Lli Grassland [Yili / Ili]

Lli Grassland in Yili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region: The beauty of inclusiveness

The Ili Grassland lies in a fold of the Tianshan Mountains, one of the largest mountain ranges in Asia. Surrounded by ridges on three sides, it is open on the west to humid currents of air. A vertical division of grassland belts has been formed ranging through frigid meadows, montane meadows, montane meadow steppe, montane steppe, montane desert steppe, plain desert and river valley meadows.

The Ili Grassland boasts fertile soil and a mild, humid climate, with more rainfall in the mountains than in the river valley. The average annual temperature is 46.4F—50F, ideal for both pasturing and farming. Between the plain and mountains are scattered barren desert, grassland, meadow, bush and forest areas. In winter, the herdsmen usually tend their cattle on the plain and in the desert; in spring, they move to the mountain slopes; in summer, they go higher to the alpine meadows; and in autumn, they return to the lowlands. The grasslands and forests are the main features of the landscape in the north. Ili is famous for the beauty of its mountains and rivers, woods and meadows. They are companions to snow-capped mountains. They are home to horses and hawks, and are like beautiful picture scrolls hanging from the towering peaks.
Nalat, Kongnaiz, Zhaosu and Tangbula are the four major grassland areas in Yili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture.

Their counterparts are located at high altitude, either on mountain plateaus or slopes, or at the foot of the mountains, neighboring large woods and deep vales.

Nalat Grassland means the sun in Mongolian and is at a relatively low altitude. As one of the four largest grasslands over the world, Nalat Grassland boasts sub-alpine poad belt, and it has been a famous pasture land ever since the ancient times, and there are wide river valley, high mountains, the crisscrossed deep gores, the flourishing forest, open grassland combined with local Kazak folk customs. The lush grass, full-blown wild flowers, and vigorous elms, spruces and poplar trees will fascinate you. The wide expanse of flat land is strewn with cottages and yurts, and flocks and herds graze there.

Kongnaiz Grassland
It means 'the slope of Sun' in Mongolian. Kongnaiz Grassland, in broad sense, is a general name used for grasslands in Kongnaiz River basin, mainly located in Territory of Xinyuan County with area of over 733 thousand hectare. It is the home of Xinjiang fine-fleece sheep and Ili horse, which is also called 'Heavenly horse'. The landscape of Kongnaiz grassland is beautiful all the year round, especially the spring season when the grassland looks like a green blanket dotted with various wild flowers. Qiahe waterfall shaped by Qiahepu River, 3 kilometers southwest of the seat of Xinyuan County, is one of key scenic spots in Kongnaiz. To north of the grassland lies Kuokeqiaoke(means green mountain) Mountain on whose northern slope grow the only wild fruit tree woods in the country, including Saiwei wild apple, Maling (bramble),European plum, etc. Covering Xinyuan County and Gongliu County, a natural reserve was established around the mountain for fruit tree species resource, and a wild fruit woods improvement farm has been established.

The Zhaosu Grassland some 2,000-3,000 meters above sea level, is located on the lower slopes of the Tianshan range. With the surrounding majestic peaks, tall spruce trees, golden rape flowers, white yurts and galloping herds of horses, this grassland resembles a gorgeous painting.

Best time to go
June, July and August
The average annual temperature is 46.4F—50F.

Ticket
Nalat Grassland: RMB 60/person

Around Landscape
The Sayram Lake, Ili River Scenery, Kongnaiz Grassland, Fruit valley, etc.

Local Snacks and Specialties
Yili Apple, Yili Horse, Yili Wine, Peach, Young pilose antler of Deer, Wood Caved, etc.

Travel Tips
Pay attention to the time! Beijing time here means that the sun does not rise until 09:00 and it is still light at midnight in the summer months.
Be sure to take sun block and take warmer clothes for the nights and always carry plenty of drinking water even in the cooler months.
Be sure to respect local ethical customs and traditions.
Do keep warmer especially night.
Please take sunbonnet, sunglass, canteen, respirator, muffler and suntan oil.

Distance
Beijing (3768 km) Urumqi City (900 km) Yining City