Yili Travel Guide
Nalati · Karamayjun · Sailimu Lake · Lavender
The Ili River Valley is the most fertile area for water and grass in Xinjiang: the aerial grasslands of Nalati and Kalajun, the blue of Sayram Lake, the lavender of Huocheng. Four to five days, best from June to August.
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Destination Details
The Ili River Valley opens to the west, receiving the last bit of moisture from the Atlantic, making it the greenest place in Xinjiang. Here, grasslands, lakes, lavender fields, and Kazakh pastures merge into one, forming the other half of the Northern Xinjiang loop.
Main Highlights
Nalati Grassland
The valley's grasslands alternate with spruce forests, with wildflowers at their peak in June.
Kalajun
Rolling grasslands resembling human curves, called the "Human Body Grasslands," with colorful meadows in June.
Sayram Lake
A cold-water lake in the Tianshan Mountains, known as "the last drop of the Atlantic."
Guozigou Bridge
A cable-stayed bridge spanning a canyon, serving as a landmark for entering Ili.
Suggested Stay and Itinerary
- Recommended stay: 4–5 days.
- It is more efficient to link with other destinations in the same region; see the "Extendable Routes" and "Provincial Affiliation" sections below for reference.
Local Tips
- Lavender is only from mid-June to mid-July; if you miss this, you will only see the grasslands.
- There is a large temperature difference between day and night on the grasslands, so bring a jacket even in July.
- When connecting with Sayram Lake, you can plan to enter through Yining and exit through Urumqi.
Provincial Affiliation
This entry belongs to Xinjiang (2 ready-made routes available). You can compare all the travel options in this province on the provincial page.
