The Yili River Scenic Area is located in Yining City, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 4A-level tourist scenic area. Relying on the Yili River, the scenic area integrates natural scenery and cultural landscapes, covering a total area of approximately 12 square kilometers. As the largest river in Xinjiang in terms of water volume, the Yili River has clear water, beautiful scenery on both banks, a large area of wetlands, rich vegetation, and a beautiful ecological environment. The buildings in the scenic area integrate the styles of multiple ethnic groups, showcasing a strong regional cultural characteristic. In addition, it is equipped with complete tourism service facilities, such as viewing platforms, leisure squares, parking lots, etc., providing tourists with a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
History and Culture
The Yili River has a long history and profound cultural heritage. In ancient times, it was an important passage of the New Northern Silk Road, witnessing the exchange and integration of Eastern and Western cultures. Many ethnic groups have lived and thrived here. The cultures of ethnic groups such as the Kazakh, Uyghur, and Mongolian have intermingled here, forming a unique folk customs. Some ancient buildings and ruins are preserved along the Yili River, such as ancient ferry crossings and traditional dwellings, which are important witnesses of the history and culture of Yili.
Main Attractions
Yili River Bridge
The Yili River Bridge is a landmark building in the Yili River Scenic Area, with a unique shape and a strong ethnic style. The bridge spans the Yili River, connecting the two banks of Yining City. At night, the lights on the bridge are bright, setting off against the river water, forming a beautiful night view. Tourists can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Yili River on the bridge and feel the unique charm of Yili.
Yili River Landscape Avenue
The Yili River Landscape Avenue is built along the Yili River, with shady trees and lush flowers and plants on both sides of the road. There are multiple viewing platforms and leisure areas on the avenue. Tourists can take a stroll or ride a bike here, enjoying the natural scenery on both banks of the Yili River. At the same time, various cultural activities and festival events are often held on the landscape avenue, providing tourists with a rich cultural experience.
Folk Culture Village
The Folk Culture Village showcases the traditional cultures and ways of life of various ethnic groups in the Yili area. There are traditional ethnic buildings, handicraft displays, folk performances, etc. in the village. Tourists can have an in-depth understanding of the folk customs in the Yili area. Here, tourists can taste authentic ethnic cuisine, buy exquisite ethnic handicrafts, and feel the strong ethnic cultural atmosphere.
Delicacies
Roasted Mutton Skewers
Roasted mutton skewers are one of the characteristic delicacies in the Yili area. Fresh mutton is selected, cut into small pieces, and skewered with iron skewers, then roasted over charcoal fire. During the roasting process, seasonings such as cumin and chili powder are sprinkled. When roasted until the skin is golden and crispy and the inside is tender and juicy, they are full of aroma and are a must-try delicacy for tourists.
Hand-Pulled Rice
Hand-pulled rice is a traditional delicacy in Yili, mainly made from ingredients such as rice, mutton, carrots, and onions. The rice absorbs the aroma of mutton and the sweetness of carrots, with a rich taste and rich nutrition. It is usually paired with some side dishes and yogurt, making it even more delicious.
Nang (a kind of bread)
Nang is a traditional pasta in Xinjiang, with a wide variety, including original flavor Nang, sesame Nang, scallion-flavored Nang, etc. Nang has a crispy and fragrant taste and can be preserved for a long time. It is one of the staple foods loved by the local people. Tourists can buy Nang of various flavors at snack stalls or stores in the scenic area and taste the authentic Xinjiang cuisine.
Admission Ticket
The Yili River Scenic Area is an open scenic area and does not charge admission fees. Tourists can enter the scenic area for sightseeing for free.
Opening Hours
The Yili River Scenic Area is open throughout the year, and the opening hours are 24 hours a day. Tourists can visit according to their own schedule.
Itinerary
Tourists can enter from the east entrance of the scenic area. First, visit the Yili River Bridge to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Yili River. Then, take a stroll westward along the Yili River Landscape Avenue. You can stop at the viewing platform on the way to enjoy the natural scenery on both banks. After that, go to the Folk Culture Village to experience the folk customs in the Yili area and taste the local delicacies. Finally, leave from the west exit of the scenic area and end the pleasant journey.
Transportation
- By Air: Tourists can first take a flight to Yining Airport. From Yining Airport, they can take a taxi to the Yili River Scenic Area, and the driving time is about 20 minutes.
- By Train: After arriving at Yining Railway Station by train, tourists can choose to take a bus or a taxi to the scenic area. They can take the [specific bus route] by bus and get off at the [station name]; the driving time by taxi is about 15 minutes.
- By Self-driving: If choosing to drive by oneself, tourists can enter "Yili River Scenic Area" in the navigation software and drive according to the navigation route. There is a parking lot in the scenic area, which is convenient for tourists to park.
Must-visit Attractions
- Yili River Bridge: As a landmark building of the scenic area, the bridge has a unique style, and the night view is charming. It is an excellent place to take beautiful photos and enjoy the scenery of the Yili River.
- Folk Culture Village: It allows tourists to deeply experience the traditional cultures and ways of life of various ethnic groups in Yili, taste characteristic delicacies, buy ethnic handicrafts, and feel the strong folk atmosphere.
- Yili River Landscape Avenue: Along the avenue by the river, there are shady trees and beautiful scenery. It is suitable for taking a walk or riding a bike, enjoying the natural scenery and leisure time.
Travel Suggestions
- It is recommended that tourists go to the Yili River Bridge in the evening, when they can enjoy the beautiful sunset scenery and the bright night view.
- When visiting the Folk Culture Village, tourists can participate in some folk activities, such as handicraft making and folk performances, to better feel the local cultural atmosphere.
- When going to the scenic area in summer, pay attention to taking sun protection measures and bring enough drinking water; when visiting in winter, pay attention to keeping warm and avoid staying outdoors for a long time.
- When tasting local delicacies, pay attention to choosing regular restaurants and stalls to ensure food hygiene and safety.
Precautions
- Take good care of the environment of the scenic area. Do not spit or litter, and keep the scenic area clean and tidy.
- Comply with the rules and regulations of the scenic area. Do not climb dangerous buildings and do not damage the facilities and landscapes of the scenic area.
- Respect the local religious beliefs and folk customs, and do not act inappropriately.
- When visiting in the scenic area, pay attention to your own safety. Especially when playing by the river, pay attention to anti-skid and prevent drowning.
- If an emergency occurs, seek help from the staff of the scenic area in a timely manner or call the local emergency phone number.