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夏塔大峡谷，木扎尔特冰川

Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture

In its own language: ئىلى قازاق ئاپتونوم ئوبلاستى

A vast, multi-ethnic region in northern Xinjiang, China, known for its grasslands and borderlands

Photo: lwtt93, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture lies in the northwest of Xinjiang, China, bordering Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Russia. With Yining as its capital, the region is home to grasslands, mountains, and a diverse mix of ethnic groups, and serves as a key trade and travel hub between China and Central Asia.

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  • Borders Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Russia in northwest Xinjiang
  • Home to grasslands like Narati and scenic lakes such as Kanas
  • Yining is the capital and main city
  • A mix of Kazakh, Han, Uyghur, and other ethnic groups
  • Important trade and travel hub with several border crossings

What is Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture?

Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture covers a large area in the far northwest of China, with landscapes ranging from plains and hills to deserts and high mountains. The region is famous for its wide grasslands, such as the Narati and Kalajun, as well as scenic lakes like Kanas. Its capital, Yining, is a city with a mix of cultures and languages. Visitors encounter a blend of Kazakh, Han, Uyghur, and other communities, and the area is known for its border crossings and trade routes.

The history of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture

The area now called Ili has seen many peoples and empires. Early on, it was home to the Wusuns and later came under the rule of the Xiongnu, Turkic Khaganates, and various Central Asian states. The Qing dynasty established strongholds here in the 18th century, making it a base for their control of Xinjiang. Over time, the region has shifted between local rulers, Qing, Russian occupation, and the Republic of China, before becoming an autonomous prefecture under the People's Republic of China in the 1950s.

What there is to see

Ili is organized as an autonomous prefecture, with Yining as its main city. The area is divided into cities, counties, and two other prefectures. Its transport network includes highways and railways linking China with Central Asia. The region is accessible through several border ports, such as Khorgas, making it a key point for trade and travel. Grasslands, mountain parks, and lakes are among the main attractions for visitors.

Panoramic view of the Kalajun Grassland with Tian Shan in the background
Panoramic view of the Kalajun Grassland with Tian Shan in the background. Photo: Akira CA, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Inlaid with ruby gold masks, Wei, Jin, Northern and Southern Dynasties, C.E.1997 Zhaosu County, 74 regiment factory, Poma cemetery unearthed, national first-class cultural relics
Inlaid with ruby gold masks, Wei, Jin, Northern and Southern Dynasties, C.E.1997 Zhaosu County, 74 regiment factory, Pom. Photo: Cangminzho, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Map of the Ili area as of ca. 1809. It is "upside down", that is the south is on top, and the west on the right. The 9 double-squares correspond to the 9 fortified towns that existed there since the 1760s, as per en:Ili_
Map of the Ili area as of ca. 1809. It is "upside down", that is the south is on top, and the west on the right. The 9 d. Photo: Wang Tingkai and Qi Yunshi / 汪廷楷、祁韻士, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
万国来朝图 (Ili delegates in Peking in 1761)
万国来朝图 (Ili delegates in Peking in 1761). Photo: 1761 Chinese painter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

When to go

Tourists come to Ili for its natural beauty, including grasslands, lakes, and mountain scenery. The region is also a gateway for cross-border trade with Kazakhstan and other neighboring countries. Local festivals and markets reflect the area's ethnic diversity. The prefecture is an important stop for travelers heading to or from Central Asia, and its ports of entry are among the busiest in the region.

Parts and collections

Within Ili, there are several notable areas: Narati and Kalajun grasslands are famous for their open spaces and seasonal wildflowers. Kanas Lake is a well-known scenic spot. The prefecture also includes Altay and Tacheng, each with their own landscapes and cultural mix. Yining, the capital, is a center for administration and trade.

Why Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture matters

Ili is home to many ethnic groups, including Kazakhs, Han, Uyghurs, Hui, Mongols, and others, each contributing to the region's culture. The area has a history of shifting borders and influences from Central Asia and China. Today, it stands as a symbol of multi-ethnic coexistence and is recognized for its role in cross-border commerce and cultural exchange.

Questions people ask about Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture

Where is Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture located?

It is in the far northwest of Xinjiang, China, sharing borders with Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Russia. The region lies north of the Tian Shan mountains and is known for its grasslands and mountain scenery.

What is the main city in Ili Prefecture?

Yining, also called Ghulja or Kulja, serves as the capital and largest city of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture. It is a cultural and administrative center for the region.

Who lives in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture?

The region is home to a variety of ethnic groups, including Kazakhs, Han Chinese, Uyghurs, Hui, Mongols, and several others. Kazakhs are the second largest group after the Han.

What are some attractions in Ili?

Major attractions include the Narati Grassland, Kalajun Grassland, and Kanas Lake. The area is also known for its mountain views and as a hub for cross-border trade.

Why is Ili important for trade?

Ili's location at the border with Kazakhstan and its several ports of entry, such as Khorgas, make it a key point for trade between China and Central Asia. Its transport links connect to major cities and international routes.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes. Opening times, prices and bloom dates change: check with the place before you travel. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

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The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.

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