cold noodles, pepper chicken, and sauerkraut noodles... He even made milk tea for us. I wasn't used to it, but it was so touching. Afterward, we checked out at every shop and even had crayfish. Hahaha. I ate so many skewers and big plate chicken that I thought crayfish was even better. 🔴Xiwei Fast Food Restaurant. Xibe flatbread is a Xibe specialty, only found in Yili. Freshly made white pancakes are served with cauliflower, chive chili sauce, milk tea, and a delicious jerk. 🔴Ruyan Farmhouse Courtyard👍🏻 This Hui-style stir-fry restaurant is also quite good. The spicy pork and Kazakh potato chips are excellent. 🔴 Ma Bai Kailai's lamb chops and sliced ​​​​pork slices are a Xinjiang specialty, and Dingjia Private Kitchen is also quite good, a Xinjiang specialty. 🔴The next morning, I went to Apa's milk tea house and had baolsak. It's delicious, with jam or cheese. It's absolutely delicious. I also had a lot of noodles, but they were still very tasty. 🔴Recommended things to do in the county town: 1. Li Street, a street with ethnic minority characteristics, perfect for taking photos and pictures. There's Gulai Dam ice cream there that you must try. It's open day or night, free of charge. 2. Tai Chi Altar, similar to the Tekes Museum, learn about the city's history and I Ching culture. You can see the eight streets of the Bagua City. Admission is 20 yuan per person, and it's open day or night. 3. The City That Never Sleeps, with ethnic minority song and dance performances, bonfires, mermaids, and more, is perfect for evenings. Free of charge. 4. The I Ching Cultural Park, where you can learn about I Ching culture, the Eight Trigrams, and other things. There's a fee, about 20 yuan per person, so it's best to go during the day. 5. The Tai Chi Eye Ferris Wheel, perfect for nighttime viewing. At night, you can visit Tai Chi Altar, the City That Never Sleeps, and another great place to check out: the Apa Grand Bazaar.

  • Yili Old Town Cultural Tourism Zone
    10
    󰺂5.8
    Yining.Kazanqi Folk-custom Village/Han Chinese Street1.9 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Experience Ili's multicultural wedding show
    󱓊Explore 13 cultures by boat
    󱨠76% positive reviews
    4.4/5
    Z-JDZ-JD

    Ili Yining Kazanqi Old Town Cultural Tourism Area is worth a visit, the whole old town is full of blue, known as "Ili Blue"! Feel the exotic style of the Uighur Old Town!

Best things to do in Ili (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Ili? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Ili offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Ili

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Ili experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Narat Scenic Spot

• Xinyuan | >100 km from downtown

• : Kazakh nomadic life & horseback riding,Kazakh steppe summer activities

Kalajun National Park

• Tekes | >100 km from downtown

• : 360° view of Koksu Canyon,Glass deck overlooks canyon beauty

Kurdenin Scenic Area

• Gongliu | >100 km from downtown

• : Skywalk & mountain meadow views,Hike & enjoy mountain views

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Ili

If you want to explore attractions just outside Ili, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Ili, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Ili special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Ili

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Ili

Ready to explore the best of Ili? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Ili?
These are all Best Things to Do in Ili:Narat Scenic Spot, Kalajun National Park, Kurdenin Scenic Area, Zhaosu Wetland Park Scenic Area, Yili Tianshan Huahai Scenic Area
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Ili?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Ili include:Narat Scenic Spot:4.5, Kalajun National Park:4.6, Kurdenin Scenic Area:4.4, Zhaosu Wetland Park Scenic Area:4.3, Yili Tianshan Huahai Scenic Area:4.5
At what locations in Ili can Best Things to Do in Ili be found?
The Best Things to Do in Ili are mainly located in:Narat Scenic Spot:Xinyuan, Kalajun National Park:Tekes, Kurdenin Scenic Area:Gongliu, Zhaosu Wetland Park Scenic Area:Zhaosu, Yili Tianshan Huahai Scenic Area:Yining County
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