Vast beauty reaches across Xinjiang paradise

A view from Tianshan Mountains

It's hard to realize just how big China is without a visit to Xinjiang. And once you get there, you most definitely will not be able to appreciate the full beauty of the region until you visit Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture - known to be an oasis in the deserts of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. It is a treasured place with four distinct seasons, a paradise that offers backpackers different scenes to marvel at each passing of the months. While every season has its draw, it is the summer and fall that show the most green and colorful of flowers, making July, August and October the prettiest of times in Ili. The Global Times breaks down some of the most stunning places in the area to help you plan your trip to Ili.

Sayram Lake

Located in the west of Tianshan Mountains, Sayram Lake is the highest and largest alpine lake within the region. Together, with the charming scenery, however, is the sad and beautiful legend of its origin. It says that the lake was formed by the tears of two young Kazakh lovers, who killed themselves by jumping into the pool to escape from devils that were chasing them. After their death, the pool turned into a lake, Sayram Lake.

Whether it is true or not, such a beautiful lake deserves a good legend. Every year, it attracts thousands of tourists to its tranquil scene and unique folk culture. The first snows mark its most enthralling season. Sayram Lake's winter landscape gives those who look for a true escape a splendid experience. The peaceful surface looks like a blue gem decorating a smooth white blanket. In summer, it is surrounded by a vast expanse of grassland where the local Mongolian and Kazak people live and graze.

But nature's beauty is not all the spot has to offer. From late July to early August, the local Mongolian and Kazak people hold the well-known naadam festival, which includes dances, flea markets and various contests from wrestling to horse racing. It can be the best time to visit if you hope to experience the pure grassland flavor.

Previously an important stop on the Silk Road, there are also plenty of historical and cultural sites for travelers to see, like ancient tombs, cliff paintings and temple ruins.

How to go: You can get there by public coach bus by commuting between Urumqi and Yining via the national road 312. Other options include tourist buses from cities like Bole and Yining.

Where to stay: Backpackers can choose hotel rooms that have been changed from yurts, tin-roofed houses and the like. The price is about 200 yuan ($32). But it is very cold at night, so you'll be grateful then to have a warm coat with you.

What to eat: Kazak flavor dishes including mutton and milk tea.

Xiata

Located in northern part of Tianshan Mountains, the Xiata Resort District gets its name from the Xiata River, which runs among mountains, creating a large area of grassland before maneuvering north to Tekes River. When the sun sets to the west and the sky turns dark, you will find the grassland around you turn into a sea of flames and even the faraway snow peak will appear red under the shimmering glow of the sun setting.

Walk up along Xiata River, where you'll find Xiata Valley. Due to its remote spot, the valley, which still keeps its wild face, is home to wild animals with squirrels to rabbits and even leopards within its grounds.

Thirty kilometers from the valley's entrance is Xiata Hotspring. The temperature of the spring is from 42 to 64 C and each pool for the spring with different temperatures targets varying illnesses and diseases.