Ili Travel Guide

Ili is located in northwest Xinjiang, China and borders Kazakhstan on the west and Russia and Mongolia on northeast. Perched at the Yili River Valley and the north foot of the Tianshan Mountain, it is an area inhabited by many minority ethnic groups such as Kazak, Uygur, Hui and Mongol. Its capital is Yining, also called Ili or Yili as well as Ghulja City.
 

History
 

In Tang Dynasty (618-907), it was under the administration of Anxi Protectorate. From 13-15th century, the Zunghar Khanaten (a Mongolian empire) established its capital in the area and Ili was the political center of Western Regions during the period. The area derived its name from Ili River and run as the political and military center of Xinjiang in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Attractions

Sayram Lake National Park, an excellent spot to explore the Tianshan mountains, has province’s largest and highest alpine lake surrounded by the vast verdant grassland. Nalati Grassland is one of the four largest alpine meadows in the world. Khorgos Port is one of the principal land ports between China and Kazakhstan. Guozigou Valley, a treasure endowed by Nature, is a must-see with beautiful scenery.

Transportation
 

Yining Airport is 5 km northeast Yining city. There are flights from/to Urumqi and Kashgar. Airport shuttle bus runs between the airport and Nanjing Road.
The bus station is at Jiefang West Road in northwest Yining and operates buses to cities in Xinjiang. Bus from Urumqi to Yining leaves every afternoon from Urumqi, which is about 900 km from Yining. Buses from Burqin to Kanas depart every the other day at 9am and the price is CNY37.

The public bus in Yining charges CNY1 and the flag fall price for taxi is CNY5.
 

Weather and Climate
 

Ili has a semi-arid temperate continental climate with a short summer and long winter. Dry and sunny weather dominates year round. The temperature varies greatly between day and night. The annual average temperature is 9.0 °C (48.2 °F).

Food and Restaurants

Food in Ili has a strong ethnic flavor and local food include milk tea, zhuafan, nang, lamian and others. Most snacks can be found near the bus station and food city on Hongqi Road. Local people are very hospitable and if you share with locals what you have, they will share everything with you as well.

Shopping
 

Tourist souvenirs include Kazakhstan embroidery, wooden carving and various ethnic jewelries.
The Uygur Bazaar south of Youth Park offers knives, clothing and jewelry as well as daily articles. The night market outside the Ili Hotel also has a good selection of local specialties.

Accommodation
 

As the capital of Ili, Yining has a wide range of hotels. If you can to the grassland, you can also camp or stay in the tent of locals.

Recommended Hotels in Ili

Yili Hotel
Address: No.23 Sitalin Street., Yining
Qingshui Hotel
Address: No.33 Shanghai Road, Qingshuihe Town, Yining
Ili Taoyuan Hotel
Address: No.100 Yili River Road, Yining
Ili Friendship Hotel
Address: No.7 Xidalin Avenue, Yining
 

Nightlife and Entertainment
 

Yining city has a lot KTV, bars, and cinemas. The Nadam Festival held every July offers opportunities for visitors to enjoy local dances and customs. Jiefang Road, the most flourishing area in Yining, has most bars and is the best shopping area. The sunset on the bank of Yili River is also worth to see.

Travel Tips
 

1. The best time to travel to Ili is summer and autumn.
2. Be sure to see local traditional food and costumes.
3. Yining city has plenty of banks where you can exchange currency.