Yining (Chinese: 伊宁 Yíníng; Uyghur: غۇلجا Ghulja; Kazakh: قۇلجا Qulja) is a city in the Xinjiang Province in China. Though the official Chinese name is Yining, the city is almost never referred to by that name even by the Chinese who live there. Local people call it Ghulja, Kulja or Yili.
Yining, this small border city located in the Yili River Valley of Xinjiang, is no longer just a stopover on the journey but has become a relaxing and multi-ethnic treasure destination. Here there is no desolation of the desert, yet there are blues-themed fairy-tale streets and vibrant urban life.
Understand
[edit]Yining sits on the northern side of the Ili River in the Dzungarian basin, about 70 km (43 mi) east of the border with Kazakhstan and about 710 km (440 mi) west of Ürümqi. The Ili River valley is far wetter than most of Xinjiang and has rich grazing land.
Yining is the chief city and the agricultural and commercial center of the Ili valley. It is an old commercial center trading in tea and cattle and it is still an agricultural area with extensive livestock raising. It has fruit orchards. Iron, coal and uranium are mined nearby.
Climate
[edit]Yining has a semi-arid climate. Dry and sunny weather dominates year-round. Winters are cold, with a January average of −8.8 °C (16.2 °F), but the city is warmer than more easterly locales on a similar latitude. Summers are hot, with a July average of 23.1 °C (73.6 °F). Sunshine is abundant and the city receives 2,834 hours of bright sunshine annually.
The winter in Yining (November to March of the following year) is milder than in Altay, but it still feels damp and cold. The daily average temperature typically ranges from -5°C to -15°C, with mountainous areas experiencing lower temperatures. However, Yining received ample sunlight, and during the day when the sun was shining brightly, the outdoor temperature felt higher than predicted, with some locals even finding it so hot that they turned on the air conditioning.
Located in the Ili River Valley in northwestern Xinjiang, Yining's unique geographical location and topography have resulted in a temperate continental humid climate, distinct from most of Xinjiang, earning it the nickname "Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall." Its core climatic characteristics can be summarized as: distinct seasons, mild winters and cool summers, relatively abundant rainfall, and large diurnal temperature variations.
Yining, formerly known as "Ningyuan," was an important post on the northern route of the Silk Road. As the central city of the Ili River Valley, it boasts a mild climate and abundant resources. The city's most distinctive feature is its vibrant multi-ethnic culture, especially in the Kazanchi Folk Tourism Area, where the blue Uyghur houses, bustling bazaars, and friendly residents create a vivid picture of life. The main ethnic groups include Kazakhs, Uyghurs, Han Chinese, Hui, and Xibe.
Best time to visit: May to October is the peak season, with pleasant weather and fragrant fruits. Lavender blooms in June and July (near Huocheng County), and the grasslands are most beautiful in July and August. Winters are cold, but the snowscapes are uniquely charming.
Get in
[edit]
By plane
[edit]1 Yining Airport (YIN IATA) (a 15-minute taxi ride north of town). Flights from Beijing Capital, Chengdu, Nanjing, Urumqi, Aletai, and other Chinese cities. 
- Save time: Flying from Urumqi to Yining takes only about 1 hour, while driving takes 8-10 hours. For tourists who want to delve deeper into Ili, this can save valuable travel days.
- Routes are diverse: In addition to direct flights from Urumqi, Beijing, Guangzhou, Zhengzhou, Nanning, and other cities have also launched direct flights to Yining, making it convenient for tourists from different departure points.
- Convenient Airport: Yining Airport is just 3-4 kilometers from the city center and can be reached directly by taxi or bus for 1 yuan, making it very convenient.
- Time Saving:The flight from Urumqi to Yining takes only about 1 hour, while driving takes 8-10 hours. This saves valuable travel days for tourists who want to explore Yili more thoroughly.
- Numerous Flight Routes: In addition to direct flights from Urumqi, direct flights to Yining are also available from cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Zhengzhou, and Nanning, making it convenient for tourists from different departure points.
- Airport Convenience:Yining Airport is only 3-4 kilometers from the city center, easily accessible by taxi or a 1-yuan bus ride.
By bus
[edit]The Long Distance Bus Station is at the northwest end of Jiefang Road near the intersection with Ahemaitijiang Road.
- Almaty, Kazakhstan - takes about 12-15 hours, from Sairan bus station
- Altai City via Burqin - takes about 48 hours
- Khorgas - Small bus ¥25, Large bus ¥?. Use this to cross the border to Kazakhstan by foot. Takes about one hour after which you can walk to the border by foot in ten minutes. Once through the Chinese passport control and customs you must use a bus to travel over the border for ¥20. Bribes appear to have been formalised so that you need to pay a further ¥20 after the bus departs. On the Kazakh side there is another little bus that apparently costs 500 Tenge to take you to the taxi-stand. Do not forget to ask for your (apparently) free registration at the Kazakh border, you need two stamps on your immigration card for this. Otherwise it costs 767 Tenge, at least in Almaty, to register. It is not really necessary but can save you a lot of hassle with corrupt officials.
- Kashgar - takes about 48 hours
- Korla - takes about 18-30 hours
- Urumqi - takes about 15 hours, pretty rough road
- Classic Northern Frontier Loop Line: This is the most classic gameplay, connecting Ili, Altay, and Selim Lake via plane + self-driving/car rental. For example, flying from Yining to Altay, then driving around Hemu and Kanas, and finally flying back to Yining from Alta to form a loop.
- Deep Dive into Yili: If you only want to delve deeply into Yili, you can fly to Yining and focus on exploring the essence of the Yili River Valley. For example, starting from Yining, drive to Narathi, Karajun, and Selim Lake to experience the grandeur of grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and lakes.
- Ili + Southern Xinjiang Cross-Regional Tour: For tourists with ample time who want to see different landscapes, you can experience a combination of "airplane + car." From Yining to Aksu, switch seamlessly to places like the Wenshu Grand Canyon and Kashgar Ancient City in southern Xinjiang with a 50-minute flight instead of an 800-kilometer drive, experiencing the visual impact from snow-capped grasslands to the Danxia Desert.
By train
[edit]As of 2013, there are 3 overnight trains between Urumqi and Yining. One of the trains continues beyond Yining to Khorgas, on the Kazakhstan border. (Yining train schedule, in Chinese).
Yining Railway Station (伊宁站) - Located on the northern side of the city, approximately 5 km from the city center.
- Service: Connected to the regional rail network, with direct high-speed (D) and conventional trains to/from Urumqi. The high-speed rail journey from Urumqi takes approximately 5-6 hours.
- Transfer to city: Taxis and local buses (e.g., Bus 1, 4, 10) are readily available outside the station for the short trip downtown.
- Tip: Booking train tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons (summer and holidays). The train offers a scenic and comfortable alternative to flying or long-distance buses.
Get around
[edit]The police and the military are pretty touchy in Yining. No taking photographs of mosques and obviously don't take pictures of the military. The hassle is mainly due to them being confused how to deal with foreigners - best option seems to be to ask them to take you to your hotel, who can clear things up in about a minute.
Taking a taxi with Didi or just by flagging one down is the easiest method of traveling around.
Important notes：
· Photography: Be discreet and respectful when taking photos. Do not photograph military installations, personnel, or sensitive government buildings. While not always prohibited, it is respectful to ask for permission before photographing religious sites (like mosques) or individuals up close.
· Security checks: It is common to encounter identity checks, especially near transportation hubs or at night. Always carry your passport (or a clear copy/photo on your phone) and cooperate politely with authorities.
See
[edit]- 1 Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture Museum, 188 Airport Rd, Gulja, ☏ +86 999 822 7531. It is one of Xinjiang's most important museums. The museum houses archaeological and ethnological artefacts from throughout the prefecture.
- The small amusement park at the Yining River is worth a look.
- 2 Tughluq Timur Mausoleum in Almaliq (take road G3016 NW from Yining, at the junction with G30 Khorgas/Jinghe Road, turn left/west, then turn right at the 3rd road). The over 600-year-old tomb notably features Islamic architecture. It is on the list of monuments of the People's Republic of China. In medieval times, Almaliq was an important Mongol city, capital of the Chagatai Khanate. Its greatest importance in the region was in the 13th and 14th centuries, after Genghis Khan became ruler in 1211. There were strong Islamic and Christian influences in the 14th century, and many Catholic missionaries visited the city. Almaliq was named after the local name for crab apple trees.
- Kazanchi Folk Culture Village: A vibrant old town neighborhood known for its distinctive blue-painted gates, windows, and walls. It's a living community where Uyghur families reside in courtyard homes, offering an authentic glimpse into local daily life rather than a commercialized theme park. The morning (8-10 AM) and evening (after 7 PM) light is ideal for photography.2 喀赞其民俗旅游区.
- Liuxing Street Scenic Area: A unique, hexagonally-planned historic district built in the 1930s, now a pedestrian-friendly area inhabited by a multi-ethnic community. Colorful buildings, murals, and decorative windows create a picturesque streetscape perfect for strolling. It has a more developed commercial and artistic vibe while retaining its cultural character.3 六星街景区.
Do
[edit]- 1 Sayram Lake National Park. An excellent spot to explore the Tianshan mountains
- 2 天山草药识别徒步 (Tianshan Medicinal Herb Identification Hike), Guozigou, Huocheng County. Summer and Autumn. A guided eco-tour into the Tianshan foothills, focusing on identifying native medicinal herbs used in traditional Kazakh and Uyghur medicine. Learn about their properties and uses while enjoying the stunning mountain scenery. Requires guide fee.
- Yili River Bridge: Golden Romance at Sunset
The area around the Yili River Bridge (especially the older bridge) is the most popular spot to watch the sunset. The evening light over the river and distant Tianshan Mountains creates a picturesque scene, often frequented by locals and couples taking photos.4 伊犁河大桥.
- Hanren Street Grand Bazaar: A Lively Symphony of Local Life
A large, lively local market (bazaar) offering a vibrant sensory experience. Here you can find a wide array of goods, from Kazakh embroidery and handmade carpets to dried fruits and spices. Polite bargaining is common and expected.5 汉人接.
- Silk Road Light Night Market: A Vibrant Nightlife Scene
A bustling night market ideal for experiencing local nightlife and street food. Must-try items include red willow lamb skewers and local noodle dishes. It's a great place to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy an evening meal.6 丝绸之路夜光市.
Buy
[edit]While strolling along Liuxing Street, if you don't want to leave empty-handed, these hidden gem souvenir shops tucked away in the alleyways are worth checking out—they don't sell the same old tourist souvenirs, but rather handcrafted items imbued with local warmth and charm.
Grassland Shop: A Warm Wool Story:
- Specializes in handmade wool felt products. Popular items include whimsical "sheep's bottom" fridge magnets, pendants, and small animal figurines, all featuring natural colors and simple designs.
Yunwo Cultural & Creative: Local Memories Full of Design
- A quiet gallery-like space selling design-oriented文创 products. Items often incorporate local and ethnic motifs into everyday objects like canvas bags, ceramic pendants, and creative stickers, many designed by the owner.
Jinaji - Exquisite and Unique Handmade Jewelry
- A boutique offering handmade, limited-edition jewelry. Pieces are made from materials like 925 silver, natural stones, and vintage copper, blending ethnic design elements with a modern aesthetic.
Eat
[edit]Must-Try Street Foods:
- Street Baked Buns: A small stall opposite the "One-Pack" bread stall in the beautiful hometown area. Freshly baked buns with a crispy exterior and generous filling, they're a direct way to experience local flavors.
- Gulandam Ice Cream:A popular ice cream shop on Liuxing Street, known for its self-service topping bar with nuts and dried fruits. The original flavor and pistachio-vanilla combinations are local favorites.
Desserts and Handmade Pastries:
- Xingkexiang Pastry Shop: A local bakery offering affordable pastries. Popular items include cheese bread, apricot bread, and yogurt bread.
A Suitable Meal to Sit Down For:
- Haierbag Restaurant: A restaurant serving Uyghur cuisine. Dishes to try include tandoor-roasted meats and hand-pulled noodles with minced meat sauce.
Drink
[edit]The Ili Valley is one of China's premier wine regions, and prides itself on the diversity of grapes that are grown.
Local Wine：
- The Ili River Valley (伊犁河谷) is a notable wine-producing region in China. Benefiting from abundant sunshine, significant day-night temperature variation, and irrigation from Tianshan snowmelt, the area produces wines often described as fruity and approachable.
- Ili River Valley Wines: Several local wineries produce wines worth trying, including dry and sweet styles made from Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other varietals. Look for bottles from wineries such as Silk Road Legend (丝路传奇) and Bow Moon (弓月).
Sleep
[edit]Budget
[edit]- Yili Hotel, 8 Yingbin Road, ☏ +86 999 802 4964. A centrally located hotel set within pleasant park-like grounds, offering basic accommodation. Double rooms: ¥140-180 (Prices may be updated)
Mid-range
[edit]- Jinshuiyuan Hotel (Opposite the bus station), ☏ +86 999 8165555, fax: +86 999 8191777. Double ¥228 (July 2008).
- Yili Hotel, 8 Yingbin Rd, ☏ +86 999 8024964, fax: +86 999 8024964. Not a bad option, central and in a nice park. Double ¥140-180.
Guesthouses & Inns：
- Yining Jianglaiyi Folk Inn (伊宁将来逸民宿), Lane 17, Liqun Road, Sayibuyi Street (萨依布依街道黎群路17巷). A folk-style inn located about 5.4 km (17-min drive) from Yining Railway Station. Suitable for families and longer stays, offering perks like laundry facilities. Rooms range from standard to smart-enabled types.
Go next
[edit]- Qapqal - sleepy little village of the tiny Xibe minority (PSB permit required)
- Zhaosu: Approximately 100 kilometers south, famous for its rapeseed flower fields in July and its legendary horses.
- Guozigou-Sayram Lake: Approximately 120 kilometers north, featuring magnificent canyons and Sayram Lake, known as "the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean."
- Horgos Port: Approximately 90 kilometers west, offering a glimpse into the border region and a visit to the cooperation center.
- Tekes Bagua City: Approximately 120 kilometers south, a unique county town built according to the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) layout without traffic lights.