Ili city is the capital pf Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture which is lying at the north foot of the Tianshan Mountain, in the west of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, bounded on the northeast by Russia and Mongolia, on the west by Kazakhstan.
Facts of Ili
Full Name: Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture
Chinese Name: 伊犁哈萨克自治州 (yī lí hā sà kè zì zhì zhōu)
Population: 4,193,100
Area: 350,000 square kilometers (135,136 square miles)
Nationalities: Han, Kazak, Uygur, Hui

Administrative Division: 1 autonomous county (Qapqal Xibe); 7 counties (Gulja, Korgas, Tokkuztara, Kvnes, Monglkvre, Tekes, Nilka,); 2 county-level cities (Gulja, Kuytun) ; 2 regions (Qoqek, Altay)

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History of Ili
The Ili River gave birth to the primitive civilization of this area. In 552, the Tujue (a nomadic tribe living in the Altai Mountains) established the Turk Khan Kingdom on the river bank. The orbit of the central government entered the region in Tang Dynasty (618-907). It was given the name of Ili in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and run as the political and military center of Xinjiang.

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What to see in Ili?
Ili is located in the heart of Central Asia. The Tianshan Mountains, the Altai Mountains, the Poluokenu Mountains, the Junggar Basin and the Monglkvre-Tekes Basin make up the main landforms of Ili, along with the Ili River, the Erqis River and their valleys. Here lists Top Attractions in Ili Prefecture.

Xinjiang Sayram Lake	Xinjiang Nalati Grassland	Guozigou Valley

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When to visit Ili?
The prefecture of Ili enjoys a cool, temperate, semi-arid, continental climate. Owing to the vast expanse of land, there are also microclimate features in different regions. Generally, summers here are short and the winters, long. The temperature varies greatly between day and night. The temperature in spring rises rapidly but unstably, while the autumn temperatures drop rapidly. Summer and autumn are the best time. The pastures are verdant. Melons and fruits are ripe. Notable is the sunset in Ili River. It is the favorite of many photographers. 

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How to reach Ili?
Transportation in Ili is very convenient. There are highways connecting Yining, the political and economic center of Ili, with Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, and with the surrounding prefecture-level cities, which include Shihezi, Bortala and counties under the administration of Ili. In addition, Yining Airport operates daily flights to Urumqi.Yining Airport is only 5 kilometers from downtown Gulja City, operating flights to Urumqi and Kashgar.

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Ili Travel Tips
Local Highlights:There are 41 ethnic groups living in Ili. Minority populations account for approximately 54.8% to the prefecture's total.  Kazak is the largest ethnic minority living in this prefecture, and the Kazaks are hospitable. Visitors should be sure to see their traditional food and costumes. The Kazaks are the largest minority ethnic group. They originated from ancient nomadic tribes and rely mainly on animal husbandry. Kazak culture is famous for its grassland characteristics. The traditional Akens Antiphonal Singing Assembly,a Grand Folk Art Gathering, and the Girl Chasing Festival are unique cultural practices in the Kazak culture.
Shopping in Ili: Special Local Products are lavender, black currant. 

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