Through the Mountains to the Garden of Xinjiang
Plan My Trip →The Yizhao Highway is one of Xinjiang's most beautiful drives — a mountain road that descends from the high passes of the Tianshan into the lush oasis of the Ili valley and the city of Yining.
The Yizhao Highway links the northern and southern slopes of the Tianshan, connecting the Ili region's oasis with the rest of Xinjiang. It's a spectacular mountain road.
The journey ends in the Ili valley — Xinjiang's 'garden', famous for its orchards, lavender fields, and the fertile farmland that makes it the region's most productive oasis.
The drive crosses high Tianshan passes with sweeping views — rocky peaks, alpine meadows, and the dramatic transition from mountain to valley.
Yining (Ghulja), the capital of the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, is the journey's reward — a green, friendly city of orchards, markets, and the region's diverse cultures.
The highway is open from spring to autumn. The passes close in winter. Summer is the classic season, when the valley is green and the lavender is in bloom.
Travel with a driver or join a tour — the mountain roads require experience. Allow a full day for the drive with photo stops.